Lynne Stevens
It is very clear that the economy is very much on the mind of most Robbinsville voters – and rightfully so.
Going to the grocery store isn’t quite as frightening as it was a while back, but still not wallet-happy. Prices at the discount stores are still not wallet-happy. Wages have just been keeping up, but range from “barely” to “not at all” – depending on the job. Finding a place where you can afford to rent or buy can be very challenging in Graham County.
Some of the presidential candidates’ solutions for these problems will exacerbate the problems and some will have little effect. Will anything really help?
Every industry has its own market conditions, controlled by many variables – which includes food and housing.
Oil is priced on the world market and excess is sold overseas. Increasing the gas supply beyond the needs of this country will make the oil companies richer, but gas prices here – barring uncontrollable issues – should remain seasonally fairly stable. Any candidate encouraging greater use of fossil fuel will only hasten what has been the hottest year since recording temperatures began.
Climate deniers are being used to enrich oil companies and help politicians who take their money. Being fact-free is not going to make the planet cooler.
Price controls have a history of failure. Perhaps a better idea to consider is calling big corporate CEO’s to the White House for a publicity-laden, pow-wow for some old-fashioned moral suasion: which has been somewhat effective in the past. Big business does not like indications they are overcharging customers, when facts show prices can’t be justified.
Do not be misled: tariff solutions are a tax. This country has used tariffs for decades as a source of revenue and to protect American workers from the unfair competition of low-wage, low standard-of-living countries. Most would agree that’s a fair use of the tariff tax.
Here is how it works: the ship docks with $100,000 worth of goods from China. There is a 20 percent ($20,000) tariff attached, typically paid by the buyer. The $100K worth of goods has just cost the buyer $120,000. The retailer can eat the $20K, or pass it on to customers.
I fail to see how this will help consumers or business – and top CEO’s and business leaders agree. According to the Tax Foundation, the former presidents plan would lower GDP, cost jobs and lower wages.
This needs re-thinking.
Housing is a serious issue for this county. A $25,000 tax credit could stimulate the housing market nationwide. I am no fan of illegal immigration, but the supply of workers to build houses has a significant illegal component. That’s reality. One of the plans will deport them.
In a manner of speaking, we are lying in the bed our lawmakers have made for years – if we want more construction.
No candidate has perfect answers. Want good leaders? Seek multiple sources of expertise to see if they offer real solutions or campaign hype before deciding.
Lynne Stevens writes a bi-weekly column for The Graham Star. She can be reached via email, geminga@mailfence.com.