Economic Merits of Federal Loans Go Unexamined in Report that Misleads on Republican Position

Who is really being obstructionist and recalcitrant where economic inducements for small business are concerned? Republicans have offered several amendments to a loan bill that been blocked by the Democratic majority, yet the minority party is accused of playing politics in a New York Times piece that avoids any substantive discussion of economics. The story headline also implies that Republicans are now operating against business interests who are supposedly their natural allies. In reality, bo...

U.S. Supreme Court’s Conservatism is Greatly Overstated in Front Page NYT Report

Thanks  in no small part to President George W. Bush's successful nominations, the U.S. Supreme Court is perhaps the most conservative in history a front page report in The New York Times declares. In reality, this claim is greatly overstated despite recent rulings. The key swing vote is highly unpredictable and quite left-leaning. Moreover, the more conservative members could retire in short order opening the way for another Obama pick... Although the U.S. Supreme Court under Chief Justice J...

Perverse Incentives, Fiscal Consequences of Unemployment Benefits Should Factor Into Coverage

Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) is dismissive of any suggestion that says extending unemployment benefits will create perverse incentives and discourage Americans from seeking work. Detailed economic studies that say otherwise have yet to find expression in the New York Times. Political figures should also be asked why they are reticent to enact offsetting spending cuts that would alleviate additional debt... Will the extension of unemployment benefits further add to the deficit and undermine long ...

Political Class Substitutes Renewable Needs for Global Warming Hysteria Without Media Scrutiny

So, whatever happened to global warming hysteria? Why does the subject never come up as U.S. senators prepare to introduce a new energy bill that is in reality an anti-energy bill laced with requirements for renewable energy? Meanwhile, the states that have already implemented renewable standards have higher energy prices. The rationale has changed but the political motivations remain unchanged and unexamined thanks to a compliant news media... With the Senate’s Democratic leadership now pois...

Economic Arguments Against Keynesian Proposals Can Balance Out Pro-Spending Coverage

With the 2010 mid-term elections approaching, time is running out for big spenders to force through new Keynesian measures and the New York Times is not pleased. A new report warns against the political fallout for Republicans who prioritize budget cuts over stimulus programs. There is limited value in the standard back and forth between competing lawmakers. Instead more economists should be permitted to debate the merits of new spending plans.. “Deficit Hawks” who are ambitious to roll back ...