jesusstayscrunchy, "The problem with the trickle down theory is that it takes for granted the kindness of the "corporate overlords." The theory is that if we give the rich more money, they will pass that money along to those who work for them. The reality is, the rich just reap greater profit margins, and the people who work for them make the same -- and these people can't quit because otherwise they will starve."
I agree. To add to this I would like to say the other problem with the "trickle down" theory is that in our free market capitalist system (which I support and with adequate regulation I believe is a good thing) is that the success or failure of a corporation, often times depends on that corporation realizing ever increasing profit margins to satisfy investors in order to benefit from their continued investment. Thus, it is in the corporation's interest to continuously find ways at cutting costs if they cannot continuously exand profit through sales, (etc...) during recessions or during times of economic "softness." These cost cutting measures frequently are achieved by reducing labor costs, benefits, (etc...), or by cutting their labor force altogether via massive employee lay-offs. In tough times, it isn't easy to find work at all let alone work that paid the same as the job you just lost. It is also basic and widely accepted macro-economic theory that a certain % of the population HAS TO BE UNEMPLOYED at any given time in order to keep inflation in check. It is a fundamental part of our capitalist economic system. That being said, it is imperative that the government via tax dollars provides an adequate social safety net for those who, at one time or another, will need it's/their support while the rest of us benefit from our flawed but good economic system. I agree that there are problems within our governmental institutions, but we should not be throwing the baby out with the bathwater. We should be looking for ways to improve our institutions so that the instances of fraud and abuse are kept to a minimum. Getting rid of good and necessary government programs is just short-sighted and nothing more than political rhetoric that makes for good "sound bites" and bad public policy.
Bungy32, once again...a great article. Keep up the good work. Feel free to return to my blog site to add more insightful comments.