Opinion on what economic policies the US government should pursue

[Wikipedia delenda est]

Fiscal Policy:
Government spending on social services and public services such as Medicare, Social Security, and infrastructure should be high. This is because these are services that help people and make their lives better. Deficit hawks may complain that this would increase the debt too much. However, this increase in spending would be offset by high taxes and a moderate amount of military spending, unlike the bloated military budget that exists now. The main purpose of the high taxes, though, would be to reduce income inequality and make the rich pay their fair share. Also, the cut in military spending and the raise in taxes would not be a burden on the economy. This is because the economy is not in a recession at all; the economy is doing OK. Therefore, increased stimulus is not necessary.

Monetary Policy:
The Federal Reserve should keep interest rates low, because there is no need to raise rates when inflation is as low as it is now.

Trade Policy:
Generally, free trade is a good thing. However, it coupled with an overvalued US dollar creates a trade deficit, causing losses in US manufacturing employment. It is not automation that causes this. If automation caused this, then productivity would rise. However, productivity growth has been very slow during the decline of manufacturing jobs. To reduce the trade deficit, the US should pursue a weak dollar policy and negotiate a deal similar to the Plaza Accord. To offset job loss due to the trade deficit, the US should substantially improve its Trade Adjustment Assistance program. In regards to the TPP, it was good that it was withdrawn, because all it was was patent protection. NAFTA, on the other hand, should not be withdrawn, because it has had a net economic benefit on the US.

Unfortunately, most of these policies are unlikely to be implemented due to the government being controlled by Republicans.