General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Third Way, William Daley, and the Grand Bargain. [View all]hay rick
(7,612 posts)Here's mine.
1. Entitlement reform and tax increases. "Democrats must accept reconfiguring the budget so that, in relative terms, the amount of spending on health care and income supports is reduced compared to public investments."
Public investments need to be increased, but "entitlements" are not crowding out that spending. Try looking at bloated military spending, excessive and under-taxed corporate profits, the over-compensated and under-taxed 1%, and out-of-control costs imposed by health care providers and big pharma.
2. Become an export giant. "Democrats must accept that expanding U.S. exports comes primarily through aggressive new trade measures like the Trans Pacific Partnership."
What you said and amen- and thanks for the link. As I said elsewhere, if multinational corporations are people, TPP is their bill of rights.
3. Reform corporate taxes and business regulations. "Democrats must accept that a simpler tax code with a low corporate rate and a streamlined regulatory regime that helps businesses grow is good for America."
The complexity of our tax code is a legitimate issue. The nominal corporate tax rates may be too high, but the effective rates are too low. Corporate tax receipts as a share of total tax receipts have plunged with the proliferation of loopholes and credits.
4. Increase the productivity and educational attainment of the American workforce...
Anti-union screed...teachers are the problem...bullshit.
5. Become a global magnet for talent. "Democrats must accept that legislation must tilt future immigration flows into the country decidedly in the direction of skills and education." The vague language here suggests support for expanding HB1 visas.
The skills gap is another bogus right-wing meme. The real problem is the pay gap- employers don't want to pay a living wage to qualified Americans.
6. Improve infrastructure.
Duh.
7. Spur breakthrough innovation.
See 6.