tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-507659435767768133.post5361496829684618623..comments2023-09-25T01:17:03.971+13:00Comments on lefthandpalm: Borrowing for infrastructure while cutting taxes - transparently stupidlurgeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08735536088030480119noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-507659435767768133.post-85589166789559476152008-08-27T06:31:00.000+12:002008-08-27T06:31:00.000+12:00I have no objection to the idea of the government ...I have no objection to the idea of the government spending money, especially if this is going to boost the economy. We shouldn't be fooled into thinking this is an AMAZING NEW IDEA that John Key et al have had. Labour are already spending plenty infrastructure. I'd like to see more,, which you'd think twould incline me towards National. But (perhaps this is my Scottishness showing through) I object to the idea that we should up borrowing while cutting taxes. I appreciate the standard argument - that cutting taxes may reduce revenue in the short term but will benefit the economy in the longer term. I just don't think it lives up to the claims made of it.<BR/><BR/>I have no doubt that Key is intelligent, but the skills needed to survive as a leader are different from those needed to thrive as a currency speculator. I simply can't imagine Key leading to country. To show this isn't just party prejudice, the same applies to Clark's likely successor, Phil Goff. But then, what do I know? I genuinely believed that Gordon Brown replacing Tony Blair would make a difference in Britain ...lurgeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08735536088030480119noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-507659435767768133.post-13683025474240431422008-08-27T00:51:00.000+12:002008-08-27T00:51:00.000+12:00Hello LurgeeYou know me from my other persona as "...Hello Lurgee<BR/><BR/>You know me from my other persona as "Michael" on the SM website. Getting a bit drained of the circular arguments lately, and the lack of constructive debate.<BR/><BR/>With regards to John Key, I live in his electorate, so I have been able to attend a couple of his addresses (usually to business people). TV hasn't done the man justice yet - he speaks very comfortably and immpressively when you see him live. If you get the chance, you should do so.<BR/><BR/>He gets my vote, and I am the ultimate swing voter. Off the top of my head I have voted Labour, National, Greens, Social Credit, and ACT. <BR/><BR/>I whole heartedly agree with the borrow for infrastructure policy. This is the main policy reason I will vote for him. Key knows you can't wipe out social benefits like Working for Families because you would drive too many families into poverty. So the only logical way forward is to "grow a bigger pot" to derive a greater tax revenue. A big spend on key infrastructure (roads, broadband, energy) not only helps improve productivity, but also it kickstarts the economy. Borrowing for expansion is normal business practice, so I can't see what the fuss is about.<BR/><BR/>Regards, PatAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com