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virus · 08-17-2004, 08:15 PM

Hey all,

Any economists out there that read http://www.factcheck.org ? I've found it a great resource for learning about questionable political tactics on both sides of the American aisle.

It appears to my amatuer eyes that it is written from a "corporate libertarian" perspective. I've discussed general economics with several social scientists, and read a few textbooks, and I've come to the conclusion "right" and "wrong" here highly subjective and are based on a deep seeded moral frame of reference.

For example, they often mention economic development, based on gross product indicators, like the GDP (which many consider primitive since it doesn't subtract disasters, pollution costs, or social capital waste). I'm a New Yorker, so based on this reasoning, 9/11/01 was actually beneficial to our economy, because there is a huge amount of production for recovery. There is no doubt that certain individuals benefited from this and other economic disasters, and the gross economy increased because of it. I feel that individuals must decide where it's "good" when capital flows from the rich to the poor or, as in the above case, vice verse.

Trying really hard to sound neutral here, I know I'm failing, but I'd like to avoid political arguments. I'd like to focus this thread on factcheck.org and whether you believe economics are subjective or not.

I'd love any references to good books that could help me learn more about local and world economics. I know it's geeky, but I'm a small business owner and I'm lately obsessed learning how to run a smart, honest, obscenely profitable company.

Thanks for any input!

08-17-2004, 08:15 PM	#1 (permalink)
virus Tilted Location: NYC	Factcheck.org and subjective economics? Hey all, Any economists out there that read http://www.factcheck.org ? I've found it a great resource for learning about questionable political tactics on both sides of the American aisle. It appears to my amatuer eyes that it is written from a "corporate libertarian" perspective. I've discussed general economics with several social scientists, and read a few textbooks, and I've come to the conclusion "right" and "wrong" here highly subjective and are based on a deep seeded moral frame of reference. For example, they often mention economic development, based on gross product indicators, like the GDP (which many consider primitive since it doesn't subtract disasters, pollution costs, or social capital waste). I'm a New Yorker, so based on this reasoning, 9/11/01 was actually beneficial to our economy, because there is a huge amount of production for recovery. There is no doubt that certain individuals benefited from this and other economic disasters, and the gross economy increased because of it. I feel that individuals must decide where it's "good" when capital flows from the rich to the poor or, as in the above case, vice verse. Trying really hard to sound neutral here, I know I'm failing, but I'd like to avoid political arguments. I'd like to focus this thread on factcheck.org and whether you believe economics are subjective or not. I'd love any references to good books that could help me learn more about local and world economics. I know it's geeky, but I'm a small business owner and I'm lately obsessed learning how to run a smart, honest, obscenely profitable company. Thanks for any input!