I am relatively new to TNR, but after watching a lot of these TNRtv segments it struck me how almost all the contributers look like they are still in college....or just graduated.

I figure that must be why they speak of government solutions to problems without noting how the problems are often caused by the way in which our crony capitalism generates solutions that make the problems worse for those unable to hire lobbyists to make their case for them.

But I do want to point out this is one of the few editorials I have watched in which "the poor" were not only mentioned, but their suffering and needs were also addressed as an important consideration in directing the stimulus package.

Thanks. I appreciate that.

george walton

Some of Barack Obama's recent comments have made progressive writers, myself included, a little nervous

A plausible argument can be made that helping the poor is best for the economy rather than saying we should help the poor because that is the right thing to do.  The reason for this position is that if we assume that the general public is willing to donate $X in money to help the poor, then the public would be willing to provide more than that same $X if there is some benefit in return (charities are familiar with this concept).  Similarly, I think that government, if we have to run up huge deficits to stimulate the economy, should buy things that have a public value, like infrastructure improvements and research from universities, instead of just cutting taxes to stimlulate the economy.  Another way of saying this is that we are happier (we maximize our utility) if we get something for our money.