March 29, 2005
TRICKLE-DOWN PSYCHOLOGY:
Random Thoughts (Thomas Sowell, 3/29/2005)
People on the political left not only have their own view of the world, they have a view of the world which they insist on attributing to others, regardless of what those others actually say. A classic example is the "trickle down theory," which no one has ever advocated, but which the left insists on fighting against.
Actually, it's worse than that: what the left attributes to others, and attacks them for, is what they themselves actually favor.
What could better fit the description of "trickle-down economics" than the argument that we should hand over our money to the government, let them "invest" it for us (in the memorable words of William Clinton), and expect to receive back more than we handed over? Isn't that precisely the trickle-down logic -- hand over your money to a powerful elite, and it will trickle back down to you in expanded form?
The "trickle-down economics" argument was a smokescreen. Now that Democrats are no longer actively seeking to expand government, they are no longer vulnerable to the trickle-down charge, so they have ceased to hurl the charge at Republicans.
Posted by Paul Jaminet at March 29, 2005 8:44 AM. . . they have ceased to hurl the charge at Republicans.
Paul, you've obviously not been to Daily Kos or DU lately. The moonbats, I mean "Deanie Babies," uh, I mean "most committed Dems," are still at it.
Posted by: Mike Morley at March 29, 2005 1:18 PMYou're right, I haven't been to Daily Kos or DU.
I'm not saying the Dems wouldn't like to expand government, but they know that advocating it wouldn't help them win back power, and since they're not advocating it, they have no need of the trickle-down charge, which is only camouflage.
Posted by: pj at March 29, 2005 1:34 PMThe idea that politicians define their opponents terms in ideas their opponents don't use is neither liberal nor conservative, but simply political. OJ does it all the time and proudly admits it. It's part of defining the debate and it's what all successful politicians do.
"Trickle-down economics" is exactly the same thing as "supply-side economics." Which label best fits the policy is ultimately decided during elections.
Posted by: Chris Durnell at March 29, 2005 3:54 PM