Conservative media attribute German economic growth to spending cuts...

[and-justice-for-all]

...that have not yet begun

http://mediamatters.org/research/201009100023


Conservative media have falsely suggested that Germany's fiscal austerity policies spurred that country's recent economic growth, at times arguing that the United States should therefore have cut spending instead of borrowing to stimulate the economy. In fact, Germany -- which launched stimulus spending and increased the deficit in response to the recession -- has not yet implemented its planned cuts, and economists say Germany's recent improvement is largely due to conditions favorable to its export-based economy.

Conservatives suggest growth the result of spending cuts

Barnes: Germany "cut spending and cut their deficit" and got "9 percent growth." Discussing the economic recovery with host Bret Baier on the August 30 edition of Special Report, Weekly Standard editor Fred Barnes attributed Germany's second-quarter growth to cutting "spending and ... their deficit." Barnes also stated:

BARNES: We know what Germany did. What Germany did was reduce their unemployment benefits for one thing; they cut spending and cut their deficit and they loosened up on the labor market -- on hiring and firing and so on -- which could be very strict in Europe.

And what happened? In the second quarter -- 9 percent growth. Unemployment is down to I think 7.6 percent. And compare that to the Obama administration that did the opposite of all of those things. And what do we get here -- 9.5 percent unemployment, 1.6 percent of growth.

Barnes: Germany "cut spending and cut their deficit" and got "9 percent growth."

NewsBusters: "Germany's fiscally responsible approach to the financial crisis has worked out much better than Obama's spending binge."

Cavuto: Germany is "benefiting from cooling it on spending."

Cato economist suggested Germany's "strict fiscal discipline" led to "robust" economic expansion.

!But Germany has not yet implemented its austerity policies -- and it did use stimulus spending!

More: http://mediamatters.org/research/201009100023

[sakabatou]

1. LOL, idiots

[ShockediSay]

2. Of course it has nothing to do w/ universal health care, of 'short time'

safety net to keep people working and supporting their economy

while they contribute to their economic recovery, to the taxation

of the super millionaire/billionaire pockets of wealth and limitation

of partisan lobbyist activities at government {tax deductible expense}.

Face it. They are not a democracy prone to such corruption, as we are.

[Hawkowl]

3. Germany's "recovery" due to its robust welfare state

A large part of the German recovery is that consumer spending didn't drop off as much because people don't have to hoard their money for an unemployment or healthcare emergency. Germany offers generous state sponsored healthcare and cash benefits to the unemployed. Germany also has a strong labor movement working hand in glove with the corporate owners to improve the manufacturing/economic climate.

The US is DOOMED as a country until we re institute some type of fairness doctrine for the media. Otherwise our country is built on a foundation of lies that will destroy it.

[OHdem10]

4. It is unfortunate the Democrats do not jump on the bandwagon

and explain other policies which have contributed to Germany's
success. For example, they have National Health Insurance
and SS(generous retirement plan--national). These are not
part of Business responsibility, making it much less expensive
for businesses. Secondly, they manage their trade policy and
retained very strong mfg base in their country(national security
reasons). Strong Mfg bases maintains middle class and guess
what they have lots to export. They have strong controls on
outsourcing. Managed Trade prevents too many companies from
moving out of the country. All of this contributes to a balanced
economy and successful country. Remind the Republicans the
Germans did their stimulus early on. Just taxcuts would have
put them in a ditch just like us.

Typical Republican Strategy. Pick out one point and play it
spinning to their advantage. How long will the Democrats
permit them to get away with this mess???