Now that the Republicans have had their convention, more than one columnist is asking, “What big ideas do the Democrats have to offer?” John goodman has made some suggestions. Since liberals have basically exhausted any sensible good that can come from more regulation, his suggestions all involve deregulation –especially in areas that Democrats have shown a particular interest in – including housing, medical care, education and jobs. More.
He writes: “If you want to understand the economic policies that wrecked Argentina . . . . What started as a little effort at protectionism and industrial policy sprawled over the years into a vast web of clientelism and patronage, where political connections determined who could do business and on what terms.” Here is what’s missing: In the United States, tax law, labor law, employee benefits law, environmental regulation, public school finance and even the Defense Department budget – all of these areas suffer from the same special-interest push-and-pull that have plagued Argentina. More.
CHAIRMAN, AMERICAS STRATEGIC HOLDINGS
The inflation rate is the highest it’s been in 40 years. Congress can’t change that. But there are six things it can do to help all of us weather inflation, beginning with full inflation indexing of the tax code.