STIMULUS PACKAGE AND WORLD ECONOMY

Addressing all the gloom and doomers who are negative about Obama's attempt to solve a problem created by the Republican administration of the past 8 years, I wish to note that apparently the current Republicans, who got us into this, seem to think they are the only bright ones who will get us out of it by demanding more of the same that got us there in the first place.

To the Germans, I applaud that they have independently come up with a similar plan of their own.

"The plan was approved by the upper house of parliament, which represents Germany's 16 state governments. It includes infrastructure investments, tax relief, reductions in health care contributions and money for families with children." a BBC article writes.

In October 2008, the IMF gave an explanation about the cause. Since world currency is based on the American dollar, it goes on to say: "The IMF said the global financial crisis, which started with the collapse in US sub-prime mortgages in August 2007, had worsened in the past six months - and had entered a "tumultuous new phase" in September."

Reported on by Sylvia Poggioli, the February meeting of the G7 (US, Germany, France, England, Italy, Canada and Japan) stressed the need for unity rather than protectionism. "These are global challenges and it is imperative that we work together to address them," Geithner told reporters afterward. "Effective global response will require sustained action by governments working with the international financial institutions."

BBC reported: "Finance ministers at a G7 meeting in Italy said raising barriers to free trade would make the downturn worse.

Hours earlier, the US Congress approved an $787bn economic recovery plan that includes a 'Buy American' clause."

It should sadden me that the Republicans continue their lock-step politics with seemingly little regard for the economic status of the majority of Americans. Since so many Americans are losing jobs and expected to take pay cuts, perhaps the Legislators should have their last pay raise (voted in by themselves) eliminated. That ought to bring a bit more direct money into the economy. Since many people are without medical benefits and care, the Legislators ought to carry their own burden of payment for medical insurance as many Americans do (at least those that aren't too poor to pay for any at all!).

If my logic were as simplistic as that of the majority of Republicans, I might say that opposing the Stimulus package and offering no better solution was a dumb thing, ergo since they were only Republicans who voted against it, only Republicans are dumb. However, that is not an intelligent way to think since it is obstructionist while offering no better options, therefore, I must not allow myself to think that way since I am intelligent.