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Baraka_Guru · 04-15-2011, 08:22 AM

I think the GOP should indeed shift strategies and realize that it's by reinforcing the strengths of a mixed economy that ensures stability. You can talk all you want about taxation and economic growth, but the fact of the matter remains that stability arises with balanced policies that ensure stability among all income levels.

There is no silver bullet to fix the economy. Lowering taxes won't in itself fix it. An economy with a fair and competitive tax system whose government enacts policies to take the economic strain off of the greatest number of people is one that should ensure prosperity. These policies include welfare, health care, pensions, balanced regulation of industries, legislation to prevent exploitation, etc.

On top of that, of course, you need a government who always has reducing the deficit as an ideal—when it makes sense. Near economic collapse isn't a time to think about reducing deficits. An ensured period of recovery, yes. Maybe it's time to think about it.

But answer me this: why is it that the only political parties in North America who have posted not just deficit reductions but surpluses in recent history have been liberal?

I think anybody who automatically thinks that liberal policies and governance are incapable of fiscal responsibility need only look at the economic history of the latter part of the 20th century, and especially the turn of the millennium.

So, yeah, the GOP needs to rethink their party and actually return to their own brand of fiscal responsibility, while still realizing the realities and advantages of mixed economies.

04-15-2011, 08:22 AM	#16 (permalink)
Baraka_Guru warrior bodhisattva Super Moderator Location: East-central Canada	I think the GOP should indeed shift strategies and realize that it's by reinforcing the strengths of a mixed economy that ensures stability. You can talk all you want about taxation and economic growth, but the fact of the matter remains that stability arises with balanced policies that ensure stability among all income levels. There is no silver bullet to fix the economy. Lowering taxes won't in itself fix it. An economy with a fair and competitive tax system whose government enacts policies to take the economic strain off of the greatest number of people is one that should ensure prosperity. These policies include welfare, health care, pensions, balanced regulation of industries, legislation to prevent exploitation, etc. On top of that, of course, you need a government who always has reducing the deficit as an ideal—when it makes sense. Near economic collapse isn't a time to think about reducing deficits. An ensured period of recovery, yes. Maybe it's time to think about it. But answer me this: why is it that the only political parties in North America who have posted not just deficit reductions but surpluses in recent history have been liberal? I think anybody who automatically thinks that liberal policies and governance are incapable of fiscal responsibility need only look at the economic history of the latter part of the 20th century, and especially the turn of the millennium. So, yeah, the GOP needs to rethink their party and actually return to their own brand of fiscal responsibility, while still realizing the realities and advantages of mixed economies. __________________ Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing? —Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön Humankind cannot bear very much reality. —From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot Last edited by Baraka_Guru; 04-15-2011 at 08:32 AM..