An introduction to U.S. macroeconomic policy issues, such as how we use monetary and fiscal policies to promote economic growth, low unemployment, and low inflation.
Good Magazine in collaboration with Nigel Holmes created this historical survey of the US economy. The graph shows the GDP (grey) and the National Debt: real dollars (solid red line) and actual dollars (dotted red line)
I believe it is extremely important to consider the sources of information. No one should be surprised if news reports on MSNBC have a liberal slant or if Fox News has a conservative bias. Unfortunately, far too many people only seek information that supports existing opinions and they fail to consider all sides of issues. I strongly encourage everyone to seek a broad spectrum of opinions and information sources, carefully consider them all, and then reach one’s own conclusions rather than just parroting what a favorite cable news celebrity might say.
The following information is provided to help you understand the biases that may be inherent in this blog. My primary U.S. economic policy concern is the fiscal irresponsibility of government. The Baby Boom generation, which I am part of, has spent the past 30 years accumulating massive public debt that will be passed to our children, grandchildren, and subsequent generations. I am not opposed to the reduction or elimination of any government spending program. Yet, politicians tend to call for reduced spending in general terms and fail to publicly declare specific cuts they would make. The primary cause of the massive U.S. public debt is revenue reductions (in the form of tax cuts) without similar decreases in government spending.
I am willing to consider the expansion and addition of government programs as well. I do not mind how much or little the government provides to society as long as it is paid for. I am willing to pay higher taxes for services deemed worthy, whether they be national defense, homeland security, or income assistance to those less fortunate than I. And I am certainly willing to pay less in taxes or to deposit any government check I receive. My generation, the Baby Boomers, has been very good at cutting taxes and increasing the size of government, regardless of which political party is in power. This is a prescription for financial chaos that remains a horrible legacy for future generations.
