Sweet Jumping Jesus on a pogo stick!! What the fuck is wrong with the Democrats? Yeah, I know -- we don't have that kind of time.
Look -- there are two simple things that a jobs bill should do: make direct grants to the states specifically earmarked to preventing layoffs of state employees and have the feds hire people directly for New Deal-like programs. I would particularly recommend programs aimed at youth unemployment, which in places like DC is hitting astronomical levels, and get something ramped up by summer time.
Tax credits are a slow and ineffective way to generate jobs. I would think this would be obvious to everyone.
This country was once defined by its can-do pragmatism and our ability to handle massive tasks with aplomb, whether it be the building of the transcontinental railroad (authorized by Congress in the midst of the Civil War) or the Panama Canal, the massive public works under the New Deal, the extraordinary war time production during World War II, the construction of the interstate highway system, or the Apollo program. After thirty years of right wing ideological dominance, we seem chronically unable to think big and get things done. Obama needs to try to change this mind-set.
Really, this shit isn't that complicated. Put people to work. If one thing doesn't work, try another, but stop being passive. And yes, if the Republicans want to filibuster this, let them. But make sure that the public can understand in a simple sentence or two what is being obstructed.
(h/t Atrios.)
