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G_j

(40,372 posts)
Fri Jul 12, 2013, 11:31 AM Jul 2013

Paul Krugman: Libertarian populism is a lie

http://www.salon.com/2013/07/12/paul_krugman_libertarian_populism_is_a_lie/c


FRIDAY, JUL 12, 2013 10:44 AM EDT
Paul Krugman: Libertarian populism is a lie

The New York Times columnist takes on the politics of Rand Paul -- they're "bunk"!

In today’s New York Times, Paul Krugman takes on the idea of “libertarian populism” — the political philosophy he says Republicans have alit on after the “wonk” theorizing of Rep. Paul Ryan “turned out to be crude smoke and mirrors.” Libertarian populism, per Krugman, is the set of policy proposals, embodied by the likes of Sen. Rand Paul, that Republicans are hoping will turn out blue collar white voters. The only problem? The policies don’t actually help the working class — and Krugman calls them “bunk”:

Well, as far as anyone can tell, at this point libertarian populism — as illustrated, for example, by the policy pronouncements of Senator Rand Paul — consists of advocating the same old policies, while insisting that they’re really good for the working class. Actually, they aren’t. But, in any case, it’s hard to imagine that proclaiming, yet again, the virtues of sound money and low marginal tax rates will change anyone’s mind.

Moreover, if you look at what the modern Republican Party actually stands for in practice, it’s clearly inimical to the interests of those downscale whites the party can supposedly win back. Neither a flat tax nor a return to the gold standard are actually on the table; but cuts in unemployment benefits, food stamps and Medicaid are. (To the extent that there was any substance to the Ryan plan, it mainly involved savage cuts in aid to the poor.)

And while many nonwhite Americans depend on these safety-net programs, so do many less-well-off whites — the very voters libertarian populism is supposed to reach.


http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/12/opinion/krugman-delusions-of-populism.html?hp&_r=0
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Thinkingabout

(30,058 posts)
2. I think the only ones the Paul brand is convincing are those like the Paulbot bunch, who does not
Fri Jul 12, 2013, 12:53 PM
Jul 2013

reason through what they are being told, yep to some they talk a good game, tell them enough times and they believe what they are being told. The same people wants to drive down our streets and roads but does not want to provide the building and maintaining the roads. The same roads they do not want any rules, no one to police the roads but they think they will still be there and operational.

CTyankee

(63,912 posts)
3. I adore Dr. K. He has gotten so committed to fighting the right wing propaganda machine over the
Fri Jul 12, 2013, 01:01 PM
Jul 2013

years. He is almost passionate about it. I think he feels the deep pain of the poor more and more and wants to do what he can to beat the bastards...

 

mick063

(2,424 posts)
4. You cannot explain away dissent
Fri Jul 12, 2013, 01:10 PM
Jul 2013

With the word Paulbot.

There are many true progressives that are ideologically opposed to Paul, yet conveniently placed in the Paul catergory.

A deceitful means of explaining it all away. If you are opposed to our President's policies, you must certainly be a Paulbot.

 

geek tragedy

(68,868 posts)
5. Why are you here whining about people criticizing Rand Paul? It's like you can't help yourself
Fri Jul 12, 2013, 01:16 PM
Jul 2013

but whine and complain when someone says mean things about Rand Paul.

maybe if you stopped acting all butthurt every time Rand Paul gets criticized, people would not find you overly sympathetic to Rand Paul.

Cha

(297,692 posts)
11. The OP is about Krugman pointing out that Libertarian Populism is a LIE.
Sat Jul 13, 2013, 05:46 AM
Jul 2013

And, you're feeling all persecuted because you think it's about you. Get over yourself.

Yavin4

(35,446 posts)
7. Libertarianism is a lie
Fri Jul 12, 2013, 01:27 PM
Jul 2013

There's not one stable nation on earth whose uses Libertarianism as the basis of their economic policies and laws.

jimlup

(7,968 posts)
8. Nice essay but unfortunately...
Fri Jul 12, 2013, 11:31 PM
Jul 2013

It's way over the heads of the "libertarian populists" that I argue with on another site.

winter is coming

(11,785 posts)
9. Most of the libertarians I've encountered aren't as smart as they think they are.
Fri Jul 12, 2013, 11:35 PM
Jul 2013

btw, fuck Ron Paul and Rand Paul.

jimlup

(7,968 posts)
15. Yeah that seems to be a symptom of their condition
Sat Jul 13, 2013, 12:26 PM
Jul 2013

They are slightly "smarter" than the average person who isn't paying attention at all. Thus they think they have suddenly discovered the answer that "sheeple" haven't considered. I think a few of them might be eventually reachable but not many and at that only the younger ones. I was a "libertarian" for awhile in my twenties - then I grew up. Now I'm still a libertarian but more of the libertarian-socialist as described by Chomsky - the "polite" description.

Fumesucker

(45,851 posts)
12. Krugman's out from under the bus again?
Sat Jul 13, 2013, 05:54 AM
Jul 2013

Keeping track of his bus status is becoming a full time job.

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