Economic
stimulus by way of Comedy Central
This is a copy of an e-mail I sent to
my congresspeeps. Enjoy!
Sen. Dorgan, D-N.D. –
Wow, do I understand how obvious it’s
going to be in about a minute that I’m no economist, and I can really see this
getting swept into the round file, but I wanted to go on record, as a
constituent, as endorsing the idea floated by ... yes, I know how this is going
to sound ... comedian Jon Stewart, in last night’s interview with Gwen Ifill on
“The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” on Comedy Central.
Basically, his approach to the economic
crisis was as follows: Instead of giving money to banks, give it to ordinary
citizens, specifically for the purpose of paying down our consumer credit.
I’ve thought for a long time that our
economic instability drew in some measure from practically everyone trading
consumer credit – which shakes out to promises, air and sunshine – for goods
and services, and then suffering under endless and near usurious monthly
payments, or defaulting on the overextension and the ensuing ripple effect.
Maybe it’s completely impractical – after
all, from what I understand, the economic stimulus dollars are themselves
basically credit drawn on the U.S. Treasury – but honestly, it’s an idea I’ve
kicked around myself for awhile – especially since my own credit card lenders
have started hiking APR finance charges and changing rules. Mr. Stewart simply
articulated it better and more simply – maybe too simply, but it stands – than
I’ve heard it anywhere else. And honestly, it’s not the worst approach you’ve
had in front of you.
I’m cc’ing Sen. Conrad and Rep. Pomeroy
as well, and I wish you guys all the best in coming up with some kind of brave,
thoughtful, and effective solution to this national crisis. Thank you for your
kind consideration.