Whipsaw

Blessed Union
As for the unions, they are often treated in the media as advocates of arcane work rules, protectors of inefficient public employees and obstacles to the economic growth our bold entrepreneurs would let loose if only they were free from labor regulations. (E.J. Dionne Jr., Washington Post, 9/4/2011)


See below....


At the same time, decades of contractual promises made to unionized workers, including no-layoff clauses, are increasing the post office’s costs. Labor represents 80 percent of the agency’s expenses, compared with 53 percent at United Parcel Service and 32 percent at FedEx, its two biggest private competitors. Postal workers also receive more generous health benefits than most other federal employees. (NYT, 9/5/2011)


No word from E.J.


Demanding
O.K., I know what the usual suspects will say — namely, that fears of regulation and higher taxes are holding businesses back. But this is just a right-wing fantasy. Multiple surveys have shown that lack of demand — a lack that is being exacerbated by government cutbacks — is the overwhelming problem businesses face, with regulation and taxes barely even in the picture. (Paul Krugman, NYT, 9/5/2011)


By our count this is Krugman's 328th column advocating more government (deficit) spending, including the old liberal chestnut - more spending on "infrastructure."  What is it with Republicans?  How could they not want to repair our nation's roads and bridges?  The fact is, the roads and bridges get repaired when they need to be repaired.  Throwing gobs of money at it - as was done with Stimulus 1 - leads inevitably to the waste that we saw. Of course, Krugman and the Left will never be honest and call what they are proposing what it really is - a gift to unions.  


As far as taxes and regulations, here is our suggestion.  Let's try cutting both for business and see what happens.  Prediction?  Hiring picks up and business booms.