I addressed the comments of CSU-Dominguez Hills professor Terry McGlynn in my last post. While arguing for the “open exchange of ideas,” McGlynn castigated Trump and his supporters as, among other things, racists and deniers of science. I believe McGlynn’s view is mainstream in academe. Not all academics are progressives or are hostile to those who don’t share their ideology, but McGlynn speaks for far too many when he just doesn’t recognize a genuine, legitimate basis for a non-progressive point of view. If you still think McGlynn is atypical, consider economist Paul Krugman.
I’ve commented on Krugman’s work over the years and I’ve always tried to give him the benefit of the doubt, but his well-publicized tweet on Friday just went too far. Krugman inferred that Trump might instigate a terrorist attack against the US to solidify his legitimacy, noting that he (Trump) “will surely use [the] patriotism card to distract from tainted election and effects of his anti-populist policies.”
The overlap between economics and politics is obvious. Economic policy doesn’t occur in a vacuum; it is implemented by politicians with various motives and incentives. It’s okay for economists to mix some politics with their economic analysis, but I’m hearing less and less economics from Krugman with each passing year. He’s become more of a progressive apologist who rests on his Ivy League laurels. Krugman rarely makes a strong case for anything anymore. He mostly rants and attacks.
Of course, I disagree with Krugman on most issues. I believe less regulation, a simple tax code, and a smaller government is both constitutional and good for our economy. The arguments I present on issues like these are based in evidence and logic, not superior intellect. I don’t presume my detractors to be racists, ignorant, and uneducated. In fact, I enjoy reading clear arguments on the other side, as they help me sharpen my own views. But most of them—especially during the past six weeks—have been political, emotional, and downright insulting. Krugman’s recent tirade is just more of the same.
There’s still a lot left to be resolved in Washington. Will the Republicans have the courage to pull the plug on Obamacare, and if so, what will replace it? How will Trump and the Congress deal with trade policy? How will they deal with the Paris accord on climate change? Will Congress balk at Trump’s infrastructure plans? How will Trump address issues with China and Russia? Calling Trump names and attempting to delegitimize his election won’t help.
There are real disagreements among Republicans, so serious Democrats could play a greater role than minority Republicans could when Obama controlled both the House and the Senate in 2008. But if they fall in line behind Krugman and others who refuse to at least recognize the case for liberty, then Washington will continue to be completely divided, but with a new sheriff instead.
Merry Christmas!
Krugman is a hack. I didn’t know he was an economist until you told me. Merry Christmas.
I believe Krugman and the left are driven by fear, not that they could be wrong but that their momentum is lost. They were blindsided and instead of serious analysis they looked for ways to maintain their superiority by making the other side wrong. It was Comey, the Russians, the alt right, election fraud and the electors. Consider the audacity of a group of liberal Hollywood actors, held in low esteem by Republicans, doing a commercial to get electors to switch their votes. They actually believed they could influence electors who in many cases are leaders of the parties in their states. It is ludicrous and laughable.
Their worse fear is that Trump, a despised businessman, may actually succeed. And they will do anything to keep that from happening. Marches, protests, intimidation, boycotts and of course name calling. Starting now count the positive things you hear about Trump from the mainstream media and you will not reach 10 before the end of his first term. They won’t even acknowledge the current market rally.
It’s a combination of fear and indoctrination. Krugman lives in his own world.
Dr. Parnell, I’ve been reading you for years. I appreciate your thoughtful views. I’ve learned much. Please keep up the good work and know it is not thankless.
ditto to jeffo
MC Parnell, keep up the fight
Merry Christmas, Dr. Parnell. Thank you for your insightful blog posts.