Here is a thought for a stimulus ...

[cosmicone]

A. Eliminate FICA deductions for individuals and companies for a year and instead, have the government contribute the money. This will improve disposable incomes by 7% for individuals and increase cash flow of employers. Both will result in increased spending and a lower default rate on debt. The government will get its money back by taking it out of the SS payments when the employee retires.

B. Give a bailout loan to each unemployed person in monthly installments via the SBA. Make this loan non-dischargeable in bankruptcy and after 1 year it will be paid off at treasury rates instead of commercial rates. The unemployed don't HAVE to take it but it will be there as a safety-net.

These measures will work faster than any infrastructure program in restoring consumer confidence and increasing spending and are a far better alternative to spend the money on wall street bonuses and pork.

[liberal N proud]

1. Passing the buck down the line

"The government will get its money back by taking it out of the SS payments when the employee retires." That says that I would be subject to an additional tax on my already reduced income at retirement.

[cosmicone]

2. Yes ... but you'll just be paying back the FICA rebate you received

at the front end!! Nothing more

[liberal N proud]

4. Which I am supposed to spend now to stimulate the economy

Leaving me with useless shit and less money to live on in retirement.

[Winterblues]

3. I know why not just let you "invest" your FICA funds however you wish?

:crazy:That money has to go to pay current day Social Security and Medicare needs. Obama does have a $500.individual deduction applied to FICA costs though, which should help offset some costs.

[terisan]

5. I agree. We should be, amap, directing funds to people who need it now and those fearful

of spending, making changes because they have no safety net.