Japan tried lowering their bank rate to zero - it didn't work out to well and they are still paying.
I never suggested that it would solve all problems, but it is an effective way to counter deflation.
You mentioned that there is always the potential to just print more money... That is an extremely dangerous game in that it acts to deflate the currency which results in an artificial inflation of the cost of living.
As I'd mentioned, as a counter-deflationary policy, which implies too things:
1. That it would be used only in the event of deflation, and
2. That it would be used only to the degree that it puts a stop to deflation.
Of course I'd oppose printing our way out of recession and would certainly oppose that.
The best evidence for the severe impact that 'just printing more money' can have is represented through a strategy that the Nazis had contemplated - and that was to counterfeit US dollars and British pounds.. They Nazis would try to buy goods with the cash, but the big impact would be in the devaluation of the currencies (by flooding the market with the paper) and make the relative cost of the war more expensive for both nations.
1. The Nazis were doing this on a large scale as part of an economic war strategy, and an effective one at that.
2. I'm not suggesting that any government rely on spending as its sole source of income. In fact, as long as we have a debt, it would not be wise to reduce governemnt taxes. Tax shifting might be fine, but certainly not an overall reduction in taxes, at least not until the national debt is paid.
A last comment: You make a reference that appears to suggest thatthe corporate welfare is directed at helping the 'rich'... You are waaayyy off base on that Machjo. Look into it yourself and leave the platitudes at the door. There is no question that if you apply an objective and critical analysis to the situation, you won't be banging the rich vs poor drum... It simply is not the case.
I'm sure it's not intentional, but it is the result none-the-less. Think about it. You're giving the money to top bankers expecting them to pass the money downstream. Well, if the money goes through them downwards its natural that they're going to want a cut of the pie too.