[PEN-L:3025] Re: New Economists' Petition

[Brad De Long <delong@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>
>I would refer readers' attention to the advocacy of a 15-year
>program of surplus generation (no hint of business cycles).
>There is a reference to "unproductive spending," whereas
>by contrast tax cuts (not necessarily for the rich) are merely
>not preferred.

Touche...

>We are also told that running surpluses is
>"the only real way" to enhance the retirement of current workers.
>Then in a following sentence, it says surpluses are "an excellent
>way," which would seem redundant and bad writing, in the context
>of the statement, or perhaps an echo of unconscious Freudian angst.

Touche, again...

>
>Why don't you write your own letter delineating the difference between
>what you think is bad, not very good, and . . . (drum roll) very good?
>
>mbs
>

Hmmm... Because I'm overwhelmed trying to save some of the graduate
students' tuition waivers from a money-hungry dean? Because I have 100
admissions files still to read? Because out of the three courses I am
teaching this semester two are courses that I have never taught before?

Because Alicia was the best boss I ever had, is a good friend (and a good
friend of social insurance and public investment), and this is her show?

I find myself without a very good answer...


Brad DeLong