Last Pritchett, a development economist, developed a simple four-part “smell test” for advanced governments before they start funding “development” projects in less-developed countries. It is hardly radical, Pritchett was a former Mormon missionary. Using X as the variable targeted by policy, it asks:
In a cross-sectional comparison of levels, do countries that are more developed have more X?
In cross-sectional comparison of growth rates, do countries that have rapid growth in X also tend to experience a rapid increase in standards of living?
When we look at the few countries for which we have long historical records, do the ones that become much more developed also acquire much more X?
If we look for countries that switch from a regime of slow economic development to a regime of rapid development, do we see a parallel shift in the rate of growth of change in X?
Such a test could have easily been repurposed for the tax debate, and I think it is pretty obvious that the tax cut fails across the board in delivering the macro results. Health will not improve, education will not improve and wealth equality will not improve.
Businesses have no idea what their taxes are going to be until well after year’s end. Hell, they can’t even add up their payroll and get the W2 forms mailed before February!
So we’re supposed to believe that businessmen are going to hire extra workers or pay them more, based on their unknown and unknowable future tax reduction? The whole idea is pure bullshit.
Unfortunately, the Dems in DC don’t message very well and often allow themselves to take a reactive posture. In this case, and assuming the Senate Dems don’t roll over right away, the (louder and simpler) message getting out to the masses will first be that the Repubs have a plan to extend CHIP-- one already approved in the House-- but Dems are the ones who won’t support the extension. Then the Dems will blather on about why it’s not their fault and this is really what’s going on, blah, blah, blah… At best it will be viewed as blame on both sides. Same old tune.
Wasn’t that dickhead Ryan spouting off the other day about how American families should have more kids to take advantage of the new tax laws in their ‘giveaway 2 donor bill’…??
Some sort of plague that rendered everyone on the planet sterile is probably best for all concerned. The animals and environment would certainly benefit. Homo Sapiens had a good run, but they really have stayed past their expiration date.
Children and dreamers neither vote or contribute large sums to PACS. As soon as four year old kids start cutting million dollar checks to the RNC their concerns will get a hearing.
Yes, some respect is due a city where women make an annual pilgrimage to shake their bare breasts at strangers from balconies. Points for that.*
*Just don’t go harassing any of them despite you and them being drunk and high. It’s not as if shaking their bare breasts at you while you’re both in a drunken stupor is anything they should be responsible for.
Ryan is from WI, and tRUMP is a New Yorker. Are you referring to the swing state - electoral situation from 2016 cycle? If that’s the case, you can toss in my state of Michigan.
As far as States in our fine Union, BOTH Louisana and Wisconsin are very cool States in their own rights. Love Milwaukee and New Orleans - meant no offense, but @steviedee111 frequently posts funny stuff here.
