How Would You Fix the Economy?

Supposedly, this is from an article in the St. Petersburg Times. I say supposedly because I couldn’t find the article/letter. The Business Section asked readers for ideas on “How Would You Fix the Economy?” Regardless of whether this is real or not, the author makes some VERY good points. As one who enjoys good economic banter/discussions (with informed people), I thought most of this is right on.

Dear Mr. President:

Please find below my suggestion for fixing America’s economy.

Instead of giving billions of dollars to companies that will squander the money on lavish parties and unearned bonuses, use the following plan.

You can call it the Patriotic Retirement Plan:

There are about 40 million people over 50 in the work force.

Pay them $1 million apiece severance for early retirement with the following stipulations:

1) They MUST retire. Forty million job openings – Unemployment fixed.

2) They MUST buy a new American CAR. Forty million cars ordered – Auto Industry fixed.

3) They MUST either buy a house or pay off their mortgage. Housing Crisis fixed.

It can’t get any easier than that!

If more money is needed, have all members of Congress and their constituents pay their taxes…