Because he Believes in Free Markets

Bush considers economic stimulus package – AP (1/3/08):

Amid new worries about a possible recession, the housing slump and rising oil prices, President Bush is exploring an economic stimulus package to reinforce the U.S. economy.

White House press secretary Dana Perino said Thursday that Bush is closely monitoring economic trends and is seeking input from his economic advisers on the pros and cons of such a package.

“The president has indicated that he will not make up his mind as to whether or not to lay out a package until the State of the Union,” Perino said about the president’s speech on Jan. 28.

The hypocrisy of Bush considering economic stimulus doesn’t leave a lot of room for satire, sarcasm, or mocking. Less so when one has to worry that it might take the form of yet another round of tax cuts for the $200,000 plus crowd. But Perino just couldn’t leave it at that. No, the money quote is here:

“Our economic policy is like our military policy. It is based on conditions on the ground and the president listens to advice from his economic advisers.”

If their military policy is any guide, Bush and his advisers will mis-diagnose the problem, target a solution at the wrong group of people, kill a bunch of them, and probably make everything exponentially worse, all while breaking a ton of laws.

Comments

sarabeth says:

January 3, 2008 at 4:24 pm

I’m not going to sit back idly while La Bimberino slander economists by implication.

One, everyone knows exactly how selectively Bush listened to his military advisers, and what happened to those who weren’t advising what Bush wanted to be advised.

Two, there are certainly some imbecile economic advisers who will advise Bush to follow voodoo economics.

But let’s make a distinction between economic advisers who are professional economists and economic advisers who are not. The first group rocks; it’s only the second group that sucks.
Elvis Manning says:

January 3, 2008 at 6:32 pm

I would love to know a real economist that really stands out from the crowd! Like bankers, they all like to huddle together in groupthink. But really, if you know of anyone special that actually thinks for themselves outside the flock, just send me a line. I’d love to hear about it. Thank you because inquiring minds want to know.
sarabeth says:

January 3, 2008 at 7:21 pm

inquiring minds should check the link in the previous comment, shouldn’t they? that’s kind of why the management provides links, actually.

incidentally, funny how mathematicians also huddle together in groupthink, innit? they should really disperse their huddled masses.