tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069354713843321730.comments2023-10-01T09:22:37.695-07:00Economists for ObamaDon Pedrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15438565798505041042noreply@blogger.comBlogger688125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069354713843321730.post-32623721334188423512011-08-01T19:16:35.126-07:002011-08-01T19:16:35.126-07:00I was thinking of a similar sounding word.I was thinking of a similar sounding word.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069354713843321730.post-32950484442923776322009-02-21T11:12:00.000-08:002009-02-21T11:12:00.000-08:00Paulson failed. Here's the answer.Two Part Solutio...Paulson failed. Here's the answer.<BR/><BR/>Two Part Solution to the economic crisis<BR/><BR/>1) Suspend all Federal taxes for one year. Phase them back in over the succeeding years. Use an inflation trigger of 5% or more to start reinstatement earlier if needed. Advantages - a) No new bureaucracy needed. The mechanism is already in place. b) The impact will be immediate because people will see a significant increase in their paychecks immediately. This will lead to increased spending which will jumpstart the economy. This will create jobs and decrease unemployment. The additional money will also help people pay their mortgages.<BR/><BR/>2) Issue "Hope” Bonds (they would be like war bonds). People who buy the bonds will receive a guaranteed return on the bonds, say 4%. The proceeds of the bonds would be used to buy up bad bank debt at the rate of a penny on the dollar. Advantages - people will have a safe and secure investment, and banks will be able to unload bad loans. Why a penny on the dollar? Since no one wants them, I gave a them a value of just over zero. <BR/><BR/>How will we pay for this? The US government has already demonstrated a desire to go in debt to solve this problem. The loss of approx 2.3 trillion in revenue will match the amounts mentioned in programs now, but the results of this program will be immediateAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069354713843321730.post-15516472089864835272009-02-08T11:23:00.000-08:002009-02-08T11:23:00.000-08:00has anyone see the current draft of this "package"...has anyone see the current draft of this "package"? i heard that it was supposed to be posted to the WEB for all americans to view, prior to the final voting.<BR/>-malcolm st. romain<BR/>-austin, txmalcolm.jrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06593609647704071768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069354713843321730.post-52911277040202610602009-01-22T22:04:00.000-08:002009-01-22T22:04:00.000-08:00amazing. this truly believes what he's saying, bec...amazing. this truly believes what he's saying, because that sounded completely impromptu. makes me want to work in DC so that i can witness the changes. good luck!malcolm.jrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06593609647704071768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069354713843321730.post-74670455907205916642008-12-19T06:23:00.000-08:002008-12-19T06:23:00.000-08:00Larry Summer's 'The Harvard Incident" aside, what ...Larry Summer's 'The Harvard Incident" aside, what is it about his or Emanuel's record that indicates a non support or a hostility to equal opportunities for women?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069354713843321730.post-85960609642031144612008-12-18T20:25:00.000-08:002008-12-18T20:25:00.000-08:00Author's response:Tomorrow Obama will announce Hil...Author's response:<BR/><BR/>Tomorrow Obama will announce Hilda Solis as Secretary of Labor, a female Latina member of Congress from California bringing the number of cabinet department secretaries who are women to 3 of a total of 15 now all named, or 20%. Please note these numbers refer to department secretaries only, not all cabinet positions. There are other cabinet level positions, some required by law others determined by the President, so the total number of those is not yet known. There are likely to be at least 7, of which so far 2 are women (Rice at the UN and Jackson at EPA), 3 are white men (Biden, Emmanuel, and Orszag), and 2 are still vacant (drug policy and trade rep). I believe Obama could have and should have done better. I hope the lack of women in leadership will not negatively affect the kinds of policies implemented, I fear it will. Suffice it to say that research shows that who policy makers are does affect what they do, at least on average. <BR/>from Moxiemamma (really, it's me)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069354713843321730.post-49051515284972186952008-12-18T11:55:00.000-08:002008-12-18T11:55:00.000-08:00As is Lisa Jackson the nominee for EPA which I als...As is Lisa Jackson the nominee for EPA which I also believe gets cabinet status under Obama.<BR/><BR/>Then you have Nancy Sutley as head of the Council on Environmental Quality and Carol Browner as policy coordinator for energy and climate. Plus Heather Zichal who held a similar role to Browner's new one for the campaign and the transition will pretty obviously land in a top WH policy spot. And of course there is Valerie Jarrett.<BR/><BR/>The notion that Obama is stiffing women in general is kind of off the mark. In a lot of ways the WH Org chart is a lot more important than who gets a seat at the cabinet.Bruce Webbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13222670342780912788noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069354713843321730.post-74685838244797626912008-12-18T10:39:00.000-08:002008-12-18T10:39:00.000-08:00Obama's UN Ambassador, which will be a cabinet lev...Obama's UN Ambassador, which will be a cabinet level position in his administration, is Susan Rice, a black woman. Get your facts right.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069354713843321730.post-33938604473043389262008-12-18T10:06:00.000-08:002008-12-18T10:06:00.000-08:00So Real Change...Iz thisit:With women 46 percent o...So Real Change...Iz thisit:<BR/><BR/><I>With women 46 percent of the labor force, it would be folly to ignore job creation for them or to fail to create the kinds of jobs that can truly move our country forward.</I><BR/><BR/> Implying that past performance was somewhat folly...somewhat ignoring women, not only in high placements, but in obtaining equal pay for equal work. (recently squashed by the Supremes as "too expensive" IIRC...just to remind us where somewhat male justice really sits.) Moving forward wrt "women's needs", then, somewhat impeded by old boys...esp Summers and Emmanuel.<BR/> Absonootely.<BR/>Real change is gradual/incremental. [Not only an old boy sentiment, I swear.] Let's not confuse Obama's victory with some watershed Landslide Moment: 46% of Americans still voted for McCain...thanks to George's performance --and then Obama's, yes?<BR/>It is still a huge chance and although 2/14 is not the gender split we can be satisfied with in WH appointments, these appointments by and large have the respect of their industry peers...unlike the former admins choices based on loyalty, yes?<BR/><BR/> So Ray LaHood is a possible exception, thanks for the heads up.<BR/> I wonder how you, Moxie, feel about current Labor Secretary Chao...and all that progress (esp for women), in the past 8 years of skillful management of labor issues?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069354713843321730.post-67801047740775755332008-12-18T04:39:00.000-08:002008-12-18T04:39:00.000-08:00I particularly don't care if Obama, or any other P...I particularly don't care if Obama, or any other President, has a woman in his cabinet. The test is not the diversity of his cabinet but whether Obama wants to work with him or her.<BR/>There is much too much handwringing over this issue of minority and unrepresented persons in the balancing of management teams.<BR/>If you are advocating that "all other things being equal, Obama should choose a cabinet that reflects my diversity views" then I say 'balderdash'. All other things are never equal and will never be.<BR/>We do not know what factors were taken into his decision making. Sex may have been an issue on this one, or maybe politics, or maybe partisanship. So let's all suck it up until we have a little evidence that the wrong person was selected for the position.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069354713843321730.post-85950332393693173722008-11-17T09:12:00.000-08:002008-11-17T09:12:00.000-08:00I will add to that an article by Sheryl Sandberg--...I will add to that an article by Sheryl Sandberg-- http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sheryl-sandberg/what-larry-summers-has-do_b_142126.html<BR/><BR/><BR/>I'm definitely a Krugman fan but he himself has said he is tempermentally unsuited to be in a presidential administration :) <BR/><BR/>One of the biggest criticisms I have heard is that he was part of the push for deregulation, but some have put him on the same level as Alan Greenspan, which I think is insane. At any rate, I like that Summers has shown a willingness to change his positions and adapt to new circumstances, judging by his columns in the FT.<BR/><BR/>I like Geithner too but I think the NY Fed needs him.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069354713843321730.post-76616849510616147952008-11-16T21:46:00.000-08:002008-11-16T21:46:00.000-08:00My guess is that economists did not get as upset o...My guess is that economists did not get as upset over Summers' unfortunate comments about women in science as did those who are less familiar with statistics. But if there are any who believe that is a reason to keep him out of Obama's administration, they might be interested in <A HREF="http://www.blogher.com/larry-summers-actually-champion-women" REL="nofollow">the letter</A> from Linda Bilmes and other prominent Harvard women, lauding Summers as an outstanding mentor for women.Jennifer Imazekihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15217003898479507362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069354713843321730.post-80064996007150372292008-11-11T18:37:00.000-08:002008-11-11T18:37:00.000-08:0016 percent of the U.S. economy would be on the ord...16 percent of the U.S. economy would be on the order of, what, $2 trillion. Fiscal stimulus of this magnitude .... ?<BR/><BR/>DP - thanks for your commentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069354713843321730.post-45939453286787790252008-11-10T22:08:00.000-08:002008-11-10T22:08:00.000-08:00One economist predicted that if a national health ...One economist predicted that if a national health care plan was instituted by the feds it would bankrupt the U.S. I think that's what many are concerned about, the affordability of it all. They just gave AIG another 40 billion or so. Somewhere along the line, all that money needs paid back.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069354713843321730.post-66764038810182597152008-11-10T17:28:00.000-08:002008-11-10T17:28:00.000-08:00I don't really know why the savings rate is so hig...I don't really know why the savings rate is so high in China.<BR/><BR/>I don't see the problem in administering a large stimulus. Anyway, I don't really think the U.S. should be thinking about a stimulus of 16% of GDP. But we should be looking at something more than just a couple $100 billion.Don Pedrohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15438565798505041042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069354713843321730.post-10828346144708875832008-11-10T12:32:00.000-08:002008-11-10T12:32:00.000-08:00Point taken. I cling to my larger point, however,...Point taken. <BR/><BR/>I cling to my larger point, however, and I wonder whether even that immense spending will do what they want it to do. While a similar size stimulus in the U.S. -- in terms of percent of GDP -- could not even be rationally administered.<BR/><BR/>Do you not think that the enormous savings rate of the Chinese reflects the social insecurity of the country? The one child policy basically removed the former retirement scheme. This savings rate strangles any multiplier. If the idea is to generate consumption from the inside of the country, they need to do it among the masses, not just from the crust of middle class. And in order to do that, they need to create a base of security.<BR/><BR/>Is my thought.<BR/><BR/>Though I am less expert than you, as I have already amply demonstrated.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069354713843321730.post-28600010708864686452008-11-10T08:40:00.000-08:002008-11-10T08:40:00.000-08:00See what you think of this idea: Banks that need ...See what you think of this idea: Banks that need to unload houses acquired through foreclosure can offer 'rent to own' plans at zero interest, and the new owner acquires equity as their rent payments reduce the owner's debt to the bank.<BR/>Such a plan would reduce the number of empty houses, and create more capacity in the rental market, as renters moved up to 'rent to owners'. This would also reduce rents for those who must move down the economic ladder, due to job loss, etc.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069354713843321730.post-66151355773745192322008-11-09T21:05:00.000-08:002008-11-09T21:05:00.000-08:00Demand side,Thanks for the comment.I'm no China ex...Demand side,<BR/>Thanks for the comment.<BR/><BR/>I'm no China expert, but it's not true that there's no social safety net in China. Google "China unemployment insurance" and you'll find a detailed World Bank study on the topic.Don Pedrohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15438565798505041042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069354713843321730.post-90739128231110674022008-11-09T19:50:00.000-08:002008-11-09T19:50:00.000-08:00It's a big number, but ....The Chinese have no soc...It's a big number, but ....<BR/><BR/>The Chinese have no social safety net. Add the spending on Social Security to the U.S. bailout. They have no unemployment benefits. Add the unemployment spending. Medicare spending. And haven't we had a couple of trillion in bailout and balance sheet accommodation for the banks?<BR/><BR/>The floor to the Chinese economy is much further down. It is a country where everybody hoards against old age and want, they would be much better off providing basic social security benefits. <BR/><BR/>While they may be building the bones with more infrastructure and so on, maybe they need to pay attention to the muscle as well.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069354713843321730.post-69818790030907976472008-11-09T19:37:00.000-08:002008-11-09T19:37:00.000-08:00Under Obama's plan, if every student received the ...Under Obama's plan, if every student received the tax credit, demand would increase about 10% for the highest-price schools, 67% for the average public school, and 100% for community colleges. That would mean, according to your graph, that Harvard would increase its enrollment by about 600 kids, UCLA would increase its enrollment by 17,000 students, and community colleges would double their enrollment.<BR/><BR/>There's a big difference between that and "squeezing in a few extra" students.The Thinking Man's Manhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14833450888742735599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069354713843321730.post-6536083743574075482008-11-09T18:36:00.000-08:002008-11-09T18:36:00.000-08:00I supported John McCain during the election, belie...I supported John McCain during the election, believing his views would bring change to the United States - even though he was constantly called George Bush throughout the entire ordeal. But once November 4th came, I was quite disappointed in the outcome. I thought to myself, how could my country elect a man that had raised a family under a racist preacher, had ties with many questionable friends, and of course his famous "spread the wealth around" comment? At first I was ashamed and mad that this outcome could have occurred. Surely the country has gone mad? But then again, I gradually came to the realization that he will be in our lives for at least the next 4 years, and I better accept that fact. So I went to Barnes and Nobles, bought his book "Audacity of Hope" and started reading. It's a nice book, full of some interesting thoughts and ideas. I learned more about his personality while reading his book, and at the same time I was watching the news - and learned that he was quite the organized man. Already picking candidates to be in his cabinet just a day after the election, and even gathered an economic advisory team. Two days after the election, had his first president-elect meeting broadcast on television. It quite impressive, and I must say - after being such a hardcore McCain supporter I believe the American people might have actually made the right decision. Obama will certainly bring change to the United States, and I hope it's for the best. He seems like a much more intelligent and well thought out individual compared to the likes of say Nancy Pelozi - she's quite annoying and I believe rushes to make decisions.<BR/><BR/>But as for your hate for Mr. Bush, I have to disagree. I believe President Bush made some great decisions, but also a few bad ones. I'm not going to totally bash my current president, I support him and I believe the history books will give him a favorable reputation for generations to come. His pros: terrorism protection, enlarged security measures. Cons: the economy.<BR/><BR/>I just believe Obama will help the U.S. get back on top. We needed a refreshing change for this country and he's really done a good job at bringing it, and he’s not even officially in the White House yet. Haha.AxRhea88https://www.blogger.com/profile/10217993804432111951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069354713843321730.post-51581859020470922342008-11-09T05:44:00.000-08:002008-11-09T05:44:00.000-08:00So does anyone know if this is a solid list? alos ...So does anyone know if this is a solid list? <BR/>alos check out <A HREF="http://www.spinwhip.com/obama" REL="nofollow">http://www.spinwhip.com/obama</A> for more info about obama.. we're really lucky you know.. we were this close from having palin in the office!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069354713843321730.post-60110708817544539042008-11-09T02:20:00.000-08:002008-11-09T02:20:00.000-08:00Hi! Here's the news, but what do you think about?:...Hi! Here's the news, but what do you think about?: <A HREF="http://liesandfairytales.blogspot.com/2008/11/saturday-night-live-political-skits.html" REL="nofollow">'Saturday Night Live' Political Skits Make Real Impact on Voters</A>Polillahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13118283520890133856noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069354713843321730.post-28793258801793775662008-11-09T00:58:00.000-08:002008-11-09T00:58:00.000-08:00You live in DC? Jesus, man, your vote will never m...You live in DC? Jesus, man, your vote will never make a difference there! Move to Northern Virginia. We're a swing state.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069354713843321730.post-81697401414173574402008-11-08T18:14:00.000-08:002008-11-08T18:14:00.000-08:00I thought he was getting out of the same old washi...I thought he was getting out of the same old washington spin?Bedlamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14694310570071135870noreply@blogger.com