(When it comes to policy and economics, it seems the only “invisible hand” is the one holding the fact sheet that is invisible to those elected to set policies. – promoted by Caoimhin Laochdha)

This graphic says it all:

Source: ThinkProgress

The more a state cuts spending, the more jobs lost in that state.

It IS actually that simple.

Despite the nonsensical claims from the proponents of “cut everything always,” government DOES create jobs – both directly (when you work for the government, you have a job and your employer is the government) and indirectly (when money is flowing into the local economy, it enables businesses to hire).

More than 98% of all businesses in the US are small businesses (PDF of stats from Small Business Association).

Those small businesses usually operate within state lines – they are neither national companies nor multinational behemoths. These small businesses are the bread and butter of the economy. They account for most of the jobs, and 50% of the GDP.

And now, after 30 years of running scared from the dreaded “t” word (thank you, Ron Reagan!), it’s been amply demonstrated that those cuts destroy local economies – by both directly and indirectly slashing jobs.

It’s time to stop running from the cut-mongers. They either have no idea what they’re talking about, or, worse, know exactly what they are doing, but have evil intentions.

We need some grown-ups to stand up and say “enough.”

Bernie has made a good start.

I hope to start hearing echoes of his common sense from leadership everywhere.