Creating 'jobs' for the sake of creating 'jobs'

[Know Nonsense]

Originally Posted by nvxplorer

I'll add NASA.

How has NASA benefited the American citizens though?

There are certain govt. jobs that are necessary. It is the unnecessary ones that seem to be a mystery. People should be creating their own jobs, not depending on the govt.

Never underestimate the potential of adverse consequences from overly good-intentioned people.

[middle-aged mom]

Originally Posted by Myghost

I'll take it a step further, and say that those gas tanks really don't need to exist if someone isn't building roads. Commerce could not exist in the 21st century if people can't get to market, and if goods can't get to market.

It's just one example, but I guess my point is that PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES of all sizes benefit from infrastructure. Some of the infrastructure can and will be built by private business, but some of it must be built by the gov't. We're already seeing more and more "Pay for use roads". It is yet another step to weed out the haves from the have-nots. Intentional or not, it will ultimately hurt our economy if (I hope not "when") a large segment of consumers can't get to market, or if a large segment of suppliers are shut out.

So yes, gov't jobs are sometimes "for the sake of jobs", but not ONLY for the sake of jobs.

Most infrastructure is built by the private sector with public money.

States and municipalities increasingly sell tolling / parking rights to investors, usually foreign investors, in exchange for lump sum payments. Sometimes the investor is reasponsible for the road or bridge maintenance, repair and replacement. Sometimes, not. Regardless, major repairs and replacement are executed by the private sector.

There is noting wrong with charging those who actually use roads, bridges and parking a fee to do so. It becomes the cost of doing business for commercial traffic and a factor of the price of consumer goods.

[middle-aged mom]

Originally Posted by Know Nonsense

How has NASA benefited the American citizens though?

There are certain govt. jobs that are necessary. It is the unnecessary ones that seem to be a mystery. People should be creating their own jobs, not depending on the govt.

Never underestimate the potential of adverse consequences from overly good-intentioned people.

Do a search for NASA developed technologies.

[Opin_Yunated]

Originally Posted by Know Nonsense

Should the govt. be in the business of 'creating jobs' for the population? Does it work for the long term?

What are some good examples of the govt creating jobs that have had long term success?

Thanks

Laying off a public sector worker making $20 / hour with full benefits and replacing it with two, $10 / hour workers with no benefits. +1 job created.

The government does indeed create ALL jobs, as the economy grows through deficit spending. The government spends in deficit via funding Social Security, the military, Federal employees, pensions, states, and government contracts, etc. All those sectors receive Federal dollars by having the value of their checking accounts increased. They spend in the private sector, thus creating demand and jobs.

The easiest example to understand is a private sector employer seeking a government contract. If they get the contract, they may hire more staff. Poof!