Roblimo's Journal: 'Trickle-Up Economics' - a letter to my congressman

To: Rep. Vern Buchanan - 1 page; none to follow -
via fax: (202) ___ ____

From: Robin Miller
Bradenton FL 34207

Subject: Economic stimulus

Dear Congressman Buchanan:

I didn't like the pork-laden economic stimulus bill you voted against much more than you did. But I also dislike the idea of more tax cuts - or extending current ones - for our greediest citizens as the basis of an alternative stimulus bill.

I got laid off on Dec. 31, 2008. I get $275 per week in unemployment, and even this little bit is taxed at a higher rate than Paris Hilton's inheritance income. When I was earning over $100,000 a year, I didn't mind paying a stiff income tax rate, although it was sickening that you and the other getovers typically paid a lower percentage on your much larger (unearned) incomes. Now I feel I am being double-punished for the crime of sudden poverty. Isn't losing my house enough?

It's time for you and your fellow richies to give a little back to those of us who have paid for the stable government and capitalist system that helped you accumulate your wealth. I'm not advocating socialism, but temporary help to get back on our feet. I'd strongly suggest some serious infrastructure and science/tech/engineering research funding, because in addition to creating jobs, this kind of spending helps improve our country for generations to come. Remember all those parks our parents took us to when we were kids in the 50s and 60s? A lot of them were built by Roosevelt's WPA, and we were happily using them 30 years later. Sure, the WPA's main purpose was to create jobs, but it also did plenty to make America a better place to live. This is the best kind of economic stimulus.

Another note: when we working people have money coming in again, you and your crowd will make money from us that you don't get now, so by helping us you will be helping yourself in the long run.

Call this idea "trickle up economics." I know it's the opposite of the traditional Republican approach, but it just might work. Please give it a try.

Thanks for caring,

Robin 'Roblimo' Miller
Bradenton, FL

(also posted at www.roblimo.com)