Contra Krugman

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 175 The Free Market: Unpopular Without Racism Feb 08, 2019

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Krugman says nobody really supports free-market (what he calls "conservative") economics. Racists tolerate it because it's the only way they can get their racism fix; the Republicans, who give them the racism they seek, cling to "conservative" economics, so racists grudgingly accept it. But most Americans are far left on economics, which is why Howard Schultz, who's trying to combine some kind of fiscal restraint with social liberalism, is encountering so much hostility. It's a nutty column, but it yielded a great, punchy episode. Show notes for Ep. 175

Ep. 174 They Are Really Coming After the Rich Feb 02, 2019

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The proposals to tax the rich much more heavily are coming fast and furious from Democratic presidential candidates. We examine the ideas and so-called economics behind it all. Show notes for Ep. 174

Ep. 173 The Case for One-Third Communism Jan 26, 2019

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Krugman says that the case for putting the government directly in charge of approximately one-third of the economy is very strong. We're not so sure it's quite so strong. Show notes for Ep. 173

Ep. 172 The Government Shutdown: A Big Libertarian Experiment? Jan 19, 2019

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Krugman points out that even though Republicans have been calling for limited government for as long as anyone can remember, now that the federal government shutdown is upon us they're desperate to get emergency funding for various government functions. In this episode, we discuss this argument, as well as whether the shutdown is really a "big libertarian experiment," as Krugman claims. Show notes for Ep. 172

Ep. 171 The Economics of Soaking the Rich Jan 12, 2019

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Paul Krugman loves Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and says her suggestion for a much higher top marginal income tax rate is actually well founded and economically sound. Now if the column were just about that, it'd make for a great episode of Contra Krugman. But the way Krugman speaks of "the rich" is downright sinister, and we hit that head on as well. Show Notes for Ep. 171

Ep. 170 Are Conservatives Hypocrites on Fed Policy? Jan 07, 2019

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Krugman can't believe that the same people warning about expansionary monetary policy under Barack Obama are suddenly concerned about contractionary monetary policy under Donald Trump. You already know part of the answer: Krugman is as inconsistent as the folks he criticize are. But we have much more for you, particularly: what's so bad about the Federal Reserve's intervention into the economy? Show Notes for Ep. 170

Ep. 169 You Want the Free Market? You're Unscientific and a Hack Dec 23, 2018

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Why can't Krugman be a plain old economist who speaks in a nonpartisan way? That's what supporters asked after hearing him speak dispassionately about trade on a recent podcast. His answer: people who oppose me on fiscal and monetary policy are partisan cranks with no scientific standing, so they deserve to be smashed. In this episode, we do the smashing. Show Notes for Ep. 169

Ep. 168 The Problems With the Green New Deal Dec 18, 2018

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Newly elected member of Congress Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been calling for a "Green New Deal," which she says will at once confront the dangers of climate change and also provide good jobs at living wages and overturn racial and gender injustices. We are unconvinced. Show notes for Ep. 168

Ep. 167 How Can a Free Society Handle Terrorism, Climate Change, and Quarantines? Dec 12, 2018

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We take on additional hard questions for libertarians: quarantines (for infectious/incurable diseases), terrorism, Somalia, and climate change.

Show notes for Ep. 167

Ep. 166 Krugman's Recent Q&A: His (Lousy) Answers, and Ours Dec 01, 2018

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Krugman took questions last week on Quora, and they spanned a wide range: -- Has Keynesian economics failed America? -- What are the causes of inequality? -- What will Trump's long-term economic legacy be? -- Why haven't wages increased alongside corporate profits? -- Would universal basic income work? -- Can Krugman refute "trickle-down" economics? -- and a whole bunch more. In this episode, we critique Krugman's answers and offer our own. Show notes for Ep. 166

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