I have been part of an email correspondence group for a couple of
years now which includes a number of strong public policy
thinkers. One of the best is a man named Francis Cianfrocca
(aka “Blackhedd”) who writes regularly at Redstate. He has
been spot on with regard to the current financial crisis.
I’ve read far better stuff from him in my inbox than I’ve been
able to find at CNBC or Fox Business News. All of this is
to say that he is plugged in to the financial community and has a
strong analytical mind for making sense of it all.
Here is his latest. And here is a taste:
Obama could sweep away a lot of this uncertainty and
unreasoning fear with no more than a ten-minute news
conference.
He could stand up, with the towering Paul Volcker, the
sour-pussed Larry Summers and the sardonic-looking Tim Geithner
standing behind him, and say the following:
“Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve consulted at length with my
economic team. We’re acutely aware that our economy is facing
great uncertainty. We understand that our system is a
capitalistic one. We intend to do whatever it takes to get
business and capital working again, for the sake of every
consumer and working person in America.
We also recognize our critical responsibility to the rest
of the world. As the pre-eminent economic power, it’s up to us
to lead global markets back to health and prosperity.
I’m announcing the following key decisions, which we will
stand by until our markets are back to normal, employment is
growing, and our economy is healthy again:
All tax increases on capital, dividends, and business
income are OFF THE TABLE.
All protectionist legislation, including increased tariffs
and import duties, are OFF THE TABLE.
All new regulations, mandated costs and taxes on
businesses, including export businesses, are OFF THE
TABLE.
That is all. Thank you.”
If Obama were to give this speech, you’d see explosive market
rallies, and everyone would heave a big sigh of relief.
So how about it, Mr. President-elect?
Sounds like some first class “Nixon goes to China” action to me.