Comments on: The Pharaohs did it. Jefferson did it. Both Roosevelts and even Ike did it.

By: Concerned American

Concerned American — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:44:05 +0000

Anything to crank up the job engine will help. The engine has died and the American worker and America with it. I like this and any other ideas that will create jobs.

At least there was a vote for hope over hate.

By: Greg0658

Greg0658 — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:26:44 +0000

One of my first questions I asked of the gurus in TBP a year and half ago started with this story.
When I was growing up I remember a statement by a teacher that the dollar goes round and round 14 times. As a newbie in here the answer I got either went over my head or was explained, thats how many times the dollar circulates the banks before being shreaded at the Reserve Bank.

My cross street to the west just got an overhaul. I asked the civil engineer if there is any study or financial design software that he is aware of that points out when money is spent upgrading this street – things happen that create the round and round flow of money. It would seem a mathmatical equation should exist showing this benefit to a countries money flow. Engineer designs (makes money, spends money & pays taxes); mayor approves (makes money, spends money & pays taxes); wrecking crew (makes money, spends money & pays taxes); cement manufacture (makes money, spends money & pays taxes); street finishers (makes money, spends money & pays taxes); people drive on new street to get to a place (spends money & pays taxes).

By: sparrowsfall

sparrowsfall — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:00:45 +0000

Thanks, Barry. Helicopter money just gets the hamster running faster on the freewheel. Instead, let’s attach a generator and a battery. I creates useful energy, stores some for future use, and gets the hamster in shape. Yeah, there’s some “deadweight loss” in heat from the generator, but it warms the house, so when the hamster takes a break, it can enjoy both light and heat.

By: gregh

gregh — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:29:56 +0000

iTulip guy was on npr last nite making similar points. Infrastructure needs to be improved to ensure better energy efficiency.

I agree, not just transportation but we need to be more efficient in everything – consumption and waste included. Bad things would be propping up the gas-guzzling auto industry, good things would be propping up public tranportation.

By: Mark E Hoffer

Mark E Hoffer — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:43:07 +0000

The ACSE has been on this topics for more than a decade, nice to see them get wheeled out when it’s deemed ‘Politically Expedient’.

this art., shorter: “forget your new GPS Navi, All Roads Lead to Rome (v.6.009-)”

worse, he’s overlooking the more pressing needs for Water Infrastructure, as in Drinking/Fresh Water..