Email sent to Ruben Navarrette

Mr. Navarrette,

Thank you for today's column, it was certainly a good read. I have to take exception, however, to this part:

Meanwhile, Republicans can be counted on to push for hundreds of billions of dollars in tax cuts, despite the fact that the Bush tax cuts didn't stimulate much of anything.

Respectfully, this simply isn't true. Following the tax cuts of 2003 the unemployment rate steadily declined from a peak of 6.3% in June 2003 to 4.4% in March 2007. (See for yourself here) Similarly, GDP growth was steady during that time period at around 2.5%. (see here)

The tax cuts you allude to in recent years weren't tax cuts at all. No tax rates were slashed. Rather the government just handed money to people. With real tax cuts we see growth, with government just throwing money around -- a classic Keynesian type response that the stimulus bill seems to be built on -- we don't.

Regards,

Colin

Update: Got a classy response:

thanks for the note -- and the insights. glad the piece stirred you.

best,

Ruben Navarrette
Syndicated Columnist
San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board
Weekly Contributor, CNN.COM
www.rubennavarrette.com