Debt vs. economic growth: How can Washington balance the two?

We are locked into this perpetual Debt vs Growth cycle and it is not producing any solutions. Perhaps it is the time to focus on sustainability rather than steadily wasting finite resources in an endless pursuit of "growth".

raise fed. taxes, cut aid to states to force them to raise their own taxes. Bring all our troops back from Iraq, Afghanistan. Put the saved money into education, green energy, and infrastructure. Cut aid to oil companies and large agri companies. Legislate against sending jobs overseas. Tax breaks to companies who bring jobs BACK from overseas.

Legalize Marijuana. Problem solved.

Worry about debt later. We need economic growth now. It will eliminate most of the debt.

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The dichotomy seems to be we spend money to stimulate the economy, but when we spend money we drive up the national debt. And both sides argue about spending. This is a False paradigm.

The debate we should be having is why is money not issued debt free?

... don't focus on the debt ... it creates more! Bring back the Clinton era taxes ... focus on the real work of stimulating economies and the business of life.

debt v. growth in washington?
shoot and bury the stinkin lyin policy blocking republicans...

Cool discussion SG!

First, I believe that our nation, along with the rest of the world, needs to find a way to restructure our debt. The current situation is untenable, and real solutions need to be brought to the table. We restructured our national debt after World War II, and it allowed us to experience one of the biggest economic booms in our nation's history.

How that's to be done, though, is a matter for serious debate and discourse--not this Tea Party nonsense that's been thrown around as of late.

Second, we need to grow our economy--that's just too damned obvious. There are very practical ways to spur growth both in the short run and in the long run.

In the short run, I'd say that things like patent reform, genuine tax reform and student loan forgiveness would set a new climate for innovation and entrepreneurship. Ending bogus "free trade" agreements and slightly increasing tariffs could help bring some manufacturing jobs back to America as well.

Heck, legalizing marijuana could not only create jobs, but it would save government countless dollars by ending a failed policy of interdiction and incarceration. Let's give farmers another crop to grow--one that has way more uses than just medicine.

But we should also be thinking long term as well.

I say we do need a giant infrastructure overhaul. Our bridges, roads, levees, sewers, wastewater treatment plants, lakes, waterways and the like are in DESPERATE need of repair and remediation. I don't see having another WPA and CCC as being too far fetched at this juncture--people need jobs and dignity right now.

We're also in DESPERATE need of a sustainable energy policy. Whatever the federal government can do to foster a spirit of developing new and useful energy sources should not only be encouraged, but rewarded as well. Call it subsidies or tax incentives or basic grants--we need to get off of oil and coal. They're killing our long term viability.

Those are just a few of my suggestions, but I'm sure others have more to add. Hopefully, it will be a good weekend discussion.