Editorial for JMC425

The declining economy weighs heavily on the shoulders of every American. We voted for a president that promised change and we should expect nothing short of outside-the-box creative solutions to problems that seem to be bursting that box to shreds. The unemployment rate was at its lowest point in the year of 2008 than at any other time since World War II. Millions of jobs have been lost and savings diminished, while the economy shifted lower and the nation’s deficit grew higher. President Barack Obama’s solution is the $825 billion stimulus package, called the President’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan. President Obama says this package will boost America out of the current recession. The stimulus package is not about satisfying one single party over another; it is about pacifying our nation’s economy by creating jobs, offering tax cuts and supporting alternative energy sources among many other things.

The stimulus package promises the creation of millions of jobs and long-term growth for the economy. The common misconception is that tax cuts are the only answer for immediate relief. Some Republicans suggest that tax cuts should account for more than the allotted $275 billion. While tax cuts are guaranteed and do immediately relieve the economy, tax cuts are a short term solution. Tax cuts do not offer jobs to the millions of unemployed. Tax cuts do not benefit the future growth of our nation. Tax cuts are necessary, but only in combination with the creation of jobs, infrastructure development, investments in healthcare computerization, improvement in school technology and training, and modernization of federal buildings and homes.
Although we cannot completely depend on the government to fix the entirety of our country’s problems, we must rely and trust in the government to provide a short-term boost that will lift us from this severe recession and give Americans the confidence to make the changes that will provide long-term benefits.

The President’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan is a blank slate, a fresh start. Our country is at a low point but we do not have to stay between the rock of rising unemployment and the hard spot of our economy. This is a considerable amount of money and it will add to the budget deficit in the short-term. But, if nothing is done jobs will continue to deplete and incomes will dissipate along with the pride of our country. The American people have called for change and President Obama has provided our nation with an opportunity. With this stimulus package, President Obama has provided us with the opportunity to stand up and re-claim our spot as one of the most enviable countries.