During an interview with the Powdersville Post, Clemson professor Scott Baier talked about some of the reasons businesses still are uneasy about growing.

Uncertainty is scaring businesses.

We’re not talking about the uncertainty caused by the stock market. We’re talking about the uncertainty caused by possible pending legislation or legislation that’s already been enacted.

“We don’t know what’s going to happen with tax rates coming down the road in a couple of years, we don’t know the full effect of what the health reform is going to do, we don’t know what the cap and trade is going to do,” Baier said. “All those things are helping to cause retailers and other firms from coming to jump in, adding employees, or constructing new businesses at this time.”

Possible legislation like cap and trade and enacted legislation like the health care bill have only added to employers’ concerns.

Businesses are also worried about what Congress will do regarding taxes.

Raising taxes isn’t the answer to our economic problems. That will just result in more job losses, less confidence, and less money for the federal government itself. Even raising taxes on those making above $250,000 — like the president proposes — could hurt the economy.

Congress can start by simply leaving businesses alone — stop talking about legislation that actually scares businesses. In other words, no more talk of cap and trade, and no more policies such as national health care legislation.

Next, we can start by cutting expenses. Eliminate federal programs, raise the age in which one can draw Social Security, and slash entitlements.

Then, start to offer incentives for businesses.

The heart of the problem is that Congress doesn’t realize that businesses and entrepreneurs are the solution to the problem. Help them, don’t hurt them.

Conservatives say liberal policies such as those enacted by President Barack Obama are to blame. Liberals say policies such as those enacted by President George W. Bush are to blame. Why take sides? Both of them share the blame. And if we voted for either one of them, we’re to blame too. So let’s all stop pointing fingers and get to work.