The Stimulus Spending Alternative: 4 Tax Cut Options

Reader Comments
Back to blog

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Sharon
http//www.autoloans101.info

Sharon of AR 10:30PM January 02, 2009

why not give the 750 billion back to the tax payers who could pay off credit cards and loans. the banks then would have more money to loan out. the 750 would help taxpayers and the banks.
I know this is just a dream but Washington needs to think outside the box and try and help the taxpayers. I guess they would just rather bite the hand that feeds them.

Bill Hankins of VA 8:52PM December 13, 2008

Tom Hanna,
Interesting idea, yours. I wonder, however, about unintended consequences. For example, would your plan encourage investors to sell assets and then re-invest the proceeds under the tax-free unbrella? What sort of distortions would that create, if any?
I continue to be amazed (I shouldn't be) by the creativity shown by the free-market oriented folks as they seek at solutions for our economic ills, as compared to the simpleminded offerings from the government activists.
The difference, i think boils down to this: one side is dealing in economics, while the other is not, preferring instead to offer ideas that satisfy political desires.

Dean of MN 1:24PM December 09, 2008

Cutting taxes makes the government money, so totally eliminating all taxes would certainly make the government so much money the government could take care of all of us and we would not have to worry about losing jobs?
And I also have a great bridge in Brooklyn I'l like to sell you.

HillbillyBill of TN 6:46AM December 09, 2008

Exempt any new investments in US companies made from 2009 to 2012 from any capital gains or dividend taxes permanently. Since cap gains taxes are collected at time of sale, it would have little effect on current revenues but would be a powerful stimulus to long run growth.

Tom Hanna of MO 5:26AM December 09, 2008