Geithner could look towards Singapore

The stark differences in approach between US and Singapore are clearly evident. The authorities in US are coming swinging huge blunt instruments in an effort to kick start the demand. No specific details and no specific outcomes targeted. Throw the money and hope some of it will stick in right places.

In it's budget 2009 , Singaporeans unveiled such specific and targeted steps that you have to marvel at their thoroughness. A good balance of job preservation, job creation, tax cuts and demand creation. Specifically aimed towards employers, employees, service providers and consumers.

Admittedly Singapore is a small economy, easier to micro-manage and MAS can finetune as it goes along. But nothing can beat detailed planning and outcome orientation in such hard times. The US could have done much better in this regard.