So this stimulus plan is costing us around $2,600 per person

[Quixote1818]

When you think of it that way, it doesn't sound very big. I suppose the interest we pay should also be included in that total though. Without the interest this is basically like having everyone take a trip to Hawaii to spur the economy and create jobs only the money is being targeted into areas that need a boost. Not to mention once the economy gets rolling again, revenues from the companies that are doing well should pay that down.

Republicans make this sound like every American is going into a million dollars of debt.

[OhioChick]

1. I thought it was 10k per person?

:shrug:

[Quixote1818]

3. 800 Billion divided by 300 million people comes to $2600

I think it's around $8,000 to $10,000 per family.

[ThomWV]

6. What's $800 Billion got to do with it? Try $2 Trillion.

[BeanFiend]

8. My 2yo owes $2600 then. n/r

[razors edge]

12. Closer to $180,000 in total.

That is the figure for I've read for all debt.

Welcome to DU.

[OhioChick]

11. I was thinking of this: "Alternate Stimulus: $10,000 To Every Taxpayer"

CLEVELAND -- The stimulus plan started off as a great idea -- ballooned into nearly a trillion dollars -- and is becoming more unpopular by the day.

What if Congress instead gave the money to American taxpayers instead?

NewsChannel5 consumer reporter John Matarese said that CNN-Money ran the numbers and said every taxpayer in America would receive a check for almost $10,000, if the all the stimulus money was instead handed out to the people instead of to banks and other spending projects.

CNN added the bank bailout to the new stimulus package and then divided by the number of taxpayers, and it came up with exactly $9,718 per taxpayer.

Supporters said that would immediately boost sales at stores, car and boat dealers, and new home subdivisions.

But most economists said it won't work, because people would save the money or pay off debts, and we would remain in a recession.

They pointed out that last summer's $600 stimulus did nothing to stave off downturn, as most people used it to pay down credit card debt.

So instead, Congress and President Barack Obama are working on an $800 billion package that would net most taxpayers an extra $20 to $25 a week in their take-home pay, as a result of a tax cut.

http://www.newsnet5.com/dontwasteyourmoney/18664156/detail.html

[acmavm]

2. We're sooooo buried in debt that the numbers really don't matter

anymore. Add on the bailouts and the Pentagon wish lists, plus what ever else they dump on our asses, and we are screwed.

I am past the point of caring. There is nothing we can do.

[NewEnglandKnowledge]

4. Of course they do!

Republicans make it sound that way because they wan't their
personal share of the money.  If the bill gave 2,600 to every
american, they would be upset because not all americans pay
federal tax.  Which is code for they are poor and don't make
enough to owe anything.  If you split the money up between the
taxpayers, roughly 138 million people, the number is $5,800. 
Republicans would have no problem with the size of the bill if
they were getting those checks.

[terisan]

5. All those cheerful 3 year olds---just debtors. Hope it pays off for them-at least

some benefits may accrue.

[corruptmewithpower]

7. Are we better off with the stimulus or without?

We're all betting on with. Happy times will be here again, so let's make it soon.

[amborin]

9. more info, from the ny times:

<http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x5031884#5037323>

[NNN0LHI]

10. We could just forget it and reduce the debt until we have another surplus

Then when the Rethugs get back in charge they can give it all away to their wealthy cronies with tax cuts and other gimmicks like wars based on lies.

On second thought lets spend like there is no tomorrow.

Don

[Crabby Appleton]

13. plus interest nt

[TahitiNut]

14. I think of it as a 30-year mortgage on an $800 billion house of cards.

The interest on that ARM is about 1% above inflation and levied on the working class.