Question: What do conservatives think about Barack Obama's plan for the economy?
Answer: Conservatives are divided about Barack Obama's plan for the economy, which essentially boils down to a huge stimulus package.
With $350 billion of the $700 billion banking bailout package already spent, more industries than ever are going to be lining up and asking for for more government handouts (Even the porn industry has asked for a $5 billion bailout recently. While humorous on the surface, this request also underscores the gravity of the problem). With a liberal Democrat at the helm, and a liberal Congress backing him, conservatives fear that the very liberal spending policies of the outgoing Bush administration will be compounded exponentially over the next four years. As more and more bailouts are requested, conservatives will undoubtedly be voicing their opposition and hoping the new president listens.
With a budget deficit already in the trillions thanks to Bush, Obama is pushing for a total package worth $825 billion, which over time could grow into as much as $1.3 trillion, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Such a spending plan would extend US financial burdens well into the future.
That said, conservatives accept the reality of the situation and know that a spending plan is necessary to turn around troubled markets and revive the job sector. At issue is the amount of the package, which conservatives believe must be within reason.
Despite the banking industry's wholesale screw-up of the bailout package, stricter oversight of money already spent isn't an option. You can't put the toothpaste back into the tube. However, working with the Obama administration, Congress can be sure to build regulations into the release of the remaining bailout funds, as well as the new spending package, to ensure the money is being spent wisely.
Once the terms of the stimulus plan is negotiated, conservatives should return to their small government advocacy, and lobby Obama to follow through on his vow to streamline government.
To his credit, Obama has vowed to cut down on government waste, but he he has not outlined what exactly he is looking to eliminate from the budget. Unless and until programs are cut and wasteful spending is reeled in, the government will continue to bloat, and a balanced budget will never be realized. Actually redlining the budget will be no easy task, considering how many worthy federal programs there are in existence. From a conservative perspective, overhauling the welfare system would be the best way to start eliminating waste and saving money.
Overall, conservatives are tentatively on board with many of Obama's plans, even though they will be holding their nose as the final number is approached. They know the next four years will be very long. If the president is unable to control future spending, however, and goes back on some of his promises to fiscal conservatives, it could be an even longer four years for conservatives.
FAQ Index to Conservatives & Barack Obama's Policies
With $350 billion of the $700 billion banking bailout package already spent, more industries than ever are going to be lining up and asking for for more government handouts (Even the porn industry has asked for a $5 billion bailout recently. While humorous on the surface, this request also underscores the gravity of the problem). With a liberal Democrat at the helm, and a liberal Congress backing him, conservatives fear that the very liberal spending policies of the outgoing Bush administration will be compounded exponentially over the next four years. As more and more bailouts are requested, conservatives will undoubtedly be voicing their opposition and hoping the new president listens.
With a budget deficit already in the trillions thanks to Bush, Obama is pushing for a total package worth $825 billion, which over time could grow into as much as $1.3 trillion, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Such a spending plan would extend US financial burdens well into the future.
That said, conservatives accept the reality of the situation and know that a spending plan is necessary to turn around troubled markets and revive the job sector. At issue is the amount of the package, which conservatives believe must be within reason.
Despite the banking industry's wholesale screw-up of the bailout package, stricter oversight of money already spent isn't an option. You can't put the toothpaste back into the tube. However, working with the Obama administration, Congress can be sure to build regulations into the release of the remaining bailout funds, as well as the new spending package, to ensure the money is being spent wisely.
Once the terms of the stimulus plan is negotiated, conservatives should return to their small government advocacy, and lobby Obama to follow through on his vow to streamline government.
To his credit, Obama has vowed to cut down on government waste, but he he has not outlined what exactly he is looking to eliminate from the budget. Unless and until programs are cut and wasteful spending is reeled in, the government will continue to bloat, and a balanced budget will never be realized. Actually redlining the budget will be no easy task, considering how many worthy federal programs there are in existence. From a conservative perspective, overhauling the welfare system would be the best way to start eliminating waste and saving money.
Overall, conservatives are tentatively on board with many of Obama's plans, even though they will be holding their nose as the final number is approached. They know the next four years will be very long. If the president is unable to control future spending, however, and goes back on some of his promises to fiscal conservatives, it could be an even longer four years for conservatives.
FAQ Index to Conservatives & Barack Obama's Policies
- Conservatives & Obama's Economic Initiatives
- Conservatives & Obama's Health Care Initiatives
- Conservatives & Obama's Immigration Initiatives
- Conservatives & Obama's Education Initiatives
- Conservatives & Obama's National Security Initiatives
