A Better Economic Stimulus Plan

Jackson over at Rule .303 puts up some thoughts on economic stimulus.

Step 1. Build things, roads, schools, bridges. American things.

Step 2. Start with things already designed, but unfunded. "Have the first phase of the thing be solely the construction of projects that have already been planned and prepared by state governments."

Step 3. Watch the effects flow from construction to steel and American industry.

Step 4. Keep the money in America, not spent on things made elsewhere.

Throwing money at people and asking them to piss it away on consumer junk that came from overseas only reinforces what is going horribly wrong in the American economy. We have got to make things. A society that builds, has. Economic stimulus needs to not only be rapid but it needs to focus on encouraging the employment of Americans to build things. - Rule .303

The whole thing is worth a read by everyone. This is the right idea, and the best idea heard in a long time. It's too bad Congress and The Executive aren't listening.

(With a tip-o-the-hat to Waldo.)

[Update] I spoke too soon, and with a relevant link in the Shared Items, as well. Sen. Webb had essntially the same idea, and said so.

Webb: Invest in Infrastructure to Stimulate the Economy

Urges Senate Finance Committee to Invest in People and Job Creation by Investing in Vital Construction Projects

Washington, DC-Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) said today that the best way to spur job creation and economic growth is to prioritize investment in infrastructure projects. In a letter to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus and Ranking Member Charles Grassley, Webb urged that a large portion of the stimulus package be devoted to infrastructure development, "putting people to work and at the same time benefiting the nation's capital needs.

Thanks, RaisingKaine.