ideas to begin fixin' the economy & other woes of our great nation:

1. all folks under the age of 65 who receive welfare, food stamps, HUD, general assistance, extended unemployment benefits, etc - will have to work doin' somethin' - aka, cleanin' up vacant lots, paintin'/or fixin' the elderly the disabled (the TRULY disabled) folks homes, data entry, etc.  create, plant & maintain a garden. learn how to properly can said gardens bounties. those over 65 & capable? mentor a child. teach 'em to read, help 'em with their homework, teach 'em a skill - be it sewin', cookin' - somethin' so they have a sense of self worth.  

then, "it" would become a paycheck with benefits. this would provide a myriad of aid to those folks - the pride in earnin' somethin', the pride in helpin' someone - give 'em back some self worth. (i am all for drug testin' anybody on government assistance - randomly and at the onset of receivin' benefits of any kind.)  i feel it would help to rebuild communities and folks to rely more on themselves - a win-win situation in my opinion.

2. a 10% across the board reduction in all elected politicians paychecks - to be directly applied to the national deficit principal.  followed by a vigorous cap on expenses/gas cards/per diem/gifts and other "perks".  these funds also directly applied to the deficit principal.   these are dollar already unavailable, so won't be "missed".

3.  no more tax breaks for corporations who "fan out" the manufacturin' of products, nor technical support (I know, those folks need jobs, too).  instead, they can pay a penalty fer keepin' jobs overseas.

when most moved their jobs overseas, it was said that it was done to produce cheaper goods.  the American public still pays "full" price for the said goods, the corporation just makes more money.  now, they import goods of poor quality, aidin' in a "throw away society".

4.  IF we give corporations tax breaks and incentives to move to an area to provide jobs, make sure there's a very well written contract that makes 'em liable for moneys due.  too many are "let off the hook", as they feel "entitled" to up and leave when they please.

5.  make bankruptcy more difficult for corporations.  they come, they grow, they add more jobs, they pay their upper level management too lavishly, too many perks.  then when the economy starts to sag - they bail.  we must get back to the addage of "livin' within your means" instead of being a credit craving America.