Actually, it's austerity that isn't working so well in Europe. The more austerity, the worse off they do as well. I also never claimed to be an expert, which is why I defer to the actual experts when it comes to this stuff. You should try it instead of thinking you know better than them, people like you are why Republicans still have enough power to block real recovery. If the economy gets fixed properly the deficit becomes easier to manage because you can raise taxes back to where they should be and handouts/unemployment won't be such a drain since less people will need them.
Obamacare is aimed at getting healthcare costs under control which will help the economy as well. It will help our businesses to compete. I'm sure you believe the Republicans when they tell it won't work, just like you probably believed them when they told you Clinton's plan to raise taxes would tank the economy. I can't help you fix your analytical thinking but at least I can walk you through some of this. As for investing in green energy, perhaps you think we shouldn't invest in future technology? Maybe we should just stick with what we have and let other countries lead the way for us? Of course not, you aren't that stupid. Unfortunately what you don't trealize is that investing in future technology comes with some risk, and of course a few companies may go belly up in the process. that doesn't mean we should just sit on our hands and it doesn't mean it isn't a good investment overall.
Your last paragraph is pure speculation on your part and most economics experts disagree with you.
So wait, you accuse me of not thinking critically, yet accept the word of "experts" without question? If having an economics degree is a requirement for this discussion then maybe you should start citing sources instead of posting "most economists think X" as a justification for everything you say.
And I love how you blame Republicans for being able to forestall "a real recovery" when the Democrats had unobstructed power for 2 years, and completely steamrolled the entire Republican congress, who was in unanimous dissent, to pass Obamacare. I also suppose the protest vote that saw Republicans sweep the house was due to that Orwellian Republican propaganda monster hiding under your bed right?
People like me understand, with regard to Obamacare, that it's over 2000 pages of bureaucratic bullshit. It may help some people, but can you say with a straight face that you know, or are aware of someone who knows, the full effects? If you do then you or whoever you know has a greater knowledge of the bill than most, hell I'd wager all congressmen and senators. Yes we need healthcare reform. No we do not need the massive waste of money that is Obamacare.
Yes, we should invest in the future, but invest wisely. How many billions are you willing to lose, during an economic recession with a monster deficit?
Would it shock you to know that I'm for raising taxes on the rich in the short term?