We learn this morning in the News and Record that federal stimulus money is saving some jobs in the Guilford County Schools system.
Let's celebrate! Strike up the band!
...Er, wait a minute:
Federal stimulus funding to high-poverty schools and special education will save more than 100 Guilford County teaching and administrative jobs.
The funding was considered in budget planning, and those positions are included in the 2009-10 budget.
Some of us were led to believe that stimulus spending was intended to "stimulate" the economy. I suppose, however, that we were silly if we believed that particular sales pitch.
While it is great that some local folks are getting to keep their jobs, the rest of the country is having to pay for it, directly or indirectly. By virtue of their remaining employed, they will have more money to spend and save and invest than if they had lost their jobs. That undoubtedly helps the economy to some extent in a very temporal way.
But we were led to believe there were going to be grand infrastructure investments and the construction of public facilities of enduring value. We were led to believe this would spur multiplicative economic benefits throughout the economy as materials are purchased, and as the services of various firms are retained to make it all happen. Instead, we are seeing a profligate federal government bailing out profligate local and state governments.
And in the long run, many are concerned we may end up having to pay for all the federal debt incurred in a very serious way.
Those jobs were obviously judged "shovel ready".
Imagine that!
Just think of the wondrous things the "new and improved" stimulus will bring us!
Posted by: Bubba | July 14, 2009 at 03:43 PM
Yep, Bubba, that "shovel-ready" term deceived so many people into believing what was going to be done with the money. It was great salesmanship. Unfortunately, the money was spent, but the goods were not delivered.
Posted by: Joe Guarino | July 14, 2009 at 03:57 PM
It is becoming quite clear that much of the stimulus is being used as a local and state bailout. This is tragic as it relieves those government entities of the need to actually reduce spending or to eliminate unproductive programs. It just buoys them for another year at the expense of the deficit. In the long run, every citizen of this country will pay for this folly.
Someday people will wake-up around this country and realize what harm has been done.
Posted by: Stormy | July 14, 2009 at 07:52 PM
I agree, Stormy. It is fascinating that the stimulus was not being advertised loudly to do this type of thing when it was being talked up during the transition, and in the early days of the administration.
Posted by: Joe Guarino | July 14, 2009 at 07:55 PM
Joe,
Nothing these people talk about turns-out like it was originally. Barack Obama has no problem turning on a dime on things. He acts totally differently than what he said before, and the media does not call him on it. They are enablers of his "crimes".
Posted by: Stormy | July 14, 2009 at 11:07 PM
Yes, I said crimes. Obama is committing crimes against the American people, and they keep approving of him and his popularity with them.
Posted by: Stormy | July 14, 2009 at 11:08 PM
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/07/thinly-veiled-threats-white-house-suggests-arizona-republicans-put-up-or-shut-up.html
Do not cross Barack Obama, or he will send his Chicago Thugs after you to shut you down. thinly-veiled-threats, indeed.
Posted by: Stormy | July 14, 2009 at 11:19 PM