Who's Simple-Minded?
26 August 2007
The Editor, New York Times Book Review
229 West 43rd St.
New York, NY 10036
To the Editor:
Reviewing Drew Westen's The Political Brain, David Brooks raises many sound objections to Westen's thesis that Democrats face an electoral disadvantage because their policies are too rational and sophisticated for ordinary voters to grasp ("Stop Making Sense," August 26). But Brooks fails to challenge Westen's core premise that Democratic policies are wise and complex.
Democrats are as simple-minded as their Republican opponents. Democrats typically propose to "solve" every problem, real or imaginary, with stricter regulations, higher taxes, or more spending. Are gasoline prices too high? Cap 'em! Do Americans buy too many imports? Raise tariffs! Are low-skilled workers paid to little? Increase the minimum-wage! Do many Americans have no health insurance? Uncle Sam will provide it! Do Americans sometimes consume unhealthy foods and drugs? Increase the FDA’s budget and power! Are government schools failing? Shovel in more funding! Are Africans very poor? Send more foreign aid!
These "solutions" are as simple-minded as those that any eight-year old of ordinary intelligence would devise.
Sincerely,
Donald J. Boudreaux
Chairman, Department of Economics
George Mason University
The Editor, New York Times Book Review
229 West 43rd St.
New York, NY 10036
To the Editor:
Reviewing Drew Westen's The Political Brain, David Brooks raises many sound objections to Westen's thesis that Democrats face an electoral disadvantage because their policies are too rational and sophisticated for ordinary voters to grasp ("Stop Making Sense," August 26). But Brooks fails to challenge Westen's core premise that Democratic policies are wise and complex.
Democrats are as simple-minded as their Republican opponents. Democrats typically propose to "solve" every problem, real or imaginary, with stricter regulations, higher taxes, or more spending. Are gasoline prices too high? Cap 'em! Do Americans buy too many imports? Raise tariffs! Are low-skilled workers paid to little? Increase the minimum-wage! Do many Americans have no health insurance? Uncle Sam will provide it! Do Americans sometimes consume unhealthy foods and drugs? Increase the FDA’s budget and power! Are government schools failing? Shovel in more funding! Are Africans very poor? Send more foreign aid!
These "solutions" are as simple-minded as those that any eight-year old of ordinary intelligence would devise.
Sincerely,
Donald J. Boudreaux
Chairman, Department of Economics
George Mason University
Posted by Don Boudreaux on
Sunday February 24, 2008 at 12:41pm