[sokoloff]

Putting the money to work in a manner that builds companies and creates jobs has a different long-run effect than giving it to someone who will go buy a burger with it.

In the short-run, consuming helps that same dollar get spent over and over. In the long-run, creating wealth and jobs is more valuable, IMO.

When raising taxes drives capital to locales which are more capital-friendly (chiefly via lower taxes), then it inevitably takes job creation with it.

[jhancock]

The answer could be "both". The economy needs both the consumption and the top-down execution. Keeping it all in balance is the real trick. This argument would be better positioned as "What is the right balance of taxation for the short term to provide a healthy economy?"