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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsKrugman: Thirty Troubling Years
Theres a tone of incredulity to the writings of Romney apologists. It seems as if they cant believe that the magic words capitalism! free markets! job creators! arent managing to silence the critics. After all, they say, wasnt Romney just doing what has been standard for the past 30 years?
Actually, we dont know just how standard his behavior was and wont until we see his tax returns, which will probably never happen (there has to be something really explosive in there). In any case, however, the fact that weve had a Gordon Gekko economy for 30 years doesnt make it OK.
A couple more illustrations of what those 30 years involved. First, wage stagnation despite rising productivity:
<...>
You might ask, what should be done about this troubling performance? Well, Obama is proposing mild meliorative measures: reform that at least assures workers of having health insurance, and modestly stronger financial regulation. Romney, on the other hand, wants to double down on the policies that brought us to where we are today: more tax cuts for the rich, more financial deregulation.
- more -
http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/07/18/thirty-troubling-years/
ProSense
(116,464 posts)NNN0LHI
(67,190 posts)Spazito
(50,446 posts)"Actually, we dont know just how standard his behavior was and wont until we see his tax returns, which will probably never happen (there has to be something really explosive in there)."
The unanswered question is the seed and it has found VERY fertile soil in which to grow. Romney and his campaign are unable to remove the seed, they are providing the fertilizer feeding it.
Doctor_J
(36,392 posts)Those who think the president is going to suddenly lurch to the left once he doesn't have to campaign any more are off their rockers. SP or Strong Public Option - not going to happen. Insurance robbers out of health care - not going to happen. More oversight of banks and such - nope. Ease up on medical marijuana users - nope. Prosecution of white collar criminals - nope. Defense Dept budget cuts - no. Replacement of Reaganomics adherent with Keynesians -
By electing Obama we will be holding off the worst of the far right's advance, but will not bring up back to a civilized country.
hay rick
(7,638 posts)scarletwoman
(31,893 posts)That's how I see it, too. No bright dawn for progressive advances, just a holding action against the worst of the Dark Forces.
bluesbassman
(19,379 posts)The last such massive concentration immediately preceded the Great Depression. Coincidence? I think not.
annabanana
(52,791 posts)That is the template. Reagan paved the way.
bvar22
(39,909 posts)... the 30 year era of "Free Trade", "Free Markets", and De-Regulation,
Krugman should feel more than a little shame.
While he has become somewhat more evolved in his beliefs after witnessing the predicted carnage wrought on the American Working Class by "Free Trade", I have never heard a genuine Mea Culpa from him in this area.
[font size=4]The Graven Image on the Altar of the Church of Free Markets[/font]
[font size=3]This new religion invented 30 years ago by Rich Corporate Owners
and sold to gullible Americans by smooth talking politicians
demands absolute fealty and devotion
to a deity no one has ever seen, and for which no proof exists,
The Giant Invisible Hand.[/font]
If you Work for a Living,
do NOT trust anyone who espouses a belief in "Free Trade", Free Markets", or an "Invisible Hand".
NONE of these exist, and that person is NOT your friend.
You will know them by their WORKS,
not by their excuses.
[font size=5 color=green]Solidarity99![/font][font size=2 color=green]
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