We need manufacturing jobs, not social programs
Q:The overwhelming consensus among economists is that the economy needs another shot of short-term stimulus spending. But as the president and congressional leaders have discovered in trying to pass a new stimulus bill, voters want to start bringing the deficit down now. Is this one of those leadership moments when it is better to accommodate strong constituent beliefs rather than trying to convince them they are wrong?
The major shortcoming of previous stimulus efforts is the failure to empower and energize America's manufacturing base. Only with the recovery of our manufacturing base will the economy sort itself out and the deficit be reduced. Up until now, however, the stimulus effort has been misdirected to social programs that will only produce a culture of dependency and more debt. I am reminded of the quote "Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime".
The administration's stimulus handouts amount to very expensive feel-good fixes that quickly run out of steam. There is no staying power and we continue to spend money that we do not have. I believe that a better solution would be to create real manufacturing jobs in serious numbers. One is hard pressed to find any company in the manufacturing sector that has seen the first dollar of stimulus.
I believe in the America work ethic. Most Americans would much rather be part of a high-performing manufacturing team than be dependent on government social programs. There is no honor in receiving a handout when one is perfectly capable of working to support his or her family.
Sadly, our president and congressional leaders have it wrong and thankfully our system of government has a forcing mechanism--the voice of the people. I for one expect a loud and sustained constituent voice.
Gen. John Batiste (Ret.)
A retired U.S. Army Major General, John Batiste is president of Klein Steel Services, Inc, based in Rochester, New York.