In a nutshell? 1) 50% reduction in both the mandatory and discretionary defense budgets (why there are two of them is an outrage in and of itself). Iraq/Afghan

In a nutshell? 1) 50% reduction in both the mandatory and discretionary defense budgets (why there are two of them is an outrage in and of itself). Iraq/Afghanistan withdrawal included and needed badly. 2) If jobs are #1 in the current economy, entrepreneurship should be job #1 for Congress. Make the SBA the new WPA for the new century. Instead of putting people to work on solely "shovel-ready" government infrastructure projects (which they should also do, but I digress), the government should guarantee small business loans disbursed and managed by NCUA-backed credit unions (see what I did there?), who would know more than any large, NYC-based conglomerate the business needs of their community. Loan terms should be manageable and repayment should start at time of profitability according to financial projections as stated in mandatory business plan drawn up by founders/loan seeker. Repayment interest rate shall be 1% + Federal Discount Rate (so, currently 1.75%) and, again, guaranteed by the government. 3) Said small businesses above are far and away the largest drivers of employment growth in the US even without stimulus like #2 above, so get them even further growth by lowering both payroll taxes and offering credits to those who hire within the US (in either part- or full-time permanent positions, not contractors). 4) All businesses with <100 employees are eligible to buy-in to Medicare program and enroll employees regardless of age or health condition. Rates will be determined by current average monthly Medicare premium + 15%, to be paid by both employer and employee (negotiated privately between parties, of course). 5) Keep current Tax cuts but close all loopholes and subsidies, and institute a progressive Capital Gains tax (short and long-term) that mirrors income tax rates.