OK it was Thursday that HR 4213 died. Harry Reid pronounced its death. A little part of me still thinks the Senate could surprise us, maybe next week, maybe the week after that - when states feel they are sunk, when people have given up on unemployment extensions and soup kitchens start asking for more donations.Did you know that disability claims go up when people lose unemployment? I can't say I understand the connection, but I've read this several places. Maybe when people feel they can get back to working they worry less about their own health and problems. Yes this happens, as soon as my mom took early retirement from DOD her health spiraled down and she died 7 years later. Hence I must keep working, even if it keeps the young ones out of the job market..
Lets look at levels of government and how they stand on deficits vs. continued stimulus:
Our Governor Kulongoski gave a talk yesterday, advocating fiscal austerity. He is finally engaged and plans to take his ideas to the state, traveling and campaigning for them. Maybe he will frame the debate for the 2 candidates to replace him - and start a dialog.
Reid and the U.S. Congress - the Republicans won their share of floor space, and the debate. The Dems, failing to garner even a single R vote, went down. So - deficit concern trumped continued stimulus.
Across the pond -the UK in their new "coalition" government is advocating new fiscal austerity. They are deathly afraid of being the next Greece. And are raising the Value Added Tax from 17% to 20%, as well as making cuts to various social welfare programs
Fourth and last example - the G8. I hear cries of fiscal austerity (today' s NY Times). I think Obama may be the lone voice advocating continued stimulus.
So lets take a tally:
Oregon - fiscal alarm
R's in Congress - fiscal alarm
UK - fiscal alarm
G8 - fiscal alarm
D's in Congress - stimulus
That makes 4:1, and is making me wonder..
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