There is really nothing, no unique insight, that this humble column can add with regard to Senator Ted Kennedy. In it banality, it is worth saying again that there is now a huge void in the Senate by the lose of this American patriot.
This is a defining moment for the Democratic Party. Will the passing of Senator Edward Kennedy inspire them to rally together and pass a transformative healthcare bill? Will they now legislate with a sense of purpose?
Senator Kennedy is handing them that opportunity.
Today's guests;
Sen. John Kerry, Sen. Chris Dodd, Maria Shriver, Bob Shrum, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, and Presidential Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
8.23.09: Mired...
Have you ever painted a room in your home and then one thing leads to another and you then decide to rearrange the room all together and things get chaotic and really messy before it gets all straightened out? Well, that's where we are right now as a country. Incredibly messy but with the idea that it's going to be much better when it's straightened out. However, we've walked into the room, and backtracked moaning, "Whoa.... is this mess going to be cleaned up?"
In Afghanistan, we're incurring more soldier deaths now than in any time since we've been there in 8 years. When you engage the enemy, they will shoot at you. Today's in-studio guest, Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in a way we're starting there anew. Karl Eikenberry, the U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, via satellite during the segment, said success depends on Afghanistan's government being able to apply take care of its citizens in all facets.
We're a long way away from that point. Simply because we're picking up the ball in Afghanistan in a time when we've given the opposition (The Taliban) a chance to mend and regroup. And why is that? Because we were bogged down in Iraq, a completely unnecessary war, for the past 7 years. If the U.S. had not gone into Iraq and kept the pressure up in Afghanistan, we would not see the military losses we're seeing now. Also, as a aside, if Saddam were still in power right now, you could hypothetically say that the U.S. would have also had a diplomatic opportunity with Iraq's [read: Saddam's] natural enemy - Iran, especially given what happened with the recent elections and subsequent unrest in that country.
So the question posed on whether or not this is a war of necessity or a war of choice now? Unfortunately, both Iraq and Afghanistan now are of necessity. The Taliban, if in control, would most certainly given safe haven for Al Qaeda, but more importantly use the southern part to disrupt stability in Pakistan. With that in mind, our presence is required, don't you think?
However, it is disconcerted when you set a quote for Special Envoy to Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke say we'll know success when we see it - Mr. Gregory rightly noted. And Ambassador Eikenberry said success in terms of self-governing is years away. The new approach the Chairman pointed out, is a robust cooperation between civilian entities and the military - enacted because of lessons learned, Admiral Mullen said, from Iraq... Lessons certainly learned well.
We're physically mired in Iraq and Afghanistan, but mentally, we're mired domestically in old habits of being stalled by fear, which 'joyfully' brings us to the healthcare debate with Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY), both on the finance committee, in the second segment.
Senator Schumer pithily framed the public option this way - its like private colleges versus state universities - the two coexist so that more people have access to a college education. It's not completely apples to apples as an analogy for the public option, but it's close. And the people do not have a problem with a public option in the healthcare bill. Let's be clear, the Congressional Republicans have a problem with the public option.
But is the President backing away from the inclusion of the public option. Senator Schumer said no, Tavis Smiley of PBS, in the last segment, said yes. Based on President Obama saying that the public option was just a 'sliver' of healthcare reform, you would have to conclude that yes, he is. But he should not back away. Just the opposite, he should be using the full weight of his office to get the 'blue dog' Democrats in line/on board with what he wants and push it through. It is time to heed Congresswoman Maxine Waters' (D-CA) advice.
If Democrats want to really show that they can lead, they have to close ranks and the President needs to step up - shove the Republicans out of the way - just as the Republicans did during the Bush years. Because all the Republicans can do right now is spread wrong information - see all of today's answers by Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT). He said that the Congressional Budget Office said that tens of millions of people would go into the public plan and bankrupt us. What's nakedly obvious is that he's really saying that if there is a public option, the insurance companies will lose tens of millions. Mr. Gregory rightly corrected the Senator, pointing out that the C.B.O. said that 10 million would go into the public option but that also another 3 million would go into private insurance plans. Senator Hatch also proudly states that 85% of the people in the U.S. have health insurance but never mentions the details, where the information and not the devil, are contained. Such as the number of people who are under insured - 25 million people. Or the unknown number of people who will have their claim denied for one reason or another (an arbitrary insurance adjuster's decision). Senator Schumer talked about taking on the Insurance companies, and sadly this is never a rhetorical tact that the conservatives take, but it does give one a clear sight line into a blatant agenda. They are hoping for an Obama Waterloo.
There are three more things we'd like to quickly comment on from the program in terms of the healthcare debate. One, Mr. Gregory asked Senator Hatch if Senator Kennedy's absence from the debate was a big lose. He was right and wrong in the same sentence. Sen. Hatch said that yes, Sen. Kennedy is missed (the correct answer) and he continued to explain that Sen. Kennedy would be calling him up and saying let's work this out (the incorrect answer). Sen. Kennedy would be getting people in line with the public option, certainly not calling Sen. Hatch to get that done. Sen. Kennedy is sorely missed from the debate because most people don't realize how important of an issues this has been to him over the years.
And inside this fight we come to point number 2, which is that there is a 'gang of six' in the senate finance committee supposedly coming up with a bi-partisan bill that will serve as the Senate's bill. Isn't the most democratic notion to question why these six individuals are deemed to have so much decision making power. The Senate bill should reflect what the President wants and then get it through with a majority.
This brings us to the third part of this small trifecta. Senator Hatch said that reconciliation (a rarely used procedure in the senate that attempt to push a lawyer through with a simply majority - 51 votes - instead of the traditional two-thirds majority vote of 60) would be an abuse of Senatorial process in using it for Healthcare reform. The Democrats should be clear that if reconciliation is needed, it will be employed and if it's not made clear, then we'll continue to be mired in a endless list of concessions, which will render healthcare reform completely impotent.
In Afghanistan, we're incurring more soldier deaths now than in any time since we've been there in 8 years. When you engage the enemy, they will shoot at you. Today's in-studio guest, Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in a way we're starting there anew. Karl Eikenberry, the U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, via satellite during the segment, said success depends on Afghanistan's government being able to apply take care of its citizens in all facets.
We're a long way away from that point. Simply because we're picking up the ball in Afghanistan in a time when we've given the opposition (The Taliban) a chance to mend and regroup. And why is that? Because we were bogged down in Iraq, a completely unnecessary war, for the past 7 years. If the U.S. had not gone into Iraq and kept the pressure up in Afghanistan, we would not see the military losses we're seeing now. Also, as a aside, if Saddam were still in power right now, you could hypothetically say that the U.S. would have also had a diplomatic opportunity with Iraq's [read: Saddam's] natural enemy - Iran, especially given what happened with the recent elections and subsequent unrest in that country.
So the question posed on whether or not this is a war of necessity or a war of choice now? Unfortunately, both Iraq and Afghanistan now are of necessity. The Taliban, if in control, would most certainly given safe haven for Al Qaeda, but more importantly use the southern part to disrupt stability in Pakistan. With that in mind, our presence is required, don't you think?
However, it is disconcerted when you set a quote for Special Envoy to Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke say we'll know success when we see it - Mr. Gregory rightly noted. And Ambassador Eikenberry said success in terms of self-governing is years away. The new approach the Chairman pointed out, is a robust cooperation between civilian entities and the military - enacted because of lessons learned, Admiral Mullen said, from Iraq... Lessons certainly learned well.
We're physically mired in Iraq and Afghanistan, but mentally, we're mired domestically in old habits of being stalled by fear, which 'joyfully' brings us to the healthcare debate with Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY), both on the finance committee, in the second segment.
Senator Schumer pithily framed the public option this way - its like private colleges versus state universities - the two coexist so that more people have access to a college education. It's not completely apples to apples as an analogy for the public option, but it's close. And the people do not have a problem with a public option in the healthcare bill. Let's be clear, the Congressional Republicans have a problem with the public option.
But is the President backing away from the inclusion of the public option. Senator Schumer said no, Tavis Smiley of PBS, in the last segment, said yes. Based on President Obama saying that the public option was just a 'sliver' of healthcare reform, you would have to conclude that yes, he is. But he should not back away. Just the opposite, he should be using the full weight of his office to get the 'blue dog' Democrats in line/on board with what he wants and push it through. It is time to heed Congresswoman Maxine Waters' (D-CA) advice.
If Democrats want to really show that they can lead, they have to close ranks and the President needs to step up - shove the Republicans out of the way - just as the Republicans did during the Bush years. Because all the Republicans can do right now is spread wrong information - see all of today's answers by Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT). He said that the Congressional Budget Office said that tens of millions of people would go into the public plan and bankrupt us. What's nakedly obvious is that he's really saying that if there is a public option, the insurance companies will lose tens of millions. Mr. Gregory rightly corrected the Senator, pointing out that the C.B.O. said that 10 million would go into the public option but that also another 3 million would go into private insurance plans. Senator Hatch also proudly states that 85% of the people in the U.S. have health insurance but never mentions the details, where the information and not the devil, are contained. Such as the number of people who are under insured - 25 million people. Or the unknown number of people who will have their claim denied for one reason or another (an arbitrary insurance adjuster's decision). Senator Schumer talked about taking on the Insurance companies, and sadly this is never a rhetorical tact that the conservatives take, but it does give one a clear sight line into a blatant agenda. They are hoping for an Obama Waterloo.
There are three more things we'd like to quickly comment on from the program in terms of the healthcare debate. One, Mr. Gregory asked Senator Hatch if Senator Kennedy's absence from the debate was a big lose. He was right and wrong in the same sentence. Sen. Hatch said that yes, Sen. Kennedy is missed (the correct answer) and he continued to explain that Sen. Kennedy would be calling him up and saying let's work this out (the incorrect answer). Sen. Kennedy would be getting people in line with the public option, certainly not calling Sen. Hatch to get that done. Sen. Kennedy is sorely missed from the debate because most people don't realize how important of an issues this has been to him over the years.
And inside this fight we come to point number 2, which is that there is a 'gang of six' in the senate finance committee supposedly coming up with a bi-partisan bill that will serve as the Senate's bill. Isn't the most democratic notion to question why these six individuals are deemed to have so much decision making power. The Senate bill should reflect what the President wants and then get it through with a majority.
This brings us to the third part of this small trifecta. Senator Hatch said that reconciliation (a rarely used procedure in the senate that attempt to push a lawyer through with a simply majority - 51 votes - instead of the traditional two-thirds majority vote of 60) would be an abuse of Senatorial process in using it for Healthcare reform. The Democrats should be clear that if reconciliation is needed, it will be employed and if it's not made clear, then we'll continue to be mired in a endless list of concessions, which will render healthcare reform completely impotent.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
8.16.09: The Healthcare Debate - Framing the American Debacle
Today's Panel: Fmr. House Majority Leader Rep. Dick Armey (R-TX), now the head of FreedomWorks, an organizer of protesters at town hall meetings; Sen. Tom Coburn, M.D. (R-OK), Member of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions; Fmr. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD), an informal adviser to the White House and author of "Critical: What We Can Do About the Health Care Crisis"; & Rachel Maddow, Host of MSNBC's The Rachel Maddow Show.
_____
This column has been holding off as long as possible in commenting on the healthcare reform debate, the reason being is that we wanted to get the most clear picture of what both sides of debate want. Waiting was the responsible thing to do to try and understand as thoroughly as possible all the concerns... and because one of the debate's focal peaks had potential to develop on today's Meet The Press.
Before we get into the details, this column feels compelled to point out that in the midst of such a heated national debate where anxiety is high, profits are at stake, special interests abound, and suspicion on both sides runs rampant; a trusted voice is needed to cut through the clutter and create a calming effect. Well, the most trusted man in news passed away. Tim Russert was that newsman. When Walter Cronkite recently died, it got people thinking of the question of who is the most trusted person in news. Mr. Russert had gained the trust of more Americans than any other television journalist and his voice is needed in this debate.
With that said, can Mr. Gregory bring us back from the brink from the hysterical by dispelling the 'death panel' healtcare bill myth? To be clear, the 'death panel' notion is based on a provision in the bill that would require Medicare to reimburse the patient for this voluntary advance directive consultation with one's doctor. When the provision is described and discussed in clear language, it is a reasonable provision that keeps the control of an individual's life in his/her own hands. The term 'Death Panel' is the creation of a completely irresponsible political figure - Ms. Sarah Palin.
Mr. Gregory asked about such a provision that was in included in the Bush Administration's Prescription Drug Benefit bill in 2003, to which Sen. Tom Coburn, M.D. (R-OK) said had he been in the Senate at the time, he would have opposed it because of the $10 trillion it adds to the country's long-term debt. Despite not really answering the question, his answer is fair enough based on financial reasoning. Since he was not a legislator at the time he can not be held accountable for that Republican initiative, but the Senator also opposes the Democrat's healthcare plan on the same grounds - it's not cost efficient. However, the Democrat's healthcare plan will add $1 Trillion to our national debt over the next ten years. By that rationale, the current proposition seems almost frugal. Republicans are playing politics with Americans' lives to ensure that insurance companies maintain their profit trajectory. On the other hand, Democrats and President Obama haven't made it reassuringly clear how it will be paid for. Saying that is going to be mostly paid for with the savings from streamlining and updating the system, it doesn't inspire confidence. We'll believe it when we see it because it doesn't matter which party controls the executive branch, that notion that it will be paid for from savings is unrealistic in this country. Is it going to be paid for by taxes on the richest 1%? By taxes on the middle class? Or are we simply going to borrow more money for it? To cut through the clutter, the President and the Democrats in Congress need to make this stupidly clear.
The substance of today's panel did actually come from fmr. Sen. Daschle and Sen. Coburn. Rachel Maddow made her first appearance today on Meet The Press and it was a necessary one because of the individual sitting to her left, ironically, Mr. Dick Armey - former House Majority Leader from Texas. The organization founded by Mr. Armey, Freedomworks, has contributed solely in a negative way to the debate. Mr. Armey speaks about freedom and liberty, as he did on today's program, but his sense of it is completely warped. It's freedom, liberty, and profit at the expense of others or at the very least a knowing disregard for the adverse repercussions self-interest inflicts. His facts are just those - his facts, and Ms. Maddow was an essential foil to Mr. Armey's bluster.
So we refer back to Sen. Coburn and his quote from the Washington Times as cited by Mr. Gregory, that the Democrats healthcare plan will kill Americans... The real substance? These are the kinds of statements that will contribute to the dreaded notion, which this column fears, that a bill will be passed but will essentially be compromised to the point of rendering it ineffective. (Mr. Daschle today said reform was a 50-50 chance.) What's more is that he stood by this statement and went on to say that America's healthcare system is among the best in the world, which simply is not true. Senator Daschle rightly pointed out that our infant mortality rate and life expectancy are ranked very low compared to the other industrialized nations of the world. Despite Senator Coburn's contention that these are not true measures is weightless. These are the measures! Added to what we pay as a country (12% of our GDP) comparatively to other countries, it makes our healthcare system the equivalent of a rusted out car with a half-assed paint job. To use a phrase, cash is needed for this clunker. And if his figures are to be believed, Mr. Daschle pointed out that it is projected that our healthcare in its current state will cost us $35 Trillion over the next ten years - an unsustainable figure.
But there is Mr. Armey arguing that Medicare is tyranny because seniors can not get out of it even if they wanted to, also arguing that social security should be phased out. These two arguments directly point to a solely profit driven agenda, one as we stated above should be allowed to dominate despite its effect on the vast majority of the country's citizenry, with some of those individuals mistakenly advocating against their own self-interests.
As it stands right now, the insurance companies, over 1,300 strong in the U.S., have the most leverage and decision-making power on how costs, profits, and money are distributed. (Let's not even start on the Pharmaceutical Industrial Complex's influence.) What's wrong with that? Well, let's put it this way... When the fate of all is controlled by a private few [read: privately held company] not answerable to anyone except a profit-driven board of directors, there is no accountability to the majority. Corporatism is not beholden for the general welfare. Your life will be shortened, your liberty compromised, and your pursuit of happiness will be given a placebo shot and sent on its way.
_____
This column has been holding off as long as possible in commenting on the healthcare reform debate, the reason being is that we wanted to get the most clear picture of what both sides of debate want. Waiting was the responsible thing to do to try and understand as thoroughly as possible all the concerns... and because one of the debate's focal peaks had potential to develop on today's Meet The Press.
Before we get into the details, this column feels compelled to point out that in the midst of such a heated national debate where anxiety is high, profits are at stake, special interests abound, and suspicion on both sides runs rampant; a trusted voice is needed to cut through the clutter and create a calming effect. Well, the most trusted man in news passed away. Tim Russert was that newsman. When Walter Cronkite recently died, it got people thinking of the question of who is the most trusted person in news. Mr. Russert had gained the trust of more Americans than any other television journalist and his voice is needed in this debate.
With that said, can Mr. Gregory bring us back from the brink from the hysterical by dispelling the 'death panel' healtcare bill myth? To be clear, the 'death panel' notion is based on a provision in the bill that would require Medicare to reimburse the patient for this voluntary advance directive consultation with one's doctor. When the provision is described and discussed in clear language, it is a reasonable provision that keeps the control of an individual's life in his/her own hands. The term 'Death Panel' is the creation of a completely irresponsible political figure - Ms. Sarah Palin.
Mr. Gregory asked about such a provision that was in included in the Bush Administration's Prescription Drug Benefit bill in 2003, to which Sen. Tom Coburn, M.D. (R-OK) said had he been in the Senate at the time, he would have opposed it because of the $10 trillion it adds to the country's long-term debt. Despite not really answering the question, his answer is fair enough based on financial reasoning. Since he was not a legislator at the time he can not be held accountable for that Republican initiative, but the Senator also opposes the Democrat's healthcare plan on the same grounds - it's not cost efficient. However, the Democrat's healthcare plan will add $1 Trillion to our national debt over the next ten years. By that rationale, the current proposition seems almost frugal. Republicans are playing politics with Americans' lives to ensure that insurance companies maintain their profit trajectory. On the other hand, Democrats and President Obama haven't made it reassuringly clear how it will be paid for. Saying that is going to be mostly paid for with the savings from streamlining and updating the system, it doesn't inspire confidence. We'll believe it when we see it because it doesn't matter which party controls the executive branch, that notion that it will be paid for from savings is unrealistic in this country. Is it going to be paid for by taxes on the richest 1%? By taxes on the middle class? Or are we simply going to borrow more money for it? To cut through the clutter, the President and the Democrats in Congress need to make this stupidly clear.
The substance of today's panel did actually come from fmr. Sen. Daschle and Sen. Coburn. Rachel Maddow made her first appearance today on Meet The Press and it was a necessary one because of the individual sitting to her left, ironically, Mr. Dick Armey - former House Majority Leader from Texas. The organization founded by Mr. Armey, Freedomworks, has contributed solely in a negative way to the debate. Mr. Armey speaks about freedom and liberty, as he did on today's program, but his sense of it is completely warped. It's freedom, liberty, and profit at the expense of others or at the very least a knowing disregard for the adverse repercussions self-interest inflicts. His facts are just those - his facts, and Ms. Maddow was an essential foil to Mr. Armey's bluster.
So we refer back to Sen. Coburn and his quote from the Washington Times as cited by Mr. Gregory, that the Democrats healthcare plan will kill Americans... The real substance? These are the kinds of statements that will contribute to the dreaded notion, which this column fears, that a bill will be passed but will essentially be compromised to the point of rendering it ineffective. (Mr. Daschle today said reform was a 50-50 chance.) What's more is that he stood by this statement and went on to say that America's healthcare system is among the best in the world, which simply is not true. Senator Daschle rightly pointed out that our infant mortality rate and life expectancy are ranked very low compared to the other industrialized nations of the world. Despite Senator Coburn's contention that these are not true measures is weightless. These are the measures! Added to what we pay as a country (12% of our GDP) comparatively to other countries, it makes our healthcare system the equivalent of a rusted out car with a half-assed paint job. To use a phrase, cash is needed for this clunker. And if his figures are to be believed, Mr. Daschle pointed out that it is projected that our healthcare in its current state will cost us $35 Trillion over the next ten years - an unsustainable figure.
But there is Mr. Armey arguing that Medicare is tyranny because seniors can not get out of it even if they wanted to, also arguing that social security should be phased out. These two arguments directly point to a solely profit driven agenda, one as we stated above should be allowed to dominate despite its effect on the vast majority of the country's citizenry, with some of those individuals mistakenly advocating against their own self-interests.
As it stands right now, the insurance companies, over 1,300 strong in the U.S., have the most leverage and decision-making power on how costs, profits, and money are distributed. (Let's not even start on the Pharmaceutical Industrial Complex's influence.) What's wrong with that? Well, let's put it this way... When the fate of all is controlled by a private few [read: privately held company] not answerable to anyone except a profit-driven board of directors, there is no accountability to the majority. Corporatism is not beholden for the general welfare. Your life will be shortened, your liberty compromised, and your pursuit of happiness will be given a placebo shot and sent on its way.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
8.2.09: "We're in a Different Place"
Today's featured guest, National Economic Council Director Dr. Larry Summer, answered, "We're in a different place," referring to Mr. Gregory's initial question on whether the recession is over. Dr. Summers is correct on more levels than even he realizes. It's like the one solid truth that everyone believes. Financially, we certainly are in a different place, in fact, we're all over the map.
President Obama, this week in discussing race, referred to the unfortunately Gates-Crowley situatution as a 'teachable moment.' Well, the interview with Dr. Summers was certainly one of those with regard to the economy. One should be suspect of any layman who completely disagrees or agrees with what the Obama Administration is doing in trying to fix the economy. There are so many facets in deficit, so many institutions holding toxic assets, so many feelings with the rise and fall of the Dow. In conversation, you say 'off on a tangent' meaning the point isn't completely germain to the conversation, but when discussing the economy, tangents are just other causes for anxiety - main point being that no one really has a complete handle on it all. However, Dr. Summers provided hard truths and hard defenses as to where we are now.
First and foremost, he said that the job situation will not get better for a while, that jobs are always the last to bounce back after a recession. It's the ugliest reality, with which we have to deal. Unemployment benefit aid is running out for those without a job, unemployment higher than expected (9.5%) and that also translates to the people with work who are now continually balancing themselves on a wobbly base. It's easy to criticize the stimulus plan, but Dr. Summers is correct that without it, many more teachers and policemen around the country would have been laid off, and even though new construction projects are still at a crawl, the stimulus is pumping cash into new building. Speaking of construction, it is the one manufacturing industry in this country that can serve as a true barometer of how we're doing. Construction is bought and sold in country. It's not like a car made and then shipped someplace else.
And it can not be emphasized enough, as it was during the interview, that when the Obama Administration took office, the economy was in much worse straits than was originally thought, which makes all statistical indicators guesses at best. With that said, Dr. Summers clarified that the Administration was always clear that there was no clear picture of where the economy was when they started - a worrisome political answer.
And this gives an opening to conservatives who criticize President Obama's deficit spending. In all fairness, where were these cries when the Bush Administration enacted its tax cuts or the prescription drug benefit, which didn't include negotiating with the pharmaceutical companies? No one has paid for that yet so no one is exempt from big spending. Unfortunately, Americans have short memories... At least, as Dr. Summers pointed out, people are speculating when the recession is going to end and not if we're going into a depression.
What is essential is investment and that is what the stimulus is! For long term health, we do need investment in our schools, solar and alternative power, and reforming healthcare as Dr. Summers pointed out, 'crucial foundation for the country's future.' That's where the focus has to be - on the future because the 'now' is an alternate reality, certainly a different place.
President Obama, this week in discussing race, referred to the unfortunately Gates-Crowley situatution as a 'teachable moment.' Well, the interview with Dr. Summers was certainly one of those with regard to the economy. One should be suspect of any layman who completely disagrees or agrees with what the Obama Administration is doing in trying to fix the economy. There are so many facets in deficit, so many institutions holding toxic assets, so many feelings with the rise and fall of the Dow. In conversation, you say 'off on a tangent' meaning the point isn't completely germain to the conversation, but when discussing the economy, tangents are just other causes for anxiety - main point being that no one really has a complete handle on it all. However, Dr. Summers provided hard truths and hard defenses as to where we are now.
First and foremost, he said that the job situation will not get better for a while, that jobs are always the last to bounce back after a recession. It's the ugliest reality, with which we have to deal. Unemployment benefit aid is running out for those without a job, unemployment higher than expected (9.5%) and that also translates to the people with work who are now continually balancing themselves on a wobbly base. It's easy to criticize the stimulus plan, but Dr. Summers is correct that without it, many more teachers and policemen around the country would have been laid off, and even though new construction projects are still at a crawl, the stimulus is pumping cash into new building. Speaking of construction, it is the one manufacturing industry in this country that can serve as a true barometer of how we're doing. Construction is bought and sold in country. It's not like a car made and then shipped someplace else.
And it can not be emphasized enough, as it was during the interview, that when the Obama Administration took office, the economy was in much worse straits than was originally thought, which makes all statistical indicators guesses at best. With that said, Dr. Summers clarified that the Administration was always clear that there was no clear picture of where the economy was when they started - a worrisome political answer.
And this gives an opening to conservatives who criticize President Obama's deficit spending. In all fairness, where were these cries when the Bush Administration enacted its tax cuts or the prescription drug benefit, which didn't include negotiating with the pharmaceutical companies? No one has paid for that yet so no one is exempt from big spending. Unfortunately, Americans have short memories... At least, as Dr. Summers pointed out, people are speculating when the recession is going to end and not if we're going into a depression.
What is essential is investment and that is what the stimulus is! For long term health, we do need investment in our schools, solar and alternative power, and reforming healthcare as Dr. Summers pointed out, 'crucial foundation for the country's future.' That's where the focus has to be - on the future because the 'now' is an alternate reality, certainly a different place.
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