Is there room for FDR like Government programs in the recession of 2010?

[BlueIdaho]

Two of FDRs cornerstone government programs, the WPA and the CCC put Americans back to work, provided job training, built America's bridges, roads, community facilities, and injected money into many local economies. The WPA employed millions and concentrated on public infrastructure projects - although it also supported arts and cultural projects as well. The CCC concentrated on employing hundreds of thousands of young people, moving them from poverty stricken areas to work on projects tied to forest, farm, and field. Most of their earnings were sent home where they helped support their families and the local businesses where they spent their CCC money.

So, do you think there is room for voluntary government run programs like these in the recession of 2010?

[asdjrocky]

1. Noooooo.

But someone did have a beautiful vision of work camps.

The days of helping the poor and homeless in this country are long gone, if they were ever here at all.

[BlueIdaho]

3. Respectfully...

I'm trying to ask a serious question about the value of these programs in today's world. My question is not a gotcha question designed to spark simple knee jerk reactions. So, I'll try again. Is there room for government run programs like the WPA and the CCC in the recession of 2010?

Edit = typo.

[damntexdem]

5. There's lots of economic room, and the programs could be beneficial.

But there doesn't seem to be enough political room to do much of anything more.

[asdjrocky]

6. You ask if it's possible.

Of course it is. Is it needed? Obviously. Is our representatives or President even coming close to suggesting a program such as this? No way, they are too afraid of being called socialist by fox noise.

For your serious question, there is my serious answer.

The ptb have no stomach for helping the poor or homeless, and I wish they did.

[BlueIdaho]

11. Thank You

It would indeed probably take more courage than any elected official in the current congress or administration can muster. It's a pity, there is so much real need out there... Bridges, roads, school buildings all falling down. A much better use of money, in my opinion, than handing it to the fat cats and hoping it trickles down.

[kenny blankenship]

20. I would expect to see debtor's workhouses before another CCC

Democrats have to keep up a business-friendly profile!

[doc03]

2. It may have been possible 1 1/2 years ago, since then

the Republicans have pretty much discredited the Stimulus.

[NorthCarolina]

8. The Dems had their opportunity, but they blew it. We can all thank the DLC for that. n/t

[Whoa_Nelly]

4. Infrastructure need would seem to make this possible

Rebuilding/building new for failing/failed dams, levees and bridges could be a good start. These areas are in need all across the nation, and could provide much needed employment for many.

Hoover Dam was part of the WPA, and look how well it has held. And, with today's architectural engineering and those who could contract positively with the government, there could be more and better reconstruction/construction to benefit our infrastructure for decades to come.

[LostinVA]

7. Yes, there is room, and I believe they are desperately needed

And, also a good alternative to military service for many people, especially young people.

There is also a need for the COUNTRY to have such programs.

I doubt this current government would do it, though, although banks and airlines and the auto industry got bailouts.

[BlueIdaho]

12. Thanks!

So much real need, way too much focus on fat cats.want to restart an economy? Give people hope, jobs, respectable wages, and training for the 21st century. But what do I know...

[LostinVA]

17. And, the US's infrastructure is in horrible shape

[Radical Activist]

9. Many of those things are happening now, so yes.

One difference is that most public works projects are being done through unionized contractors. That raises the standard of living and ensures we aren't using cheap labor to undercut union workers.

[BlueIdaho]

13. That was also part of FDRs federal projects.

Instead of delivering an underpaid workforce to big business, unions were involved in Government programs to ensure training, pay, and work conditions met standards.

[Oregone]

10. No. We can't help people unless private industry can directly profit from it

Socialism is evil according to the Third Way.

[Starry Messenger]

14. There could have been and I believe, should have been.

The money used on the bailouts and in the war would have more than covered it for at least a year I think. It's what I was hoping would happen. They keep finding more damn money for these wars, there should be some for our people.

[earth mom]

15. Yes there is, but I think Obama wants people to "volunteer" and do it for free.

:thumbsdown:

[proteus_lives]

16. Yes.

If the government was willing to do the work, yes there is room.

[Donnachaidh]

18. it's hung up because they haven't figured out how to do it to benefit corporate sponsors

Once they figure out how to set up programs that will be paid for by voters, and then give the profits to corporations - we'll see it. Until then, the poor are on their own. :shrug:

[blindpig]

19. Apparently the Chamber of Commerce ain't scared enough...

to do anything that would cut into their profits. Therefore such programs are beyond consideration.

The business of America is Business, that's all ya really need understand. That's what need be changed.

[Stevepol]

21. Of course there's room and they would work, maybe the only thing that would.

Eventually, somethihng like that will have to be done. And the people would support it as well if the prez and his admin would just just go for it full speed ahead. Do away with the 60-vote nonsense or make the Repubs filibuster and see how they fare with the American people. Then, the only people that would be blamed would be the Repubs. LET THEM FILIBUSTER or get rid of the rule.

[femrap]

22. Our society is so different from

the 1930's. So many people were self-employed living on farms. Today, that's a tiny percentage.

Do you think college kids or even high-school grads would be willing to do hard labor like build a dam? Dig a huge lake? Build sewer systems? Live in tents w/ no TV or video games? This is what those jobs of the '30's were like. Unemployed people in the '30's would shovel snow. I can't find a kid willing to shovel snow for tax-free money.

Much of the work back then required human labor. Today much of it is mechanized.

I believe our gov't wants the young ones to enter the military....and they have. All of the quotas were filled and then some. That's the CCC/WPA of today....the military. Maybe TPTB have WW3 planned and that will take care of the employment problem like it did under FDR.

There are too many people chasing too few jobs. Corporations are sitting on lots of cash....probably waiting to buy other companies or their own stock back.

We don't make anything anymore. It's all made in China, Vietnam, Honduras, Indonesia, etc.

And now with States, cities, municipalities in debt, they can't hire people.

The empire is falling....

[BlueIdaho]

23. All compelling reasons for Federal Programs I think...

I have worked with young people every day of my professional life. I think they get a bad rap. Most of today's young people will surprise you if you give them a challenge, and a fair chance at success. We can't expect a "new" WPA or CCC to look like the 1930s version. I don't imagine folks walking around in a black and white movie. But I think there are plenty of folks that would like to make something real, tangible, substantial and lasting. One of the digs I've heard time and time again is that no one makes anything any more. Imagine the impact of on our nation and on the lives of those who could look back at bridges, roads, rail beds, community buildings, schools, and the like that they had a hand in building.

In this, I am not ashamed to be a dreamer.

[femrap]

26. There are many bridges that require

heavy duty maintenance. Roads? Sure they need to be maintained, but do we need more of them? Certainly there are schools that need to maintained and some razed and rebuilt, but all of the people unemployed right now were doing Construction as a livelihood when the recession started w/ the Housing Bust.

When I said 'make something,' I was thinking more on the line of products that can be sold to people. Furniture has been shipped to China. Appliances have gone to China and Mexico. We don't make any TVs in the U.S. Just in the past few years, even the manufacturing of toothpicks and straws has gone to China.

To be frank, many Americans have more than they need. Their garages are so packed they can't get their cars in them.

With so many unemployed, people are buying only the basics and not replacing something until it really breaks down.

And I see little in way of 'must haves' out there. Sure the plasma TVs are new. I can certainly live w/o an iPad, which are rather costly imho.

My hopes lie w/ manufacturing solar panels and plants, windmills, and other energy-efficient products. Water filtration will probably become something big. And if only we could figure out a way to use shit! Goddess knows we have too much of that.

[BlueIdaho]

27. Absolutely - no argument here.

I didn't mean to exclude the items you pointed out. I agree, we need to look to the aging infrastructure, but also to the future - green energy, clean water, and wouldn't it be something if we made things for export again... Instead of sending raw materials out of America, we should be sending products built by Americans...

Edit = Rethink.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

24. They are essential. nt

[Peace Patriot]

25. We might see it some day, after we restore transparent vote counting--

that is, rid ourselves of corporate vote counting, done with 'TRADE SECRET,' PRORPIETARY programming code, owned and controlled now mostly (80%) by ONE, far rightwing corporation--ES&S, which just bought out Diebold--with virtually no audit/recount controls, all over the USA.

Until we do, there is no hope for any serious reform or a new "New Deal." The corporations control EVERYTHING, including our election results. It is not just "organized money" (as FDR put it) that is dictating what our government does, through campaign contributions, lobbying, bribery, corruption and controlled media. It is the direct, easy ability to miscount the votes, and our loss of the right to see the votes counted in public view. That makes serious reform and government that benefits the people not just difficult but impossible.

Priority No. 1 for restoring democracy here: TRANSPARENT vote counting.

[Stevepol]

28. Amen, PP. Number one issue bar none.