As Congress goes, so goes...jobs

Congress needs to quit messing around with the federal stimulus package, find some middle ground and get a jobs stimulus package passed. The nation needs an infusion of money to create jobs, and the federal government is the only entity left that can provide it — even if it means increasing the national debt.

The recession we are in is not showing any signs of letting up. Let’s  face it. The nation is teetering on the edge of a depression. A federal stimulus is our last shot at infusing some money for job creation into the economy.

Both sides are out of order — and out of touch. Democrats can worry about their social programs some other time. Republicans need to realize that tax cuts for people who have no jobs mean absolutely nothing.

Our nation needs a stimulus that will result in new jobs — through investment in infrastructure development and enhancement, school modernization, law enforcement and education. Forget new money for programs on STDs and family planning. Same goes for making the stimulus a financial boon to those who pay the most taxes. Tax cuts won’t get us out of this problem. Frankly, millions of people right now would love to be paying taxes, because that would mean they have jobs. Instead, they are relying on unemployment benefits and food baskets. They are not looking for trickle-down. Most people want to work. They don’t take pride in hand-outs.

President Obama has worked to bring the two factions together. Both sides have been slow to budge. Obama’s own plan focuses on job development and includes tax cuts and credits.

Congress needs to get moving. Democrats need to give up some of their social programs and Republicans need to relent on their demand for even more tax cuts. Obstinance is slowing the process. Every day more people are hurting. Every day the hole we must dig ourselves out of grows deeper.

Get on with it, Congress. Find some common ground and help get this economy moving again. Help put people back to work.