It's called Keynesian economics, and it's the way we spent ourselves out of the Great Depression (whatever you may say about Roosevelt's pre-war efforts, massive government spending during the war undeniably levered us out of the depression and thereby proved Keynesian economics right).

The idea, basically, is that the government steps in and spends to make up for the shortfall in spending due to the recession, and thus stimulates the economy. A high speed rail network is actually a great use of money, since it will stimulate the economy during its construction (you'll have to buy the materials and hire the workers, who will then have a paycheck to spend) and once its built (infrastructure is basically the best thing for stimulating the economy).

And Keynesianism aside, it's never a good idea to cut social services at the exact time when people need them most (e.g. cutting unemployment benefits when more people are unemployed).

It's hardly undeniable. I have never seen proof that Roosevelt or the war "fixed" the economy, just that the economy recovered eventually and roosevelt and the war happened during part of that same period. There are plenty of people who argue that this isn't that case at all, and that it in fact made some aspects worse. Keynesian economics is not hard science, and not everyone agrees that it is accurate. Personally I'm no economist, so I don't know which is right, but don't act like this is all an exact science and works perfectly every time.

lets assume that Keynesian economics is a flawless model. the problem here is that the california government is virtually bankrupt. they do not have the money to spend on stimulating the economy. and now they are asking for more tax money not so they can create extra jobs and further stimulate thing, no, they are seeking to simply support the level of spending they are used to.

weeeeeeeed

Taxing and regulating weed will help a lot.

Don't forget prostitution! There's lots of money for the government to make if they'd open their eyes a little bit.

Let's also not forget that 'trickle down' economics is a big fat farce. Money floats to the top and stays there like cream in a coffee. Don't farkin kid yourselves with this keynsian nonsense

This too. Not only does it cut down on crimes against sex workers, it cuts std rates because sex workers have to get checked regularly. Not to mention the tax revenues. It works for Nevada.

Also, it gets rid of a ton of people in prison for pimping/whoring.. less tax burden.