A Modest Proposal

So, we all have heard about this financial stimulus incentive package that was put together by our illustrious government. You know the one where all citizens get a rebate that they are supposed to: (1) not save, (2) not use to pay off debt, (3) not put toward their kid's education, but (4) immediately spend on anything their hearts desire. Even if they really don't need it. Even if it just contributes to all the material clutter that we surround ourselves with, and then muck up our environment with, when we get tired of it.

I guess I am more than irked about this stupid financial program because I just attended a lecture on global poverty and the progress (or lack thereof) by the US in supporting the Millennium Development Goals set by nations meeting at the 2000 Millennium Summit. Needless to say, we're not really doing well in this endeavor. I assume that now that it looks like our economy is moving towards recession, we'll have even less of a desire to address the issue. No, we will be too busy pushing ridiculous financial incentive programs that are short-term and short-sighted. (Another indication of the corporatization of society--where else but in corporate America does short term thinking rule, with no thought given to long-term strategy?)

Where does my proposal come in? Actually, I can't totally take credit for this idea because it's really a friend of mine who came up with it. I was talking to him about Kiva, this great program where individuals can get involved in microfinance. He said it sounded like a great idea and then he suggested that what he might do is take his so-called incentive rebate and become a microfinance lender.

Well, after tonight's lecture, I think it's a brilliant idea. Instead of using the money to buy something you don't need to create some artificial short burst of financial activity, how about supporting individuals in regional economies that really could use some help? I am guessing that the contribution to support an entrepreneurial business will have a more long-term effect than a one-shot commercial purchase.

Call it my "Three Musketeers" economic theory. A stronger global economy based on fair allocation of financial resources has to be better for the US economy than the self-centered, isolationist approach we've relied on for too long.