I hear all the incredible sanctimonious language from the conservative GOPTea Party about the size of government, and I think it's about time we on the left, we who are pragmatic about this economy, start to ask some basic, honest questions which go to the root of debunking the argument that the government doesn't create jobs, that "only the private sector" can act as a job creator.
Follow me.
I'll note I'm no expert here on the facts and figures on these issues. I just feel you can't counter an argument unless you are countering it head-on with an argument that overwhelms the opponent's assumptions.
Government Contractors
There needs to be more information circulated to the press about the amount of business generated by federal, state, and local governments to private sector contractors - who must depend on government largesse to even exist.
Many contractor services are public services that, if anything, should be brought back into the public sector.
This includes defense contractors and weapons manufacturers as well.
Government Grants
Some small and medium size businesses receive government grants they apply for.
The point is not that these businesses aren't entitled to grants won, just that these grants exist at all, and what role they play in the economy to spur a business's growth.
Government Bailouts
Obviously, in terms of bank bailouts, AIG bailout, etc... these private sector businesses have been selectively propped up by the government and allowed to remain as they were.
In terms of GM and Chrysler bailouts - rescuing an entire industry.
Government purchases of private sector goods and services
Stationery. Logoed product. Light bulbs. Pens. Computers. Printers. Routers. Copying services. Automotive fleets. Conference space rental. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Who do you think is buying so many of all these goods and services? GOVERNMENT!
When Gov. Jerry Brown of California banned purchase of logoed promotional products the California promotional products vendors went completely apeshit - justifiably. They rely a lot on government spending to support their businesses.
Are you seeing my general point here? The power of the engine of government at all levels helps provide significant business to the private sector.
So what happens when you shrink government?...
No one ever asks the question. At least no one in the dull-blade MSM.
What happens to Hewlett Packard or Canon if you don't buy as many printers? What happens to the auto dealer who was counting on a government agency purchasing or leasing 10 cars and they have to cut back to six cars? What about the government contractor performing an essential service whose service just can no longer be afforded even if the work they do is completely legitimate - just because the funding spigot stops.
Who is going after these conserva-dicks with information on how businesses in their states and districts will suffer as a result of these budget cuts? Who's going to put media muscle into media buys to tout those facts within those districts?
I think it all comes down to this, and public sector employees need to shove this in the face of every private sector employee: government business = private sector AND public sector jobs. You cut the government - the entire economy suffers. It's not as simple as just cutting a billion here or a billion there. What does that billion buy? What do the people employed by that billion not do once their jobs are cut? What restaurants are no longer frequented? What shops can't hit their weekly sales targets?
Folks - this is a fight in the messaging wars progressives must win.
The question needs to be asked of these conservatives - "now that you've cut at the heart of the government - where are the f***ing jobs you sanctimonious bastards?!?!?!
Like I said - I'm no expert here. If anything, I just want this diary to serve as a jump-off point for wonkier folks than I to go out and make this case more eloquently. Thanks!