SAY WHAT YOU WANT about President Obama...in 8 years, Bush NEVER did this.

[Martin Eden]

31. Tax cuts for lower income people who will spend the money is good for the economy; always has been

Lower taxes in general are a good thing, taken out of context. However, context is critical. If lower taxes contributes to mushrooming deficts or scaling back the social safety net and investment in infrastructure & education, it's not a good thing.

Our most immediate problem today is high unemployment in a struggling economy. Measures are needed to create jobs, and putting more money into the hands of people who tend to spend all their disposable income is one way to do it. Putting more money into the hands of the 1% (who the R's call 'job creators') hasn't done a thing to create more jobs; it just makes them richer.

However, I disagree with reducing the payroll tax and replacing those funds from the general revenue. I think it's a dangerous game to mix the two, because it can be played both ways. Instead, I'd lower the payroll tax rate to what it was before Reagan increased it, then increase the overall payroll tax revenue by lifting the income cap on contributions. This would provide stimulus by putting more money in the hands of people who will spend it while also extending the financial solvency of the Social Security system.