Is the Xmas bonus good for the economy?

[boxy]

What caused this crisis?

People spending more than they had and defaulting on loans that they should never have been given.

Solution... throw cash at people and tell them to willfully spend "for the economy" regardless of their debt situation.

Fark. We have become a nation of consumers, where those who live within their means are seen as the loons.

[Rainbow Moonlight]

I think it has to be good for the economy- can't see it any other way. Means more money will be spent, supporting more businesses and jobs than otherwise.

Same with the infrastructure spending, and I see the housing grant increase has increased housing loan applications recently.
The Rudd government is responding very well to the crisis.

[mantra.]

It did seem Rudd was making a lot of mistakes at first - but it looks like he's coming good if the polls are right. This bonus appears to be doing its job in boosting the economy - but will it work in the long term - or just over the Xmas period? Apparently there are going to be a lot of people losing their jobs over the next few months as the multinationals slash costs at the expense of employees.

[boxy]

It's quite easy to be on top of the polls when you're dolling out free money.

[Rainbow Moonlight]

But he was on the top of the polls when he wasn't doling out money.

[Hebe]

Those who seek to understand the Rudd phenomenon make the mistake of looking at one issue or event in isolation. Lately, the Opposition has used the mantra that Rudd could barely be expected to be unpopular while he’s hurling the cash about.

This kind of pondering neglects the fact that Kevin Rudd has ruled the roost in the preferred Prime Minister stakes since he became Opposition leader in December 2006. He has not been headed once. That’s quite an achievement considering he’s only been PM for 12 months.

http://blogs.theaustralian.news.com.au/ ... ntre/P150/

[freediver]

His timing was great. Howard was really on the nose with the electorate by the time Rudd turned up, and there had been such a dearth of good competition, either from Labor or within the Coalition.

[boxy]

Indeed... he's been riding on the honeymoon period of both the new opposition leader, and then the new Prime Minister, and as soon as things start turning to shit, he starts throwing money (my money) about, just like Howard.

Got kids? Here, have a <s>baby bonus</s> fiscal stimulus handout.

[Rainbow Moonlight]

How much money do you think it takes to raise kids? More or less than to keep a single person or couple?

[JW Frogen]

How much money do you think it takes to raise kids?

With cup a noodles and severe, Spartan discipline, 700 dollars from birth to Uni.