Krugman: Dooh Nibor Economics

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/01/opinion/01KRUG.html?pagewanted=print&position=

Last week The Washington Post got hold of an Office of Management and Budget memo that directed federal agencies to prepare for post-election cuts in programs that George Bush has been touting on the campaign trail. These include nutrition for women, infants and children; Head Start; and homeland security. The numbers match those on a computer printout leaked earlier this year — one that administration officials claimed did not reflect policy.

Beyond the routine mendacity, the case of the leaked memo points us to a larger truth: whatever they may say in public, administration officials know that sustaining Mr. Bush's tax cuts will require large cuts in popular government programs. And for the vast majority of Americans, the losses from these cuts will outweigh any gains from lower taxes.

It has long been clear that the Bush administration's claim that it can simultaneously pursue war, large tax cuts and a "compassionate" agenda doesn't add up. Now we have direct confirmation that the White House is engaged in bait and switch, that it intends to pursue a not at all compassionate agenda after this year's election.

That agenda is to impose Dooh Nibor economics — Robin Hood in reverse. The end result of current policies will be a large-scale transfer of income from the middle class to the very affluent, in which about 80 percent of the population will lose and the bulk of the gains will go to people with incomes of more than $200,000 per year.

[dw]

1. "And no, I'm not engaging in class warfare. They are."

Right now, it seems that the 2004 election will be a referendum on Mr. Bush's calamitous foreign policy. But something else is at stake: whether he and his party can lock in the unassailable political position they need to proceed with their pro-rich, anti-middle-class economic strategy. And no, I'm not engaging in class warfare. They are.

[theivoryqueen]

2. I hope a lot of people read the NYTimes. Krugman is a national treasure

and I hope the middle class decides it is time to stop voting against their economic interests. In the words of every wise leader Ever: WAKE UP!!!

[fdr_hst_fan]

4. I agree

Krugman is GREAT!

[rfkrocks]

3. this is the great plan of shrub

he never believed in the New Deal-wants to dismantle it-give corporations total control over us-with the middle class supporting the corporate welfare-yes this is "starve the beast"-he acted in foreign policy just like he acts in domestic policy-he covers up-there will be no policy argument about paying for head-start-there just won't be any money-same with social security-he gets to destroy programs without having to argue the point-the money just "isn't there"-he counts on people being asleep-Heaven help Kerry is he gets elected and undertaker Frist and mad dog delay are still in the majority-Thank God for Krugman

[fdr_hst_fan]

5. yes, that IS the plan

Underfund everything, blame it on the cost of the war, and use that excuse to eliminate EVERYTHING that benefits the middle-class; you know, the ones PAYING THE TAB! Class war-Dubya and Co STARTED IT! Although Ray-gun DID lay the preliminary groundwork.