Deficits Saved The World?

by: DaveJ

Wed Jul 15, 2009 at 19:27


Paul Krugman makes the case that big government deficits saved the world.  He says that our economic problems were actually worse than what we encountered in the 1930's, and the reason we haven't spiraled down the drain was that Obama's stimulus package picked up the slack in demand and kept even more people from being laid off, even more companies from going under, even more financial institutions from collapsing.

Aside from the deficits I can't even imagine where we would be today without FDIC insurance on bank accounts, or unemployment benefits.  I think everyone with money in a bank would have lost it.  And just imagine how it would be for the unemployed.  (Well, actually we're on the edge of finding out about that because unemployment is running out for a lot of people...)

Discuss.

DaveJ :: Deficits Saved The World?

Tags: , , , , (All Tags)
Print Friendly View Send As Email
Krugman is in good company (4.00 / 1)
A national debt, if it is not excessive, will be to us a national blessing.
--Alexander Hamilton

There is not a successful company in the world, not a successful government program or infrastructure project, not a war, or peace, or anything else that required capital, that was not financed through debt at one point or another. Debt is how capitalism functions. Profits are made, capital is set aside, it is lent out, and prudent borrowers, be they in the private or public sphere, use it to do good things (well, and bad things too, but that's inevitable).

The fact that debt has also been abused--grossly--to do bad things doesn't change this. Anything can be abused, and used for ill. And everything probably has been.

Interesting, though, how all the deficit "hawks" suddenly came out of the woodwork as soon as Dems took over and Obama was sworn in. All of a sudden, we just can't afford this "massive" and "out of control" debt, let along to add to it. Um, yeah.

The liberal soul shall be made fat. He who waters shall be watered also himself. (Proverbs 11:25)


Donate to Open Left









QUICK HITS

Friends of the Earth thanks the OpenLeft community for the ideas you generate and your contributions to the progressive movement.


blog advertising is good for you
blog advertising is good for you
SEARCH

   

Advanced Search