Short term economists, pols and those in the financial sector want to see the gravy train start moving again. They can afford to take actions that will stimulate consumption in the short term because the overall effect in the long term will be slight, no matter what they do. Just remember long term these days means six months, while short term ranges from days to the nano-seconds that it takes to lose $7 billion trading.

Long term, there needs to be a fundamental restructuring of the economy. But this is real long term (30-70 years). No one is willing to ask for change or sacrifice now to help those not even born yet. As Reagan said: "posterity doesn't vote".

The only real debate going on is will the stimulus package help those who will suffer the most, or not? The answer is always that handouts go to those who vote - that is the middle and higher classes. No pol will give more than a token help to those who are resented by his constituents. "You are taking my money and giving it to slackers."

Policies not Politics
---- Daily Landscape