NYT: What $1.2 Trillion could buy

[uberllama42]

For starters, $1.2 trillion would pay for an unprecedented public health campaign — a doubling of cancer research funding, treatment for every American whose diabetes or heart disease is now going unmanaged and a global immunization campaign to save millions of children’s lives.

Combined, the cost of running those programs for a decade wouldn’t use up even half our money pot. So we could then turn to poverty and education, starting with universal preschool for every 3- and 4-year-old child across the country. The city of New Orleans could also receive a huge increase in reconstruction funds.

The final big chunk of the money could go to national security. The recommendations of the 9/11 Commission that have not been put in place — better baggage and cargo screening, stronger measures against nuclear proliferation — could be enacted. Financing for the war in Afghanistan could be increased to beat back the Taliban’s recent gains, and a peacekeeping force could put a stop to the genocide in Darfur.

Full Analysis by David Leonhardt at http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/17/business/17leonhardt.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

[Tanuki]

1. k & r

Thanks for posting this!

[FourScore]

2. K&R n/t

[Zenlitened]

3. K&R. Wuz just about to post this myself. An astonishing amount of $$$, isn't it?

But hey... Katrina who?

Basic R&D for new energy alternatives that could transform our economy?

Schools? Roads and bridges? Public transportation people might actually enjoy using?

Nah.

:grr:

[Quantess]

4. No, I prefer to throw money in the toilet and flush.

Stop being so sensible, Mr. Leonhardt.

Kicked & Recommended. Thanks, uberllama42.