Democratic socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is testing the limits of her popularity. Her recently proposed Green New Deal drew laughter and ridicule from across the political spectrum.
While the plan is easy to dismiss as ridiculous, if implemented, the ideas would deal a severe blow to American small business owners and the economy.
The Green New Deal calls for a substantial increase in government oversight of business, along with massive transfers of wealth that would require unthinkable tax hikes. Some measures include universal healthcare, guaranteed jobs, and economic security for “all who are unable or unwilling to work.” It’s clear these policies would strap trillions of dollars to the American taxpayer and strangle the life out of millions of small businesses.
Taken seriously, the Green New Deal would cost trillions upon trillions of dollars. To serious people, however, the Green New Deal costs little more than a chuckle.