AP: Senate GOP Tentatively Agrees on $1.5 Trillion Tax Cut

[Badger]

Still have not rejected voodoo Friedmanian voodoo economics.

Santander had it right the first time.

[Badger]

Maybe this $1.5 trillion could be spent on something useful? Like healthcare, education, etc?

Crazy idea, I know.

*Balancing the budget

One could do both for that amount of cash

[Badger]

Wut.  That's ridiculous.  Tax cuts shouldn't be coupled with expanding the debt, but to say they aren't designed to have a positive economic effect or that they literally don't do anything to improve Americans' economic well-being is insane.

Except that any tax cut championed by a Republican administration is absolutely, positively worthless in that regard. Sure, you might get a slightly better than average quarter or whatever after it goes into effect, but there is no structure for it to benefit the economy long-term. As long as Republicans are dead-set on giving >90% of any tax cut to those in the top 10%, it's nothing more than the fleecing of America with no actual benefit for people.

When is the last time some wealthy fool or businessowner said, "oh boy - I've got more money now: better create more jobs!". The answer: never. The only thing that creates more jobs and generates economic growth is consumer demand, which forces businessowners to expand or abdicate potential profit. Until/unless the GOP is willing to divert all of a tax cut to those in the bottom 1 or 2 quintiles of income, this is nothing more than a farce to repay campaign obligations and ratfyck those who their ideology dictates they should hate.

Best host of the month!