re: I do not understand something about *this* recession
It's not about the economy. It's about power. Tax cuts leave money in the hands of people who already have earned it. They spend it as they see fit, wherever they want to. Mostly in ways they hope will improve their lives.
There is no political power in this.
Spending programs are directed by the government, to places the government chooses, targeted for mostly political reasons. There is enormous political power to be had in rewarding friends, and starving enemies. The end goal is for as much wealth as possible to pass through the hands of the government, and as much dependence as possible on the part of the population. If it helps the economy or not, who cares?