Economics 101

This is the annual sales tax holiday in Alabama. This weekend shoppers will pay no State sales tax on many of the items they purchase. Some things are excluded, but many goods like clothing, electronics, school supplies, and books are among the items that are at a "discount." The State sales tax is four percent on the first $100 spent. Some municipalities suspend their local sales taxes as well. Consumers may save as much as eight to ten percent total. For the mathematically challenged, that's paying $90 to $92 for a purchase that would normally cost $100.

The stores were jammed. The parking lots are jammed. I haven't seen this many people shopping since the economy started to tank over two years ago. Not even during the last two Christmas shopping seasons.

I cannot comprehend how politicians don't understand simple economics, which I believe this weekend illustrates. If the average person has money to spend, he or she will spend it. This creates jobs and makes the whole country work.

People spending creates prosperity and jobs--not the government. Lower taxes means they have more to spend.

This has been an unpaid political announcement for "throw all these bums in Washington out and start fresh."