Good Spending

Hooray for Republicans who understand the value of good spending!

Not all ideas are reasonable in practicality, but there certainly are a lot of folks tossing out those ideas, all meant to be helpful, I’m sure.  Recently economist Paul Krugman began to consider how it might help our economy if we all had to pull together in a face-off against space aliens.  I suppose this is a call for bi-partisan cooperation.  He seems to have caught on to the repeatedly referenced fantasy of the late President Reagan who saw an attempted take-over by space aliens as a good chance for all humans of the world to work together.  Former Pennsylvania Governor Rendell, while admitting he likes the idea of space aliens, thinks we can pull through this economic crisis by just being logical and applying a good old American work ethic.  

Being an Independent, I try to be alert to ways in which members of either of the major political parties can impress me with solid ideas.  The state of our nation’s economy looks quite grim at present, and if anyone can put forward good proposals to help our country through this bad time, I’m listening and appreciative.  Some far-sighted (or merely practical) Republicans are getting my attention right now, and calling for action that impresses me and will still be remembered next time I’m in the voting booth.

Interestingly, I learned of these terrific ideas offered by congressional Republicans while reading an article by contributing writer Steve Benen in Washington Monthly.  His comments may have been intended to disparage Michele Bachmann and others who have sought to bring jobs to their districts through government projects, but I say, credit where credit is due.  These ideas are superb!  This would be money well spent.  

What I took from the report is that Congress is working hard to solve our long-term budget and deficit problems, but some members are nonetheless logical about the short-term needs.  And they are capable of seeing and pointing out the value to our economy right now in the approval of infrastructure projects.  If Ms. Bachmann, Mr. Boehner and many other members of Congress from the Republican Party (apparently hundreds of funding requests have been made) have seen a road to improvement through spending money for these projects, our President should be listening.  It has made a major impression on me that these folks had to swallow their pride in asking for federal funding to get some of these needed projects done.  They stand for good principles that will help pull our country out of the mess we’re in by putting people to work on important improvements.  And the improvements will be lasting ones that will benefit all Americans!  These exemplary representatives are worthy of our respect and their requests for federal funding deserve quick administrative action!