Fast Train Coming

[ulmont]

I 100% support any program that gets me a cheaper trip to New Orleans than flying.

[Sheilbh]

Obama's rhetoric aside; this isn't a bad idea, but it's far removed from the stated objectives of the stimulus bill.  Construction; or even engineering jobs created by this process would be a long way off.

Stimulus doesn't have to be and shouldn't be just to do with immediacy.  The reason stimulus isn't generally a good idea is that most recessions are deep or long enough to justify them.  This one, I think, probably is.  Therefore I think it's probably a good idea that you have an immediate stimulus (short-term tax cuts and aid to the states), a more medium term stimulus (like this) and then hopefully those two will have sort of shunted the economy a bit closer to sustainable growth.  Basically you're trying to get a V shape rather than a W shape when the stimulus money runs out.  It's better to spend it in decent sized chunks over a couple of years than spend it now, though that would have a more immediate 'stimulating' effect.

From what I understand anyway.

[garbon]

The reason this isn't good is that, like Habbs said, we don't need money being thrown out to start new underfunded projects.

[Admiral Yi]

The reason this isn't good is that, like Habbs said, we don't need money being thrown out to start new underfunded projects.

If this is just seed money and the states will be on the hook to complete them that's one thing.  At least the states can turn it down (like some already have).  What would suck is if it leaves the federal government on the hook to finish them.

[grumbler]

Other way around. The trains are to get people out of there.

[Caliga]

Here is an idea for stimulus dollars!

Here is an idea for stimulus!

CUT MY FUCKING TAXES.

[Neil]

Here is an idea for stimulus dollars!

Here is an idea for stimulus!

CUT MY FUCKING TAXES.

How would that help?

[Caliga]

I will buy more things.  Companies will therefore have more money.  Companies can therefore hire more workers, who will have jobs and hence more money, and can therefore buy more things. 

[Sheilbh]

I will buy more things.  Companies will therefore have more money.  Companies can therefore hire more workers, who will have jobs and hence more money, and can therefore buy more things. 

You may buy more things.  Most people won't.  They'll save their money because they're concerned about the massive personal debt they have and the fact that people generally don't like spending when they think there's an economic crisis.  People especially won't be spending if the US starts experience deflation.

Plus, as I mentioned elsewhere, I believe 52% of the stimulus is made up of tax cuts.

[Neil]

I will buy more things.  Companies will therefore have more money.  Companies can therefore hire more workers, who will have jobs and hence more money, and can therefore buy more things. 

Turns out that doesn't work in real life, since companies don't hire more workers.  At least not in the First World.

[Grey Fox]

Here is an idea for stimulus dollars!

Here is an idea for stimulus!

CUT MY FUCKING TAXES.

You need a 20% tax increase.

[Tonitrus]

Like Neil indicated, if it's not maglev, it's a waste of time.

[garbon]

You may buy more things.  Most people won't.  They'll save their money because they're concerned about the massive personal debt they have and the fact that people generally don't like spending when they think there's an economic crisis.  People especially won't be spending if the US starts experience deflation.

Plus, as I mentioned elsewhere, I believe 52% of the stimulus is made up of tax cuts.

I'm pissed off about the tax I had to pay because I made interest on my savings.

[garbon]

Now can we get an initiative to move some of that truck freight back to the railways too? 

How would that ever make sense unless there was a massive penalty to using trucks?

[MadImmortalMan]

There's already more freight moving by rail than than by truck isn't there? Or at least it's a pretty significant percentage.