Stimulus plan feeds on fear

President Obama and Democratic leaders in Congress are warning us about economic catastrophe and Armageddon. They demand approval of their stimulus package without complete analysis and removal of pork-filled dollars that will not stimulate the economy. A recession exists but is very different from the terrible conditions of the Carter years and the depression years when we had 30 percent unemployment, compared to 7.6 percent today.

A leader is one who is hopeful and optimistic, so where is the message of hope and change? What happened to Yes We Can? We hear only fear and fiery rhetoric that is terrifying consumers, investors and employers, leading to more job cuts and further reduced consumer spending.

The Democratic strategy is not the solution as our country needs economic stimulus this year. Billions of dollars for liberal programs that do not stimulate the economy belong in the annual federal budget review process. An economic stimulus should address the housing and mortgage problems that caused the financial crisis, and we do not need fear and deception to pass terrible legislation.

Richard Wilhelm

Spokane