Why do HCR, financial reform, and the stimulus seem to have such razor-thin economic gains?

[LLStarks]

It's almost as if a single instance of new spending could ruin everything.

[leveymg]

1. Because they're designed to maintain as much of the status quo as possible.

This isn't reform, it's a shampoo and a trim around the ears. Don't touch the top.

[sendero]

5. LOL...

... exactly :) I like to call it "placebo legislation".

[hobbit709]

2. Trickle down in action

Very little gets to those who need it and would spend the money, putting it back into the economy.

[DailyGrind51]

3. It is what happens when you compromise away the effective elements of legislation.

Half-measures work about as well as not finishing your prescribed meds before the infection is completely gone, it won't cure the problem!

[nightrain]

4. the watered-down bills mostly protect corporations rather than help

regular people. THE PEOPLE have largely been forgotten by the millionaire legislators. A campaign costs thousands to millions, they rely on corporate contributions to get in and to stay in office. And then they protect the flow of corporate contributions by doing corporate bidding while in office.