“The most productive way is for each of us to be responsible and care-for (not necessarily financially, though chipping-in would not hurt) for our own first-degree relatives - parents, siblings, children. It would be great, if we could help (not financially) with second-degree relatives.
If each of us did this, it would solve the problem. Govt could easily take care of those who fall between the (social) cracks and need a safety-net.
The problem we have, is every one of us, wants the govt to do everything for us or our relatives. Thus we absolve ourselevs of the responsibility of serving and caring those dependant on us; while reserving the right to complain about it not done properly and in a timely manner; and that the cost of service or taxes are too high.
As far as retirement income, in order of priority, the responsibility should be:
1. Our own savings for retirement.
2. Our children
3. Social Security.”
“Good thinking. Now, pair this with corporatists who want to take your savings money and social security and gamble with it? How secure are you, knowing that your bank can use the money you save in it to make junk bond calls?
This is an interconnected world, and the majority of the control is not in our hands. We have to use something else for the transaction.”
“Here's a mistake Americans make, irrespective of political affiliations. When it comes to their personal difficulties, govt is the answer; despite their opinion that "others abuse" the system.
Yet. govt. despite resources, can't do for us what first degree relative can / should. Families have done the right thing in the past, with less education, skill and support system. Those who don't care, demand someone else do it right; or we complain or sue.
We don't have anecdotal problems; we have major dilemma. 90% of seniors want to die in the comfort and security of their home. Only 20% do (+/- hospice). About 30% die in hospitals and 50% in nursing homes wearing hand-me-do wn gown! In the process, third of the healthcare budget - about 700 Billion dollars is consumed.
Why?
Children avoid the burden and inconvenience of end-of-life care and seniors don't want to be a burden. It also cost nothing for them to say, "Go to the nursing home." If, we made children pay for that care (last month of life), there will be a different perspective and dynamics from patient and relatives.
Family is the basic unit of society. Unintentionally, govt. programs have undermined 'family unit'. Perhaps we've moved too far from family unit. In which case, "support systems" helped this happen; and exploited the victim and not prevented or helped the victim. Over decades we have used a lot of band-aids to deny and cover underlying festering problems and social issues.”
“The 20th century 'industrial age' produced value-added goods and services. This improved the efficiency and productivity of 19th century economy which created wealth by taking the fruits of the Industrial Revolution to new highs in agriculture and manufacturing from raw commodities - iron, coal. Aluminum etc, etc.
The 21st century 'information age' is merely circulating the wealth without creating any new wealth. With computers that 'circulation of information' it is doing so faster. But its not doing so in any efficient and productive manner.
The whole accounting system had not added one iota of creative efficiency as per the economic guru himself - Paul Volker. One can claim that the "creative financing" and the "legal burden" on American economy is crushing any real productivity gains.
Medical advances in late 20th century permits people to live longer (although most of that is from disease prevention) without giving people the capacity of be more productive. Replacing hips and knees makes grandparents functional; but does not significantly improve their economic output.
Yet computers and robots of the late 20th and 21st century has made things so efficient, it has eliminated the need for workers.”
“RIGHT! I read "End of Work" by Jeremy Rifkin. You just summarized a lot of what he said. If you haven't heard of it, it's a good book. He wrote the first edition in the 90s, second edition in 2002, so 90% of Americans are just now learning something the other 10% has known for about 15 years already.”
“Economists have not told us why today's America needs a two-income family. Despite what many write, need for two-incomes in a family are priorities and life-style. If we solved this issue - or rather made it easier (tax incentives if needed) to survive on a one-income family, we would:
1. Solve the unemployment crises.
2. Solve the education dilemma with a high (50%) school drop-out rate (and 70% in big cities).
3. Shrink the healthcare crises caused by lack of illness-prevention and end-of-life care; costing 50% of all healthcare costs; which is 2 trillion dollars.
4. Reduce the cost of managing chronic illness and nursing home which accounts for 75% of healthcare costs and 70% of deaths.
5. Reduce the 50% divorce rate.
6. Reduce the high incidence of depression in adults and children.
7. Reduce the high incidence of stress and stress-related disorders.
8. Decrease the consumption of junk, fast-foods, prepared foods and alcohol.
9. Rediscover the value of family, (near and extended), neighborhood and society.
10. Rediscover the importance of cultural values and ties.
Any one of the above should give us pause to realize what we are doing to ourselves; and how history will judge and evaluate present civilization. Yet long before history judges us, our children and grandchildren will judge us by the type of America we leave them; including the massive debt.
Single earner may be the woman who commonly is the higher earner.”
“Could you do that without Wage and Price Freezes......And Rent Control?......I'm Asking!.....Prices for Basics would have to be Lowered considerably!”
“I do think our current social economic needs are bad for society as a whole. The two earner family especially for those on the low end of the economic food chain, is quite difficult to sustain and causes many issues in the family unit.
“Being progressive is to face reality and think out of the box for solutions. What is being suggested again and again is blaming others (President , Republicans, rich, Chinese, etc); and govt. being the solution. And there is some truth to all these.
Yet some solutions are staring us in the face if we have the courage to learn from our own past and from others including other countries.
Many married siblings are moving-in with parents and some share meals regularly as joint family system. This could be a great help to single parents. Support and help is both-ways with love in ones heart. The 60-yr old are called 'sandwich generation'. Looking at the social results of how our young and old are faring, the sandwich generation could do a lot of good to themselves and society without a 9-5 job.
I am much in favor of Medicare for 55+ as providing flexibility to the sandwich generation.
For others belt-tightening will save us from ourselves. By preventing us doing things that are not good for us like over-eating, over-drinking and over-entertained. Like Pavlovian dogs we are conditioned to buy whatever is advertised; including the times we cannot afford them.
Most jobs have disappeared because of computer and information technology making many many mid-level managers redundant. Blue-collar jobs disappeared due to robotics in the assembly line.
Most Progressives are against DREAM ACT. Yet, 20 million could boost demand without govt. stimulus.”
“I'm a big believer in family togetherness, but when it comes about because we can't afford to live separately, we're in big, big trouble. A few years ago I had a house for sale. We had several families come look at it who were intending to live in it with three and sometimes four generations in the same house. One family planned to make the library a bedroom for the grandmother, the grandfather would live in the basement, & the mother, her daughter, and granddaughter would live on the second floor. Four generations living together out of necessity. And they had all worked most of their lives.
That's crazy and it's a horrible turn of events for this country.”
“Thanks Prof Reich for informing us that economy is down because of LOW DEMAND in the US. Jobs are created (not shipped) overseas because of their genuine need for goods and services. Unlike here, there's no distorted demand by "easy credit, hype, etc." which creates artificial bubbles; along with boom and bust cycles.
With 10% unemployment and possibly 20% under-employment, the math suggest 70% of Americans who want to work have an acceptable job.
Major problem for these 70% workers, (vast majority of voters) is their paycheck is sliced 35% right in their pay-stub. Include other taxes (property, sales and gas) and tax totals 50%. Working Americans see unfairness of the system every two weeks. Many experience abuses and inefficiencies of private and public system right at their place of work.
To Progressives and Liberals, increasing govt. spending and taxes is no solution. We tried that since President Johnson; with both Democrats and Republicans at federal and states govt.
Social spending was good seed money to bring change; but now it's a ballooning burden. So we have a huge oak tree that keeps growing at a rapid rate and starting more oak trees. Most social spending, including foreign aid, is in big part corporate subsidy.
I enjoy Ed Schultz and Rachael Madow (my favorites). Yet, they loose me, when I hear them state, "govt. needs to spend more" on this program or that. Judging from last election, most Independent voters, moderate Democrats and Republicans feel the same.”
“For those bloggers bemoaning about adult children or two related families living in a home, there is a saying, "When there is love in ones heart, there is room in ones home."
Yet we do not have to be so alturistic. Most home-owners in Queens, NY rent out a room or the basement to strangers (with references) and make an added income. They usually share the same kitchen and bath.”
“With 10% unemployment rate and possibly 20% under-employment rate, math suggest 70% of Americans who want to work have an acceptable job.
Major problem for these 70% workers, (vast majority of voters) is their paycheck is sliced 30%-40% right in their pay-stub. Thus, all working Americans see the unfairness of the current system every two weeks. Likely many see abuses and inefficiencies of private and public system right at their own place of work.
To Progressives and Liberals, increasing govt. spending and taxes is not the solution. We tried it since President Lyndon Johnson; with both Democrats and Republicans at federal and states govt.
Social spending was good seed money to bring change; but now it's a ballooning burden. We have a huge oak tree that keeps growing at a rapid rate and starting more oak trees. Most social spending, including foreign aid, is in big part corporate subsidy.
I enjoy Ed Schultz and Rachael Madow (my favorites). Yet, they loose me, as soon as I hear them state, "govt. needs to spend more" on this program or that. Judging from last election, most Independent voters and moderate Democrats and Republicans feel the same.
Govt needs to cut wasteful spending including a third of defense budget. Cutting spending is cutting jobs. What are the unemployed going to do?
Yet there are lot of social issues caused due to lack of social support; including 50% school drop-out, and spending 700 Billion dollars for end-of-life care.”
“Most political disagreements, after much posturing in public, are resolved behind doors with lobbyists. Disagreements in the past were dragged-on; and used for fund-raising from those affected.
Politicians for decades played us as patsies, promising everybody; and running a massive budget deficit in the process. We were patsies; with all sides having "their take" over- and under-the-table.
After spending massive amounts on same social issues and not solving them; the "Left" has to stop raising govt expenditures on same programs addressing same old issues. There are other innovative ways that addresses those problems. We need wisdom to learn from our own past or from other countries if necessary; and courage to bust established entrenched groups. Much of social welfare, including foreign aid, are US corporate subsidies.
The "Right" has to realize military-might does not make us secure and at peace with ourselves. This includes fencing-ourselves and the massive internal security system. President Eisenhower alerted us to the Political-Military-Industrial complex. Things have only gotten worse since that warning.
Best humanity can sometimes do is cope and contain social issues without solving problems. With massive expenditures we're buying lots of band-aids, while underlying disease process gets worse.
Current Left-Right disagreements are symptoms not solutions. Leaders on both-sides need to spread the message to their own interest-groups, "the gravy-train ends for ALL".
Americans see 40% of pay disappear in their pay-stub. Add property, sales, gas tax, and its 50%.”
“Options for 60+ generation facing family, economic and healthcare challenges.
This is the 'sandwich generation'; with responsibilities of caring for their aging parents or their siblings (80+); and children (30+) and grandchildren. Those who don't have the 80+ to care, likely have more grandchildren to worry.
Yet hope is not lost for THOSE willing to sacrifice (with love); GIVE AND TAKE. Those unwilling to sacrifice should not be rewarded for their "poor choices".
In my town, I see 'sandwich generation ' physically moving with one or other, whom they have to care for. Thus all significantly reduce cost of two roofs; using their resources and savings (one home) to provide for supportive and caring family(ies).
There's one situation that I delight to monitor as a role model. This is a widowed grandmother 60+ who "cares for" her two-earner son's family and children. She also has "adopted" (mutual) an unrelated 80+ old couple. Here's a "trans-generational family", where everyone gains. They have three roofs. This multi-skilled 'unit' has weathered many storms - major repeat surgeries, cancer, death. Others such units also manage well, instead of moaning their situation and expecting a handout or services from govt.
We should highlight such models for America's future. Sociologists, economists and progressives should encourage media and government about such options; which brings people / America together; instead of pitting one generation against another; in a scramble for diminishing financial resources.
Govt could help the 60+, with Medicare eligibility for 55+.”
“Solve the housing crises by increasing the demand for homes in win-win scenarios.
Increase the demand for the low-end housing market ($ 100,000+ homes) by solving the undocumented worker issue and permitting them to come out of the shadow. They (20 million) would BUY homes, furniture, cars, dishwasher, washers and dryers, etc..
Increase the demand for the mid-range housing market ($ 250,000+), by permitting foreign physicians (50,000) to immigrate to America and meet the need of the current doctor shortage.
In addition, each physician on average creates employment of five to six individuals - Nurse Practitioners / PA, nurses, secretaries billing staff, transcriptions. These jobs are scattered throughout the country, including inner cites and rural areas.
Many Americans are against immigration as an emotional and intellectual response to our current economic difficulties. Yet most studies show immigrants strongly contribute to the economy. Immigrants and their immediate offspring are and have been a great source of innovation and economic engine to spur the economy.
Being against immigration or legalizing the undocumented is to 'cut our nose to spite our face'.”
“can't bring in that many doctors and assimilate them to credential their qualifications up to our standards fast enough to "fix the economy" unless you want to be the first patient for a doctor coming from a school in some banana Republic!? would you? and besides, if that were to happen, you'd have greedy developers already start chopping trees to make subdivisions and luxury houses to attract these doctors. it is a mystery to me how construction is still taking place in a substantial manner in many areas of this country. I don't care what statistics say, I see that in my daily commute. we need a moratorium on building first and to focus on divesting money from military industrial complex that our gov MOSTLY buys to actual manufacturing whether high tech or industrial or whatever...can't spend, shop or immigrate your way out of this mess! oh and without closing tax offshore loopholes for corporations, forget it!”
“Agree with sj4achange, good synthesis of ideas. In this time of depreciated and diminished resources, a strategic approach gets more "bang for the buck" by addressing multiple issues with those dwindled resources.
We got a surplus of houses and a shortage of doctors. Why not give housing (or discount the costs) to physicians who relocated to the U.S. or commit to underserved communities for a predetermined period. And same housing could provide subsided, actual facilities to medical practitioners, offsetting expenses and allowing perhaps lower fees to be charged?
Regarding, the migrant workers, yes housing/real estate/rentals take a hit if these people are all ejected. And so does the used vehicle market. And the resale value of used vehicles. And the resale value of new vehicles. And big box discount retail sales. Oh well.”
“Problem is there aren't any $100kplus homes in many parts of the country. Arizona maybe, but not California.
I like the bit about the doctors though.”
“Your ideas sound reasonable, there is only one thing missing: we need to create new jobs. Sick people without insurance will not add to the economy, they only add to unpaid hospital bills. It seems nobody wants to understand this and we were focusing so much energy on fixing this problem this year, no change for better for most of the people who hopped for change.”
“Every American should read this.
These catch-phrases along with "American exceptionalism" always attracts a big applause; if not a standing ovation and kudos like "innovative thinking."
“We can EASILY lower healthcare costs by 25%. But will savings be passed to employers, those paying their own insurance, and Medicare???
This 25% reduction is not much. Our economically competing Western countries insure ALL and manage healthcare at 1/3 to 1/2 LESS costs per individual than we do.
As new governors take the helm at state capitals, there is where our attention, letter-writing and lobbying should be directed. The state health and insurance commissioners should be held accountable, albeit these are political appointments.
Concentrated efforts should also be in the Northeast states where healthcare costs are significantly higher (by a factor of 2 looking at "per medicare enrolee" data) compared to mid-west and southern states.
Financially incentivizing individuals to be "savvy consumers of healthcare" will be the single biggest stimulus to the economy; while creating a more healthy individual, environment and society.
Recent studies looking at healthcare cost in McAllen, Texas; which was highlighted in Dr. Gawande's study and comparison to El Paso, Texas (similar size and demographic populations) showed most of the over-utilization (and poor cost-monitoring) of healthcare resources was in medicare and not in private insurance patients.
Hopefully now with computerization of medical records and central reporting (PQRI), the 'best practice patterns' can be monitored more effectively; with prompt feed-back to all healthcare providers. Studies undertaken by CER (comparative effectiveness research) which compares different treaamnt will standardize practice patterns for all diseaes.
Healthcare cost is a major drag to the economy. With employer-based insurance, cost is a direct add-on to productivity of companies. Many, including trade-unions, have pointed out healthcare reform is a key to bring back economic prosperity.
Healthcare is and will be a major cause for federal, state and county budget deficits, and personal bankruptcies.
Here is a link to healthcare's current issues and a comprehensive look at solutions. Part of this have been presented on this site. This link provides the "Rewards and Disincentives" to ALL stakeholders.
http://www .huffingto npost.com/ stanton-pe ele/why-do -health-ca re-costs-_ b_797807.h tml
Please do not overlook comments.
Healthcare can be a major job-creator of needed and useful jobs, that cannot be exported. Besides employing those with medical skills, healthcare today is a major niche for those with computer and IT skills.
We have know-how and technology to implement changes. We lack leaders in Washington and state capitals to push for changes despite foot-dragging and finger-pointing.
Rather than beat-up on WH, its time WE (business groups, trade unions and economists) turn attention and target regions (governors, state health and insurance commissioners) to implement healthcare reform.
Savings (already being realized) from healthcare reform (with "Medical Home" and "Accountable Care Organization") must pass to employers and insured. Time is of the essence to the unemployed, those needing healthcare, and the over-all prosperity of the economy.”
“Our small city in upstate NY used to one such city. It had (and still has) a declining population and a decimated inner city after local industries started moving south. The population was / is aging.
More than a decade ago, the city fathers made this city an entry point for immigrants to USA. Most of the immigrants were displaced by wars, famines, etc.
Now Bosnians form 10% of the population and have revitalized and rebuilt much of the run-down neighborhoods. Their children who are now graduated from local institutions work in other skilled occupations like in healthcare etc.
Some Americans' stand against immigrants is "cut ones nose to spite ones face"”
“Isn't this called "creative financing"?
For these ideas, we gave these 'thoughtful' accountants tons of cash.
If they were more creative like Fastow of Enron, they'd make a cool million for every transaction.”
“Many HP bloggers are forever bemoaning "rich folks" who are doing well in this economy.
Likely they should read this post.
The probability: the sqeeze is all over the economic spectrum.
And we all need to tighten our belts.
This may be good, as we over-consume - food, drinks, entertainment, high-tech gadgets.”
“Healthcare cost is a major drag to the economy. With employer-based insurance, cost is a direct add-on to the productivity of companies. Many, including trade-unions, have pointed out healthcare reform is a key to bring back prosperity.
Healthcare is and will be a major cause for federal, state and county budget deficits and personal bankruptcies.
Here is a link to healthcare's current issues and a comprehensive look at solutions
http://www .huffingto npost.com/ stanton-pe ele/why-do -health-ca re-costs-_ b_797807.h tml
Please do not overlook comments.
Healthcare can be a major job-creator of needed and useful jobs, that cannot be exported. Besides employing those with medical skills, healthcare today is a major niche for those with computer and IT skills.
We have the know-how and technology to implement these changes. We are likely lacking leaders in the healthcare field (Washington DC and state capitals) to aggressively push for the changes despite the foot-dragging.
So rather than beat-up on WH, its time we (local and regional business groups, trade unions and economists) turn attention, and target regions (governors, state health and insurance commissioners) to implement healthcare reform.
Savings (already being realized) from healthcare reform (with "Medical Home" and "Accountable Care Organization") must be passed on to employers and insured. Time is of the essence to the unemployed, those needing healthcare, and the over-all prosperity of the economy.”
“In a good (not even perfect) world, corps. could self insure. REALLY!, and include good preventative programs, and yes, "bonuses" for losing weight, quitting smoking, exercising, etc.”
“It is sad to see many (me included) loose a significant portion of retirement fund in the 2000 crash; which has still not recovered despite some intermittent stock market rallies. So the 65+ in financial straits should be honest to inform the children about their difficulties.
Instead of yuppie kids blowing $200 dollars on taking parents out to eat, along with expensive bottle of wine or a sporting event; all would be ahead with more pleasant memories if these children showed their generosity and concern with a check.
Individuals do not have to be bashful about these transitions. Wedding-gifts long gave way to registry gifts (which could be exchanged) to now a gift-card or a check.
Similarly mothers may much prefer a check instead of a Mother's Day 'flower arrangement'. And the same could be said of Christmas gifts.
It "beats me" when children visit their parents and stay in a hotel in town. In fact to my thinking, children staying with their parents (even cramped accommodation) could bring families together with the savings going towards some needed expenses.
Children and grandchildren vacationing at their grandparents home would be a great cost-savings to all concerned in addition to spending quality time together and developing some cherishing memories.
Progressive bloggers bemoaning govt failure / inability to take care of seniors should instead emphasize their own responsibility to care for their own parents, siblings and children. That would make America much better place.”
“Options for 60+ generation facing family, economic and healthcare challenges.
This is the 'sandwich generation '; with responsibilities of caring for their aging parents or their siblings (80+); and children (30+) and grandchildren. Those who don't have the 80+ to care, likely have more grandchildren to worry.
Yet hope is not lost for THOSE willing to sacrifice (with love); GIVE AND TAKE. Those unwilling to sacrifice should not be rewarded for their "poor choices".
In my town, I see 'sandwich generation ' physically moving with one or other, whom they have to care for. Thus all significantly reduce cost of two roofs; using their resources and savings (one home) to provide for supportive and caring family(ies).
There's one situation that I delight to monitor as a role model. This is a widowed grandmother 60+ who "cares for" her two-earner son's family and children. She also has "adopted" (mutual) an unrelated 80+ old couple. Here's a "trans-generational family", where everyone gains. They have three roofs. This multi-skilled 'unit' has weathered many storms - major repeat surgeries, cancer, death. Others such units also manage well, instead of moaning their situation and expecting a handout or services from govt.
We should highlight such models for America's future. Sociologists, economists and progressives should encourage the media and govt about such options; which brings people / America together; instead of pitting one generation against another; in a scramble for diminishing financial resources.
Yet, govt could help with Medicare eligibility for 55+.”
“Healthcare costs are being brought down by "the buzz" during debate on healthcare reform. Buzz exposed waste, over-use and exploitation within the system by all stakeholders. These stakeholders are the public, patients, doctors, hospitals, insurance carriers, big pharma, etc.
Example: Its my understanding that unnecessary ER visits are down.
"Medical Home" and "Accountable Care Organizations" sprouting across the country are producing encouraging cost-savings and quality improvement results.
Yet, are these savings being passed-on to employers and those purchasing insurance; thus helping the economy? Or are savings growing the year-end bonus of top management at Insurance companies and other healthcare providers?
We can EASILY bring down healthcare costs by 25%. This reduction is not much. Our economically competing Western countries insure ALL and manage healthcare at 60% to 100% LESS costs per individual than we do.
Except for Medicare and VA which are federal programs, all others are at the state level; under the jurisdiction of politically appointed Health and Insurance commissioners. As new governors take the helm at the state capitals, there is where our attention, letter-writing and lobbying should be directed.
Concentrated efforts should also be in the East coast states where healthcare costs are significantly higher by a factor of 2 (looking at "per medicare enrolee" data) compared to mid-west and southern states.
Directly (financially) incentivizing individuals to be savvy consumers of healthcare will be the single biggest stimulus to the economy; while creating a more healthy individual , environmentt and society.”
“ER's should be off limits to anything but emergencies, and that would help.
Yes, write to your state officials, but don't forget your Fed. Senator and member of congress.
Costs in the East are higher across the board on every thing. This is an expensive part of the country..
Those countries that you mention cover all of their citizens at half our costs, while providing better health care. That would mean going to a REAL National health program, such as IMPROVED MEDICARE FOR ALL.
“Healthcare costs are being brought down by "the buzz" created during debate on healthcare reform. The buzz exposed the waste, over-use and the exploitati on within the system.
Example: Its my understand ing that ER visits are down. "Medical Home" and "Accountable Care Organizations" are sprouting across the country and producing encouraging cost-savings and quality improvement results.
The issue is: Are these savings being passed-on to employers and those purchasing insurance; thus helping the economy? Or are savings merely going to grow the year-end bonus of top management at Insurance companies and other healthcare providers?
We can EASILY bring down healthcare costs by 25%. This reduction is not much. Our economically competing Western countries insure ALL and manage healthcare at 60% to 100% LESS costs per individual than we do.
As new governors take the helm at the state capitals, there is where our attention, letter-writing and lobbying should be directed.
Concentrat ed efforts should also be in the East coast states where healthcare costs are significantly higher by a factor of 2 (looking at "per medicare enrolee" data) compared to mid-west and southern states.
Financially incentivizing individuals to be savvy consumers of healthcare will be the single biggest stimulus to the economy; while creating a more healthy individual , environment and society.”
“It is a pity this article did not elaborate on the practical experience of Romney Healthcare in MA.
Did it reduce healthcare cost?
Did it reduce unnecessary visits to the ER?
Did it reduce over-treatment, under-treatment, inappropriate treatment?
Did the plan bring the premiums down?
Such answers are important as Massachusetts along with the states in Northeast are considered high-cost states compared to the Midwest and Southern states (Medicare data).
Healthcare costs (being paid by employer based insurance) is tagged on to the cost of goods and services provided by the employers in the state.”
“This may be a silly suggestion; but may be part of the solution to unemployment.
Government should provide tax incentives to encourage single working parent per family. Those who find the suggestion stupid, may not take advantage of the tax incentive. There are benefits to individual families, society and government with only one working parent; with the other helping with their child education, home-care for sick and indigent relative etc, reducing the public burden.
Where's the cost of this proposal?
Tax-breaks for single-income families will cost Treasury; but will create job openings and save:
Not to mention, the plan provides many individuals and families a better quality of life. Liberals and Conservatives will love an America that's not fast-paced and addicted to consumerism.
Between treating preventable illness and end-of-life care we spend one trillion/ year, which is added on to cost of American goods and services.
Only booming industries in the last few decades have been: Shopping malls, golf courses, casinos and prisons. Security jobs (govt. and private sector) have grown by leaps and bounds. While these have created employment, they have not led to productivity; which used to be America's key to competitiveness, success and world domination.
If readers think the proposals make sense, please feel free to get the information to newspaper editorials and elected representatives of both parties. It is only grass-root ideas that can get the country moving; without exacerbating our massive debt.”
“It is nice to see a thoughtful post with all the snarking going on here (I am guilty of it too). However, we tried this once. After WWII when the GIs came back the government needed to find work for them. The solution was to force all of the women who took on manufacturing jobs out to make room for the men. This is the origin of the fantasy that women stayed at home and took care of the children. Statistically this was not true until the 50s. The danger with this idea is that the people like Mike Pence and his followers (just read some of the comments here) would immediately think that women should give up their jobs in favor of men. It would set women back 100 years.”