Healthcare discussions simply an attempt to get America's focus off lost jobs

I was recently reading a U.S. News and World Report article entitled “How to get Americans Working Again,” Mort Zukerman, the author, presented a great deal of helpful data. Indicating that there is no “silver lining to the dark cloud that has enveloped America”, he mentioned that unemployment has moved from an economic setback to a fully fledged catastrophe.
• At least 929,000 men and women who want a job haven’t looked in the past year
• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics on nonfarm payrolls, there has been a net loss of 589,000 jobs
• 40 per cent of the unemployed, 6.1 million workers have been out of work for more than 27 weeks
• Some economists who have examined the data arrive at an unemployment rate of 22 percent nationwide, a loss of some 8.6 million jobs
• With our potential labor force expanding at 1.3 million job seekers annually, it would take at least six years to reduce the unemployment rate to 5 percent
• Last year’s loss of jobs 3.7 percent was the worst since 1938
• Many people have exhausted their regular unemployment benefits

Recently, I reviewed the U.S. Chamber of Commerce plan to restart job growth in America. There were many observations and several proposals to consider. The Chamber is to be commended for its proposal. Several suggestions were made including;

Removal of trade barriers, expanding exports-I support this concept with two major caveats, jobs must be prohibited from export to foreign nations and trade should function on a level playing field, even if it means renegotiation of some existing trade agreements by the administration might be required.

Elimination of new taxes maintain them at current levels-I respectfully disagree. To provide incentives for U.S. job creation-restoration, there must be a major reduction in federal and state taxes on corporations, elimination of the capital gains levy’s, realizing that anything less is not an incentive for companies to create-restore jobs in the U.S. Martin Feldstein spoke to this need to help job creation in a May 14, 2009 article in the Wall Street Journal on “Tax Increases Could Kill the Recovery”. He reminded voters that “Historians and economists who’ve studied the 1930’s conclude that the tax increases passed during that decade derailed the economy and slowed the decline in unemployment. That was true of the tax on corporate earnings and of the 1937 introduction of the payroll tax. Japan did the same destructive thing by raising its value-added tax rate in 1977.”In contrast to the U.S. countries like Ireland that have reduced corporate tax rates to 12.5% have attracted and created many new jobs and continue to entice new businesses.
Build more roads and bridges with private capital - I support infrastructure improvement if it creates thousands of new jobs specifically targeted to projects of state, regional and national importance. The congress must support the adoption of bills such as HR2521 which seeks to establish a National Infrastructure Bank to direct private and public capital to infrastructure construction.

Boost access to capital across all business categories - I support access for large and small businesses to capital if they are known to be successful in creating-restoring jobs and are managed well. Banks must begin to lend to main street as well as small and large businesses in America. The economist for the National Federation of Independent Business has recently observed that “Capital spending is on the sidelines…Spending on capital projects remained at historic low levels, as did the demand for credit to finance such projects.” In short banks must lend not hold!

Remove uncertainty in economic direction. It is true, as the U.S. Chamber states, government uncertainty in economic direction is not a motivation for large and small businesses to create-restore jobs. The Chamber’s position however that it is opposed to taxing bank transactions, is one with which I fail to agree, unless such legislation prohibits bank pass thru of costs to consumers and small businesses, and banks continue to limit lending. The Chamber’s goal of creating 20 million jobs in a decade, though noble, may not be realistic with its time frame. Ten years is too long for millions of unemployed to wait for jobs. At least however, the Chamber’s plan is a meaningful effort to address the problem.

Presently, the health care reform bill is crowding the need for jobs off the front pages and television screens of America’s news. Healthcare will not matter is our people continue to lose their jobs, This bill is a detour form the real problem needing to be faced. If Washington politicians refuse to address this issue they need to retire and let a common servant get the job done.

As a Republican it is not enough for me personally to be only against something, I must offer solutions that work. I propose the above ideas as a starting place for creating jobs.

Dr. Alan Phillips
Bloomington, IL

NY Times 2-20-2010 Tracking the Campaigns of 2010, Terry Branstad, Iowa

The Race In Iowa For Governor

It is now becoming clear why Iowa voters have warmed to former Governor Terry Branstad's Comeback Tour and statewide visits. Governor Branstad was previously known as an exceptional and responsible governor during four terms of service. Quick to honor his fiscal and growth responsibilities in past years, his expertise in facing the state's current problems is attracting both statewide and national attention. Branstad has not been reticent in letting old and new friends know that he intends to create jobs, expand personal income, reform education, while reducing state government and unnecessary regulations.

One prior national Republican candidate who won the 2008 Iowa caucuses has been backing a Branstad opponent in the upcoming 2010 primary election in June. Yet, Branstad's innovative thinking when confronting controversial issues such as the Supreme Court's ruling on gay marriage, and the concerns of Iowans for Tax Relief is being welcomed by many Iowa voters as a potential solution to major issues. The former Governor's growing popularity will give anyone desiring to run successfully in the 2012 Presidential caucuses, a major reason to support the Branstad campaign.

An example of innovative problem solving is Branstad's suggestion to utilize the constitutional convention option on the ballot in November of 2010, as a way to get Iowa voters involved in issue resolution. The former Governor has consistently demanded the right of every Iowa voter to cast a ballot on any proposed amendment to the state constitution. Voters are indicating support for the former chief executive in his determination for Iowans to cast ballots on major issues. Several recent surveys by trusted news outlets like the Des Moines Register confirm Branstad's growing popularity. Branstad, a strong conservative with a track record that his competitors would like to have, make this an important race to watch in 2010.

Terry Branstad, The Comeback Kid? Daily Politics, Sara Palin's Overexposure

The Comeback Kid?

Former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad continues his Comeback Tour through Iowa towns visiting with old friends and making many new ones. His brand of populism seems to be resonating with many Iowa voters who will be taking part in November's election for Governor. Known for leaving a budget surplus and his pro family positions he seems to be a genuine threat to current Governor Chet Culver. Although several candidates find Branstad's current tour something appealing, his ability to relate to most Iowans is reminiscent of Ronald Reagan's appeal. This election is one to watch for national trends in 2010.

LA Times Post, 02/07/2010

There is an issue much larger than tea partyers, or the other party labels, watch for it in 2010 and 2012. IS EXPERIENCE AS AN OFFICE HOLDER, A GUARANTEE OF HONESTY, INTEGRITY, IN OFFICE? Former Senator John Edwards is a telling argument which both parties often use in selecting candidates to run for the presidency. The clarion call today by both parties is seek an office holder and you’ll get true service and expertise. Really? I don’t think that’s true in all cases. The founders knew this far better than many in today’s media who look for sensationalism at most turns. A Governor from South Carolina, Senator from Nevada, Congressman from New Orleans, Governor from Illinois, the list is quite extensive and growing longer each year. That’s why founders like Abraham Baldwin, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock and others would not be considered in 2012 for higher office by either party.

A reputation for honesty, integrity, constitutional adherence, respect for the law, deep commitment to the voters, love for the nation, wife and family, often seem to be overlooked and we foolishly elect a “leader” like John Edwards. John Edwards, a lawyer who was elected to the U.S. Senate, chosen as a Vice Presidential running mate for John Kerry, living a secret life filled with schemes and intrigue, what a disaster.

Is your elected official representing you by keeping his oaths, representing your views and upholding integrity and honesty in his life? If not, the next time you are looking for a candidate you might want to discount experience which has been imaged, and place integrity at the top of your list.