This article recounts the reactions of economics professors at various Chrstian institutions to the proposed stimulus.
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Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Monday, February 09, 2009
Matt Chandler on "A Shepherd and His Unregenerate Sheep"
Matt Chandler is my brother's pastor at The Village Church in Highland Village, TX. I am continually blessed by his preaching, and after hearing this message from the recent Pastor's Conference at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, I wanted to share it Go here to see it.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
50 De-Stimulating Facts by Stephen Spruiell & Kevin Williamson on National Review Online
This article from National Review Online gives the lowdown on aspects of the current economic stimulus bill that should give any taxpayer a moment of concern. Will these projects actually help the flow of credit and "stimulate" the economy? That, of course is the offered solution to the current problems. But aside from economists' hopes that we will spend our way to prosperity, we still need to question whether such spending is in the consumer's best interest--should individuals be excited to increase their debt? My post below gives my perspective on this.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Mark Driscoll on Nightline
This appeared recently, and shows how a mainstream media interviewer understands (an sometimes doesn't) Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church in Seattle (I listen to Driscoll's podcasts). In one of America's least churched cities, Mars Hill is standing strong for orthodox theology and a biblical gospel.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Should the Government Fix The Economy? A Case for Saying "No."
I really appreciate this article at politico.com arguing against the soon to be passed (it seems) government stimulus bill. I have been thinking more and more that the move just doesn't make sense for long term economic health. Here are some reasons I have.
1. The premise of all the stimulus is that we need consumers to borrow and spend so that the economy can run well. However, the billions of dollars of credit debt racked up by the average American household are not a sign of economic health in the affected households, and encouraging people toward more debt is the last thing they need. Whether we give people a check to spend, or give it to banks to loan, we are not addressing the fundamental problem of having an economy that relies on overspending.
2. The idea that investing in the nation's infrastructure is a good stimulus is ridiculous. How much of this money will get spent in the next few weeks and months? Estimates are that it will take at least 2 years to see half of it spent. How will that lead to economic recovery in the near term? Infrastructure improvements are a good idea, but they are not an economic stimulus.
3. Back to back trillion dollar deficits (expected if this plan passes, and certain if more "stimulus" is called for) will make long term economic health for the national economy unlikely.
4. Government money will lead to greater government control and regulation of banking, of investment, and of those contractors and businesses seeking to do the infrastructure improvements. Already some are objecting that the stimulus bill requires that only companies who verify the legal status of all employees may receive stimulus money. That may be a very good idea for all businesses, but why tie it to the stimulus? And who will enforce this? Will there be an "Office of Stimulus Regulation Compliance?"
5. The rush to pass this will lead to even more waste and mismanagement than most government spending plans. We haven't really thought this through, but various departments and offices will get millions and be told--"spend this now!" It will be a lot of fun for a few people for a little while, but can you imagine all the investigative reports that will be coming out on stimulus waste and how negatively that will affect the credibility of the program, not to mention the government?
This is a moment where people are slowing spending, and even thinking about saving. That is a good thing--a VERY good thing. Will it hurt banks and some businesses in the short and medium term? Yes, it will. But it might just change the fundamentals of our economic planning and policies to encourage living within your means, buying less on credit, and rewarding savings rather than debt. These would be good moves for the families of America.
1. The premise of all the stimulus is that we need consumers to borrow and spend so that the economy can run well. However, the billions of dollars of credit debt racked up by the average American household are not a sign of economic health in the affected households, and encouraging people toward more debt is the last thing they need. Whether we give people a check to spend, or give it to banks to loan, we are not addressing the fundamental problem of having an economy that relies on overspending.
2. The idea that investing in the nation's infrastructure is a good stimulus is ridiculous. How much of this money will get spent in the next few weeks and months? Estimates are that it will take at least 2 years to see half of it spent. How will that lead to economic recovery in the near term? Infrastructure improvements are a good idea, but they are not an economic stimulus.
3. Back to back trillion dollar deficits (expected if this plan passes, and certain if more "stimulus" is called for) will make long term economic health for the national economy unlikely.
4. Government money will lead to greater government control and regulation of banking, of investment, and of those contractors and businesses seeking to do the infrastructure improvements. Already some are objecting that the stimulus bill requires that only companies who verify the legal status of all employees may receive stimulus money. That may be a very good idea for all businesses, but why tie it to the stimulus? And who will enforce this? Will there be an "Office of Stimulus Regulation Compliance?"
5. The rush to pass this will lead to even more waste and mismanagement than most government spending plans. We haven't really thought this through, but various departments and offices will get millions and be told--"spend this now!" It will be a lot of fun for a few people for a little while, but can you imagine all the investigative reports that will be coming out on stimulus waste and how negatively that will affect the credibility of the program, not to mention the government?
This is a moment where people are slowing spending, and even thinking about saving. That is a good thing--a VERY good thing. Will it hurt banks and some businesses in the short and medium term? Yes, it will. But it might just change the fundamentals of our economic planning and policies to encourage living within your means, buying less on credit, and rewarding savings rather than debt. These would be good moves for the families of America.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Tim Tebow Video on ESPN
The Florida Gator's QB is much more than a talented athlete. He is a committed follower of Jesus who spends much of his time in missionary ministry in the Philippines. Watch this video to see a slice of his life.
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