Hoover Comparison Incorrect

To the Editor:

In response to Stacey Zimmerman’s letter [“Hoover In A Skirt?” 6/12/09] about comparisons between Jodi Rell and Herbert Hoover, I would like to make a suggestion that Ms Zimmerman read a little more about what Hoover actually did after the stock market crash of 1929 before making this incorrect comparison.

Hoover increased federal spending by more than 50 percent between 1929 and the inauguration of FDR, the biggest increase in federal spending ever recorded during peacetime. In 1932, Hoover raised the top income tax rate from 25 percent to 63 percent. Did these two measures have any effect on the Great Depression?

The Depression eased and unemployment fell only when the United States began selling goods to nations involved in World War II, which we would soon join. It had nothing to do with the New Deal spending of FDR. That only prolonged the Depression.

Raising taxes on corporations and individuals has never increased revenue to government, the reverse is actually true. Unlike Obama, Gov Rell seems to be doing the fiscally responsible thing and not spending money that we don’t have.

I’m afraid that the increased spending that Bush started and Obama is escalating is a repeat of the 1930s. Let’s hope that it doesn’t take another World War to turn things around.

Chris D’Amico

117 Alberts Hill Road, Sandy Hook                              June 18, 2009