Reply #129: The US economy is sick, but it isn't dead

[gravity]

We don't need radical measures to solve the problem, just proper leadership and some better policies will get our economy back in balance.

We probable need to raise the taxes for the people on the top, but not too much more than needed so that we can still encourage investment. A tax rates during the 90s seems reasonable.

Regulating the derivatives markets is also another good measure which could prevent financial failures like what we have now.

Increasing investment in education is another good thing, especially in science and technology. We have to make sure that if Americans have the will and ability to go and get more education, that they can reasonably do so without significant financial strain. This way, the American workers can be more productive and will be competitive in this global environment.

Having universal health care and better safety nets is another good thing to help lower labor and health costs.

More secure safety nets is another good thing, like better unemployment benefits. The truth is in this competitive environment, there needs to be flexibility within the workforce. The bad news is that this means layoffs will occur to address the changing economic times. If we use more alternative energy, oil workers would have to be laid off for example. We should make sure that our government has good policies to ensure that people who get laid off can easily transition to new jobs and have the opportunities to learn new skills so that they can move with the times.

Better welfare policies, that ensure that people get the money to have a decent standard of living, but still encourage them to work if they are able to. Maybe government daycare on top of that. Our economy is based on consumer spending so making sure that all have a decent living is for the good of all.

Energy prices are probably going to remain rather high, so I would propose better efficiency standards too.


This is some of the policies that I can think of on the top of my had. We just need the right leadership and pragmatic solutions to fix our economy. Americans are the most resilient people in the world and we will be able to get over this crisis like all the others. I am confident that our problems will be solved with the right leadership.