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Opening Arguments

Obamanomics

From Rand Simberg, who says the problem isn't that Obama doesn't spend enough time on the economy, it's that his philosophy isn't capable of stimulating growth, this sounds about right:

But something he could have done — that would have cost nothing at all — would have been to not scare the bejesus out of business in the first place during his campaign.

Obama talked of increasing capital gains taxes for reasons of “fairness,” even if it actually hurt government revenue. He talked of “spreading the wealth around.” He gave soaring speeches exalting the glory of the state and public service, while the contributions of business and capitalism were ignored. He treated “profit” like a four-letter word and promised to “raise taxes on the rich.” He made economically insane and historically ignorant arguments blaming the meltdown of the financial system on “capitalists” and “deregulation.”

Obama persuaded many small business people to pull in their horns and make plans to keep a low profile (including laying people off) in order to avoid the wealth confiscation of the populist, socialist, economic storm they saw coming with his election.

I wouldn't go so far as some on the right and suggest that Obama isn't even interested in the economy and, in fact, might be purposefully trying to wreck it so he can grow government even faster. But he clearly doesn't have a clue

Comments

Bob G.
Wed, 11/11/2009 - 12:01pm

Leo:
He's a community organizer (and a lawyer)...what else could we expect from a political & financial neophyte?

tim zank
Wed, 11/11/2009 - 6:31pm

It's a tough one to pin down, whether Obama's actually torpedoing the economy on purpose, or does he really believe 2+2=1.

Hmmmmmm.........Socialist genius or a mathematically challenged empty suit with the gift of gab? Either way, he's killing the American way of life pretty with break-neck speed.

littlejohn
Thu, 11/12/2009 - 2:06pm

I understand disliking politicians, or at least disagreeing with their policies. But I'm beginning to think that some of you on the right really, honestly believe that Obama is some sort of secret squirrel whose aim was to get elected president so he could destroy our way of life - or even our country. Do I have that right?
What would his motive be? Is he secretly competing with W for the legacy of Worst President in History? He may be making mistakes, we all do. But deliberately wrecking the economy? That's just crazy.
And the suggestion that he's stupid is just too silly to consider. By any normal measure of intelligence, he's way above most of us (except of course Tim, whose colossal intellect inspires awe, at least in me). He edited the Harvard Law Review. If you don't know the significance of that, or if you think stupid people get that distinction, google it and learn.
I don't know how he is with math, but since I have trouble balancing my checkbook I'm reluctant to throw stones. But please think of something less loony than "challenged" to call him. I suspect that what you really want to call him is a word our host wouldn't allow on this blog.
Cue the racism denial in 5, 4, 3....

tim zank
Thu, 11/12/2009 - 5:50pm

Littlejohn, I was merely pointing out the two schools of thought popular right now as to why "The Precedent" does what he does.

We use the word "stupid" pretty easily, I know, but answer me this. If you bring in say, $50,000 a year and spend say, $100,000 a year, would that be considered "stupid" by you?

Oh, and thanks for tossing out the race card, it's been a couple of days since a liberal has done that to me for no legitimate reason.

Bob G.
Thu, 11/12/2009 - 7:14pm

Tim:
I know you're breathing MUCH easier NOW...
ROFLMAO!

tim zank
Thu, 11/12/2009 - 7:28pm

Bobby, there's some days I feel like I'm chasin' a bear with a switch!

Bob G.
Fri, 11/13/2009 - 10:38am

...And many other days, we can see the TAIL wagging the DOG...lol!
I hear 'ya!

littlejohn
Fri, 11/13/2009 - 11:30pm

Tim, I couldn't get past the "suppose you bring in $50,000 a year." I'm still daydreaming. Regular meals. Clean clothes. Thanks for the fantasy!
Blame whoever you want. This economy sucks.

tim zank
Fri, 11/13/2009 - 11:58pm

Agreed Littlejohn, this economy sucks. So, do you spend more than you make? Or would that be "stupid"?

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