In this article, Krugman talks about how many on both the right and the left are criticizing Obama for focusing on healthcare and forgetting the economy. He contends that either Obama only had a choice back in 2009, or he was doomed on the economy all along. I guess he was doomed all along because he doesn't really have the mindset to improve the economy. But to contend that his only chance to choose between focusing on healthcare or the economy was back in 2009 in just dead wrong.
The problem is that the ways to actually help the economy are ways that liberals and democrats think don't work. They would never cut taxes, especially on businesses, (those greedy bastards). They would never decrease the minimum wage. They would never release restriction and regulation on businesses, especially small businesses. They would never alter tax laws and regulation to make it easier for companies to invest in R & D. They would never lift restrictions on banks so that credit is more readily available to companies.
Instead, they'll raise the minimum wage, in the misguided belief that it helps workers. They'll encourage unions to form, facilitate more power for the unions. They'll enact tariffs and embargoes on foreign imports. They'll tax big business more. They'll add restrictions on those preparing our taxes (wait, they already did that). They'll do many on these things and then be baffled when the economy continues to worsen.
Hopefully the citizens of every state will follow the citizens of Massachusetts' lead, actually thinking about the issues that affect them and voting accordingly. As our economy continues to decline, people will realize that focusing on social issues like healthcare, poverty, social security, etc are surefire ways to weaken and destroy economies. Hopefully. I'm not counting on it.
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In this article, he write about the conundrum that is Ben Bernanke's confirmation. This is actually a good article, highlighting both sides of the issue with remarkable clarity and lucidity for Krugman.
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In this article, he talks about how the democrats are planning to push the healthcare bill through. He claims that at least the democrats are standing for "something." So standing for "something" that increases the national deficit, and lowers the level of healthcare provided to all is better than standing for "nothing?" Glad to know he's such a respected mind.
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In this article, he writes how an unexpected outcome of Massachusetts was a turn against Geithner, Summers, and Bernanke. I certainly can't contest the fact that it's happening, but can contest the fact that they're the only ones to blame for the state of the economy. Oh right, Obama's absolved because of all the jobs he "saved." How can I forget the great work he's done on the economy. It's pretty convenient to laud yourself for something unquantifiable.
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Here's another one. I guess now the president isn't too keen on backing the healthcare plan. Maybe he's concerned about what the public thinks. They don't really like it. It's really impressive how well Krugman checks his facts, making sure he writes with integrity.
And another related one.
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In closing, as informed, critical-thinking members of society, we are truly blessed to have such an educated, bi-partisan, critical-thinking, unbiased, member of the academic and news groups to write about important issues. If you aren't able to detect my tone, you shouldn't be allowed to vote.
