Devoted to interest rates, loans, and lending institutions

Ever since the subprime lending crash started bringing the economy down last year, there has been talk of stimulating the economy. And, in May, economic stimulus checks started going out, meant to give the economy a shot in the arm through increased consumer spending.

Now, though, there is talk of another economic stimulus -- one that doesn't include checks so much as it does stimulation in other ways.

Barack Obama calls for investment in infrastructure, while John McCain calls for permanent tax cuts for the rich

Some economists have generally pointed out that, for the middle class, Barack Obama would be better for personal finances.

Now, Barack Obama is offering a new economic stimulus idea: Fixing the country's infrastructure while providing jobs for those who need them. Even one of John McCain's economic advisors, respected economist Mark Zandi, thinks it's a good idea reports Money Talks, quoting The New York Times:

A paper Mr. Zandi prepared this year concluded that, within the first year of enactment, increased infrastructure spending and aid to states generate roughly four times as much economic growth as making the president's tax cuts permanent, cutting corporate taxes or allowing businesses to write off new investments more quickly.

"Everyone agrees that we need jobs, and everyone also agrees that infrastructure is one of our most pressing needs," Mr. Zandi said in an interview last week. "If we can combine stimulus with infrastructure, I think that's great."

John McCain's solution is to cut corporate taxes and extend the tax cuts to the rich. "Trickle down" economics didn't work in the Reagan years, so what makes McCain think they will work now? 

I like the idea of updating our outdated infrastructure -- from the power grid to roads and bridges to communications. It offers jobs and it improves the efficiency of our country.

What do you think of Barack Obama's "second economic stimulus"? Or do you like John McCain's ideas better?

image credit: sxc.hu