tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824345661289105799.post1010437716245196408..comments2023-11-03T08:36:09.683-05:00Comments on Brooks Wilson's Economics Blog: Experts Vs. Partisans (Repost I)Brooks M. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17097849558228531431noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824345661289105799.post-66518106701937738752012-06-08T15:26:49.614-05:002012-06-08T15:26:49.614-05:00It would ideal if everyone could say exactly what ...It would ideal if everyone could say exactly what they wanted to. However, as the textbook stated presidential economists give the president their recommendation but theirs is just one piece of the puzzle and the president must weigh at the factors before making a decision. If the president didn't he might be committing policial suicide.K Houlenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824345661289105799.post-46090798099860318702012-01-29T22:21:26.470-06:002012-01-29T22:21:26.470-06:00what I agree with is having the right person or gr...what I agree with is having the right person or group that will take this country to the new evolution. someone who knows how to look at todays society, with a moral outlook on a way we can progress as country. who's willing to help this economy shape up healthcare systems, and financial crisis.so that it will cost little to no money from the patient. If canada can do it why cant we. if we are so broke. why do broadcast all these tv shows that give away hundreds of thousands of dollars. our governments is not broke, and the economists are not stupid.FACTS is are all we have to rely on.krystal reyesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824345661289105799.post-39595763358235907312012-01-27T09:57:18.011-06:002012-01-27T09:57:18.011-06:00I love your post! I also think that our economist ...I love your post! I also think that our economist should speak out to help with our financial situation. In reality isn’t that what they are here for? They should not change their beliefs because they are concerned about their jobs, stick to what they believe in!sammienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824345661289105799.post-79690196541151353282012-01-26T22:15:23.127-06:002012-01-26T22:15:23.127-06:00Economist I believe is like like any other profess...Economist I believe is like like any other profession. They go through the education and experience just like teachers and doctors to become professionals. The true profession type will not bow down to others opinion and sway facts they stand up for what they were taught. A teacher teaches, A doctor heals, and a economist knows money. Economist has a duty to protect the economy as a doctor ,nurse to protect their patients. <br />Melissa OliverMelissa Olivernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824345661289105799.post-24237550933739445762012-01-26T21:59:01.622-06:002012-01-26T21:59:01.622-06:00I've never viewed economics as a science. I a...I've never viewed economics as a science. I always kind of viewed it as an extension of government. If it really is a science then I think that it is good for economists to act as experts, not partisans, but if they are an extension of the government then they need to act as partisans.Bryan Longnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824345661289105799.post-64663315580995688202012-01-26T21:19:59.977-06:002012-01-26T21:19:59.977-06:00This is my first time learning much of anything ab...This is my first time learning much of anything about economics. I do think that one should stand up for what they believe in and not let something or someone else effect their personal opinion. However with that being said, being a politician or an economist can have huge effect on others. Therefore things may be said a certain way, or not said at all, in order to protect or mislead. We may not understand all of the reasons behind this. But that is just the way our government is.Kati Higginbothamnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824345661289105799.post-46610845976139390172012-01-26T20:13:17.571-06:002012-01-26T20:13:17.571-06:00I don't believe that everyone has the ability ...I don't believe that everyone has the ability to do what economist do. It is very hard to base our decisions strictly on the evidence presented and leave our personal opinions and beliefs behind. I do belief that people still try to persuade economists to their viewpoint when it serves their particular interest. To what extent economists truly stick to the facts without letting their personal feelings affect the outcome is still undetermined in my opinion.Mickeynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824345661289105799.post-88786674591415652282012-01-26T18:51:00.380-06:002012-01-26T18:51:00.380-06:00I think economist or not everyone is entitled to t...I think economist or not everyone is entitled to their opinion. If you are an expert on the matter than your political or personal views should not change a professional opinion, nor shouls it discredit you if your line of work is for the United States government.ms333https://www.blogger.com/profile/17029508344787635269noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824345661289105799.post-1902507997499300982012-01-26T17:38:37.610-06:002012-01-26T17:38:37.610-06:00I definitely agree that economists should stick to...I definitely agree that economists should stick to their own beliefs and science when making decisions. I think that any economist who is "between a rock and a hard place"- between his or her own beliefs and those of who he or she is expected to support is in a very difficult situation. I think that the possible outcomes need to be scrutinized greatly to find what needs to be done, but that, barring some horrible catastrophe, economists need to remain as impartial as possible and employ their own beliefs. I also think that decisions should not be made solely on what will keep X, Y, and Z happy with ___.Amber Frenzelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824345661289105799.post-31821643716149558332012-01-26T15:16:59.346-06:002012-01-26T15:16:59.346-06:00I don't know that much about politics or how e...I don't know that much about politics or how economists work. I'm not sure if I really want to. In the article, however, I think if you believe in something you should stand behind it and not let anything persuade you otherwise. Both politicians and economists hide the real truth from the public and only say what the public wants to hear. I do believe our economy has been in a crisis, that really isn't a secret, however, I don't think the whole truth is being said. I do think everyone at some point in their life has done something that they don't necessarily believe in or agree with in order to keep someone else at ease with their decision.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824345661289105799.post-86058636624996053462012-01-26T13:28:41.256-06:002012-01-26T13:28:41.256-06:00I believe that an economist has a moral obligation...I believe that an economist has a moral obligation to uphold. If he has clients that ask him his or her opinions, then he should state the facts as they are. He shouldn't say what they would like to hear simply to maintain his job or to become good in their eyes. Looking from an economist's perspective then yes, he does need to maintain his job so he can have a solid income for him and his family; however, he has a moral obligation to maintain as well. Therefore, I agree that becoming an economist means more than studying factual data, it means that one must stand up for what is right and oppose what is wrong.Aamir Alihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06975149202491818031noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824345661289105799.post-35498549449187841102012-01-26T13:28:30.878-06:002012-01-26T13:28:30.878-06:00Economists, like any other person, do what they ha...Economists, like any other person, do what they have to do in order to survive in the world. Whether they are lying or not, if the don’t meet the criteria their authorities have set for them, they will get fired. Tweaking the truth a bit is a inevitable because of the profession they have chosen for themselves.Elyse Pravelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00157106137857717114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824345661289105799.post-47913650690142777392012-01-26T10:54:49.649-06:002012-01-26T10:54:49.649-06:00I think the world could do without partisan econom...I think the world could do without partisan economists. The study of economics is research needed to be done by an expert. I believe economists working in political role should receive tenured within their job because their research and opinion can help shape future policy. The situation is similar to that of researchers/professors at universities. They receive tenure so that they can do research that contradicts others. Tenure allows the researcher to become an expert instead of an partisan.Jonathan DeBoughnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824345661289105799.post-48113698911992954482011-09-14T23:51:27.034-05:002011-09-14T23:51:27.034-05:00I believe rather you are an economist or a politic...I believe rather you are an economist or a politician, you each have your own job. If one opinion could generate the perfect solution then we wouldn't have both economists and politicians. With that being said, an economist could scientifically create and voice a great suggestion, however, the politician may not see eye to eye to the full length. This is a vulnerable time that may create a trade off. This is also where we as the helpless have to hope and believe all motives are individual and pure.Chris Simmonsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824345661289105799.post-43274217588788342402011-09-01T20:59:16.272-05:002011-09-01T20:59:16.272-05:00I bekieve that economist should do what is right n...I bekieve that economist should do what is right no matter what but it doesnt always work out that. I agree Nicole you are required to agree with your employees no matter wrong or right.laura Ledfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824345661289105799.post-79608842098651087792011-09-01T13:13:36.470-05:002011-09-01T13:13:36.470-05:00I am not very well informed about economics or pol...I am not very well informed about economics or politics, but this is my understanding of this post. In some point in everyone's career, you are required to be a partisan. Its like an unwritten rule when you work for someone - you are required to agree with them, whether you know more about a given topic or not. Yes, the world would probably be a better place if this were not true, and if we we really heard the truyh to all economic and political problems and policies and not the interpretation that best benefitted a specific political candidate, but that just isn't the case with our political system.Nicole Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08544066595614752307noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824345661289105799.post-43940390874448920672011-08-31T20:29:49.347-05:002011-08-31T20:29:49.347-05:00Ester Anderson said...
I also agree .Mankiw is wha...Ester Anderson said...<br />I also agree .Mankiw is what the books calls a rational person.(rational people)He did what he had to by keeping his mouth closed in order to make a change.I am partial to this because I agree that the econimist should stand up and stick by what they represent however If Mankiiw did he probally would have been fired then how could he help to accomplish anything.However on the other hand I think he handled the fall out very well with his words.I am not very aware of many of the things going on in the government but I hope to become more knowledgable in the future as a result of this class.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824345661289105799.post-90050857369940334202011-08-31T18:03:09.150-05:002011-08-31T18:03:09.150-05:00At some point in your life everyone has to become ...At some point in your life everyone has to become Partisan and go with the majority on issues. It's hard to believe that if you are an expert in any field that you need to bite your tongue in situations so not to offend or cast doubt on your superiors. As when Mankiw supported the tax cuts that he didn't believe in he kept himself in a position to still be influential. When it comes to the association between my boss and I, i'm the expert but not a week goes by that i have to partisan when it comes to a task he gives me.<br /><br />Kevin RhodesKevin Rhodesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824345661289105799.post-85885640259756566302011-08-31T12:49:16.639-05:002011-08-31T12:49:16.639-05:00I agree with your dislike of economists who will s...I agree with your dislike of economists who will surrender their science for partisanship. Speaking as a scientist they should be impartial and above the partisan bickering. When their leader, whether it be President Bush, or President Obama says something that is not correct from an ecoonomic standpoint, they should not simply ignore it. Yes, they should try and change the system from within, but not at the expense of appearing to put politics above science. A good example from a conservative administration is mentioned above with regards to Mankiw and President Bush, and, a good example from a more progressive administration would be when President Obama a couple of years ago said that he questioned whether NAFTA was good for America. Free trade is good as we learned in that it opens up the market to more demand and can increase production. In that situation the President, from an economic standpoint was incorrect and his economic advisors should speak up and say so.Joe Avileshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08040765770336312979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824345661289105799.post-24884159369419955812011-08-31T12:21:54.300-05:002011-08-31T12:21:54.300-05:00I feel that economists should stick to their guns ...I feel that economists should stick to their guns and advise the politicians on what they believe and know what actually works. I also believe that economists should be at the forefront of the political campaigns to educate the public on how the economics system actually works. When the public hears "tax cut", they automatically think that money is being put into their pockets. I strongly believe if the economists speak out, then the public will come to understand the process and know what is actually being done and accomplished with our politicians. <br />Gena HarcrowAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824345661289105799.post-35096586140811574952011-08-31T09:19:47.679-05:002011-08-31T09:19:47.679-05:00I think using the excuse of "working from the...I think using the excuse of "working from the inside out" to justify ones inability to stand up to what you know to be the truth (and can prove it!) is a cop out. Why would you have a job that would make you do that? <br /><br />Maybe I need another cup of coffee but what do you think would happen if economists actually advised on actual science rather than interpreting science to advise on what the leaders want to hear? Or better yet, have a leader that WANTS to hear what past science has proven? Whoa...what a concept! :-)<br /><br />Happy Wednesday everyone!<br />TheresaTheresa Williamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05263118262513089526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824345661289105799.post-12818503577416364662011-08-30T21:44:57.951-05:002011-08-30T21:44:57.951-05:00In general my knowledge of politics is very limite...In general my knowledge of politics is very limited but in reading this, and many more blogs to come, I am hoping to grasp a better knowledge of economics and politics. I do agree with the claim of economists staying true to their science and not surrendering to other pressures or differences in opinion. I feel that a job of an economists is difficult, and it is one that takes a very objective, non-biased point of view. As an economist I feel it is their political and public right to stay true to their science and moral beliefs to make decisions that are looking out for society, and if they surrender their beliefs to become a partisan then they are failing the American people and themselves.<br /><br />Kristen KellyKristenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16762623790662612790noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824345661289105799.post-69626409238053244532011-08-30T11:00:42.883-05:002011-08-30T11:00:42.883-05:00First I would just like to say how much I enjoy th...First I would just like to say how much I enjoy the comparison with the balance of betting on football and being a fan. There is nothing worse than a fan that doesn't know how to separate himself from his team, and look at the sport in a objective nature. In terms of the political adviser, its like they are riding on a high-wire, on a unicycle, in a Cirque Du Soleil show. They have so many things to consider when making their decisions. It is ironic that they have to not only consider the balance between their science and what they believe to be accurate vs. the partisanship and stance of the politician they are advising. No, that is not all. They must also weigh how valuable their job is vs. standing against the stance of the politician. This reminds me of my job. I am a server at a fine dining establishment here in Waco, and for me it is very much a balancing act at times. Before deciding to go back to school, I was a restaurant manager. I tend to see a broad spectrum of things that I think are important enough to tell the managers about. Most of the time the take offense because it is something they could have prevented or changed themselves. I often have to do the same balancing act and decide how valuable my job is vs. how important it is that I take an issue to management. Not that my job is anywhere close to the tension or responsibility of a economic political adviser. I wouldn't want to be in their shoes, advising someone on how to run the country. I really enjoyed reading this.<br /><br />Jack WachsmannJack Wachsmannnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824345661289105799.post-91487218184944889162011-08-30T10:15:06.496-05:002011-08-30T10:15:06.496-05:00Bea, I disagree with your point. A large majority ...Bea, I disagree with your point. A large majority of them have already failed. It is similiar to an individual who suggests you buy a stock, you buy it, and it tanks several months later. The person than comes back and says he was just "advising". I am wondering where the economists were three years ago that were saying our economy, jobs, etc. would be where they are today. Even today, it doesn't seem like anyone knows what is going to happen from week to week much less a year in the future, but there are alot of 'opinions'. This all seems to remind me of a editorial I read during the tragedy of Sept 11th. The jist of the article was aimed at the so-called future tellers, or future predictors, etc. On Sept 11th, the question was 'Were any of you working yesterday?" I'm not so sure a "professional" opinion is any different than a regular opinion when it comes to predicting what may happen.Randy Novaknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824345661289105799.post-11204729922786624562011-08-29T12:32:24.598-05:002011-08-29T12:32:24.598-05:00Randy don't you think the accountability will ...Randy don't you think the accountability will come if they fail? Right now I feel like there are a lot of important jobs on the line from the mistakes the decision makers made. The economist are only suggesting to the person or persons making the final decision is the one that is going to pay the price for the decisions they make. To many mistakes and they probably won't have their jobs long either the decision maker or the economist.Bea Loeschhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15384142101589732637noreply@blogger.com