Replies

The whole point of "trickle-down" is job creation and domestic growth, moron. Reagan was about creating jobs and growing the economy by increasing investment in the local economy. Something you don't believe in.

Sure I do. That's why I support companies being allowed to outsource. That way they will be around to hire Americans when the market has corrected. Under your plan, they wouldn't be around at all.

Ohhh, so this is about correcting the market? Perhaps if they invest some of the capital domestically the market won't need to "correct".

Consumers/investors would have more money if the multinationals would actually invest in America. If they provide a good product the capital will come right back to them in the form of investment and those who produce a crappy product will be out of business because the new mom and pop are kicking their ass. Kinda what capitalism is all about, better products at a lower price right? Or is this about billion dollar corporations keeping their capital so they can continue to invest overseas?

At the risk of being labeled an economic ninny by you I will share my "plan":

1. All free-trade agreements would be put on hold until the following conditions were met:

Social Security is privatized by allowing investment in equities specially marked for retirement.

All capital earmarked as part of a SS account must be invested domestically by the holding company or corporation which the equity belongs.

Companies that invest all equities domestically recieve a tax break equal to the investments percentage of company's gross business expenditures (excluding the investment itself).

Companies that use overseas labor must contribute the employers half of SS on behalf of the worker. The money would be earmarked in a SS equity account. The company would not be able to take advantage of the above tax incentive.

Tort reform, ie the target of litigation is entitled to the dollar amount being sought by the litigator. Caps on medical liability, etc.

2. Free-Trade resumes for countries that adhere to specific labor standards:

No child labor.

Minimum wage equal to the US minimum wage regardless of position (programmer or shoe lacer). This applies to work performed for a US company.

Basic safety minimums, maybe a limited set of reasonable guidelines from OSHA. Note I said reasonable.

3. Tax reform, ideally the NRST.

4. Regulation reform here in the US, elimination of unreasonable regulatory restrictions (see above - reasonable OSHA guidelines)

I believe what I've outlined would add a significant level of domestic investment to the economy and benefit business at the same time. Employment would rise do to the new influx of capital and would encourage business to invest further capital domestically. It would also continue the ponzi scheme of SS without screwing new entrants to the system.