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The KISS Stimulus
16 years ago
General
I've been thinking, recently. Obama hasn't made much progress as of late (mainly due to partisan bickering and August), but he did pass a stimulus. This is probably one of his most criticized actions, but it's the biggest thing he's done. Most would agree that it would be hard, if not impossible, to get a $787 billion stimulus perfect, no matter who's passing it. Some of the programs are actually quite underfunded (high-speed rail and the "smart grid" are good examples, Source: Popular Mechanics), while some are overfunded. Even though there is proof from americanprogress.org that it is working, most of the money will not be spent until a recovery takes place. I've thought about a different, 3-part simpler stimulus that would have also worked, and should be considered next time there's a recession, where we Keep It Simple Stupid:
1 - Legalize pot and other drugs: This would save loads of unnecessary taxpayer dollars on law enforcement. It would also prevent overcrowding in prisons, which is a huge burden on taxpayers, especially in California. Also, it would be possible to tax marijuana, put a reasonable age limit, and stick warning labels on the stuff. Therefore the government would actually MAKE some revenue, instead of burning wads of cash. We'd also create jobs growing and processing, reduce the crime rate, and keep criminals (especially Mexican Drug Lords) off the street. It's a win for everyone.
2 - Covert to Metric:Most people know that the US (and some parts of the UK) is the last industrialized nation to not use the metric system (much like we're the last industrialized nation NOT to have universal health coverage). However, it's an easy fix. Everyone knows what Liters are, now that there are 1-3 liter bottles of beverages. Milliliters would also not be that hard to figure out, like for 350ml cans. It would also be easy for car buffs to figure out. Also, THINK OF THE JOBS! Not only would we have to replace old signs, we'd need entirely new signs similar to the ones you see when entering Canada that say "60=100" (and that is quite clearly simple math) entering the highway. Systems would also need to be updated, for example, instead of "MPG" the EPA would have to measure "Liters/km," which puts it into greater perspective. Industries, especially health care, would also need to update systems, weights, and container sizes, which would take extra effort. Also, there would be a psychological impact. People will feel that they're driving faster and weigh less. The hardest measure to adapt to would be temperature, as in degrees Celsius. Here's a simple solution: if it's close to 30 it's hot, 20 it's warm, 10 it's cold, 0 it's freezing. Also, the greatest benefit of all is that it would benefit our scientists. It would no longer be difficult to discuss results with the rest of our population. Remember: science is the key to a better life.
3 - Legalize Gay Marriage: According to a study by the UCLA, allowing same-sex weddings and tourism in Maine would cause a $60 million increase in spending and would add 1,000 new jobs. The state would have a $3.6 million increase in tax revenue over the next three years. However, there is a Nov. 4 referendum that will put it up to a vote, and if this ends up like Proposition 8, it is likely to have the opposite effect on their economy. If you're from Maine, or would like to contribute, please visit: http://www.protectmaineequality.org for more information. AND THAT'S JUST ONE STATE! In nearly all jurisdictions that have legalized gay marriage, the economic impact was positive. These are real numbers, not something from a book written 2,000 years ago which always seems to have coffee stains on it. It would also make a statement for civil rights, which the United States has been falling behind steadily on. Legalizing it in the United States would make many non-US citizens spend money and get married here, much like Canada benefits from us. This would also boost our economy. There are plenty of ways to legalize gay marriage in the US, but partisan bickering always gets in the way.
So, these three SIMPLE changes would greatly benefit our economy. It would probably cost less, too. True, there is controversy, but unfortunately the economy is the number one issue and cash is king, and the economic benefits far outweigh the risks. If I were in congress, this is something I would consider.
1 - Legalize pot and other drugs: This would save loads of unnecessary taxpayer dollars on law enforcement. It would also prevent overcrowding in prisons, which is a huge burden on taxpayers, especially in California. Also, it would be possible to tax marijuana, put a reasonable age limit, and stick warning labels on the stuff. Therefore the government would actually MAKE some revenue, instead of burning wads of cash. We'd also create jobs growing and processing, reduce the crime rate, and keep criminals (especially Mexican Drug Lords) off the street. It's a win for everyone.
2 - Covert to Metric:Most people know that the US (and some parts of the UK) is the last industrialized nation to not use the metric system (much like we're the last industrialized nation NOT to have universal health coverage). However, it's an easy fix. Everyone knows what Liters are, now that there are 1-3 liter bottles of beverages. Milliliters would also not be that hard to figure out, like for 350ml cans. It would also be easy for car buffs to figure out. Also, THINK OF THE JOBS! Not only would we have to replace old signs, we'd need entirely new signs similar to the ones you see when entering Canada that say "60=100" (and that is quite clearly simple math) entering the highway. Systems would also need to be updated, for example, instead of "MPG" the EPA would have to measure "Liters/km," which puts it into greater perspective. Industries, especially health care, would also need to update systems, weights, and container sizes, which would take extra effort. Also, there would be a psychological impact. People will feel that they're driving faster and weigh less. The hardest measure to adapt to would be temperature, as in degrees Celsius. Here's a simple solution: if it's close to 30 it's hot, 20 it's warm, 10 it's cold, 0 it's freezing. Also, the greatest benefit of all is that it would benefit our scientists. It would no longer be difficult to discuss results with the rest of our population. Remember: science is the key to a better life.
3 - Legalize Gay Marriage: According to a study by the UCLA, allowing same-sex weddings and tourism in Maine would cause a $60 million increase in spending and would add 1,000 new jobs. The state would have a $3.6 million increase in tax revenue over the next three years. However, there is a Nov. 4 referendum that will put it up to a vote, and if this ends up like Proposition 8, it is likely to have the opposite effect on their economy. If you're from Maine, or would like to contribute, please visit: http://www.protectmaineequality.org for more information. AND THAT'S JUST ONE STATE! In nearly all jurisdictions that have legalized gay marriage, the economic impact was positive. These are real numbers, not something from a book written 2,000 years ago which always seems to have coffee stains on it. It would also make a statement for civil rights, which the United States has been falling behind steadily on. Legalizing it in the United States would make many non-US citizens spend money and get married here, much like Canada benefits from us. This would also boost our economy. There are plenty of ways to legalize gay marriage in the US, but partisan bickering always gets in the way.
So, these three SIMPLE changes would greatly benefit our economy. It would probably cost less, too. True, there is controversy, but unfortunately the economy is the number one issue and cash is king, and the economic benefits far outweigh the risks. If I were in congress, this is something I would consider.
#1: Legalize drugs.... Of course, what a great idea. I mean, who cares if Marijuana is an ultra addictive drug that can easily ruin one's life if you lose control (And keep in mind there aren't many people who can avoid addiction) Heck, I cant even escape an addiction to caffeine, which is why I wouldn't even risk real drugs. Look at what happened with Cigarettes. Sure, the government made a lot of money but guess what... Cigarettes make those who buy them poor. They are so expensive that if you become addicted, you wont be able to be successful. You will notice that you will never see a well off individual smoking.
#2: Your kidding, right? The US Customary system has served us well for over 200 years, why change it? Americans know the system. Most people have a good sense of what a mile, foot, and so on is. Changing just so we can fit in is stupid. Converting Metric to Customary isn't very hard. Theres directions on how to do all the converting on the back of just about ever Texas Instruments calculator. Bottom line, keep it as it is. America has always been a leader. We have never tried to follow Europe so we can fit in. Never. Should we also adopt a socialist society where Dentists only work for three weeks and then vacation the rest of the time while the nation's teeth rot? I am sure you have heard about UK's dental program.
And since you brought up UHC... You know the US is the only country in the world that actually develops and progresses when it comes to fighting diseases like Cancer. In fact, many types of cancer can ONLY be treated in the US. Why is that? I thought our private healthcare was destroying quality. Also, have you ever noticed how everything is done immediately in the US? There are no waiting lines because we are driven by money. The more people you treat, the more money you make. And if you can be sued for messing up, you are all the more likely to do it right.
#3: The best solution: Stop interfering in mariage. Marriage is a religious thing, not a government thing. The Church has the final say on who can and cannot get married. Should my grandpa have sued the Catholic Church when they wouldn't wed him to a Protestant wife? No, because ultimately, if he wants it to be recognized by God, he must follow the Church. The system is fine as it is. Let individual states decide, if they must. And uhh.... People come here to spend money as it. No other country has as much stuff to waste your money on as America. Only in America do we spend an entire government's budget to make a second sequel to a movie based off the comic Spider-Man.
You, good sir, need to consider listening to Rush Limbaugh, Mark Levin, or Glen Beck.
2) Keeping the US customary system does not create jobs. Nor does it make us any smarter. Oh, and we followed Europe on freeing slaves, but it took us an ENTIRE WAR! (Back then, though, Republicans were smart).
3) The Episcopal Church's definition of marriage is good enough for me. If we stopped interfering in marriage than gay marriage wouldn't be illegal in so many states.
4) Sorry for blocking you, but I can't have everything I say be attacked every time I post it.
Also, when it comes to Rush Limbaugh, I do not listen to racist liars. Glenn Beck was more rational, but this crying baby has also crossed the line too many times, and has lost advertisers (even conservative ones) in the process. I lolled when he shouted "GET OFF MY PHONE YOU LITTLE PINHEAD!" instead of being smart enough to have and intelligent debate. Bill O' Reilly always cuts off the mic, he's also not smart enough to have a debate either. Mark Levin is nowhere near as controversial, I would listen to a moderate like him. However, I will never listen to Mike Savage. Ever.
If you have to say something about this then please send me,