While taxes have been getting a lot of play (John McCain has decided that the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy — which he opposed — should be made permanent), there is another proposal that hasn’t been getting as much press: Barack Obama’s idea to boost the infrastructure.

Could improving our infrastructure improve the economy?

In a rather practical burst of insight, Barack Obama points out that creating new jobs for people would help the economy. But what would be the point of new jobs that are just, in effect, busy work? What if *gasp* new jobs were created to benefit the country overall?

That is what Barack Obama is proposing. He thinks that our crumbling bridges, cracked roads, outdated communications channels and deteriorating power grid should be improved and upgraded. And who better to do it than those who need jobs? (Since, you know, the economy has been hemorrhaging them for months now.) The proposal would be paid for through taxes (since the Bush cuts for the wealthy would expire) and a reduction in overseas military spending.

Even Mark Zandi, the respected Moody’s economist and adviser to John McCain’s campaign thinks that Obama’s idea would be beneficial to the economy. He thinks that good effects for the economy would be seen within a year of starting the program.

What an idea! Use taxpayer dollars to improve the lives of taxpayers through better infrastructure, more jobs and an economic recovery from the current debacle.

Do you think Barack Obama is on the right track with this one?

image credit: Rich Niewiroski Jr.

Post from: EveryJoe

Barack Obama: Boost Our Infrastructure, Boost the Economy