re:  "All the President's Zombies"

Paul Krugman may be a brilliant economist in terms of analyzing trade patterns, division of labor, and globalization, but he falls flat when it comes to individual liberty, free market economics, and "Reaganism".

First of all, in criticizing tax cuts and so-called "deregulation", Dr. Krugman is really suggesting that allowing individuals and families to keep more of their own money — greater economic liberty — is somehow harmful to the economy.  This is an idea that seems to contradict directly the very principles of self-determination and limited government on which this country was founded.

He further mischaracterizes the financial crisis of 2007-2009.  The subprime mortgage meltdown wasn't the result of some sort of free market failure; rather, banks over-lent to lower income borrowers as a direct result of incentives and directives provided by the government — policies written by Congressmen like Senator Christopher Dodd of Connecticut, who were themselves getting sweetheart deals from mortgage brokers and trumpeted how their policies were expanding home ownership.  Yet Dr. Krugman advocates politicians having even more influence over the markets and over our own lives.

Every dollar spent by the government is a dollar that an individual or family can't spend on a new car, school supplies, food, tuition, or health insurance, or invest for retirement or a college fund.  Yet somehow, those that favor more freedom, liberty, and determination in the hands of the people rather than politicians is somehow a "zombie".  Personally, I fail to see what is frightening about freedom and liberty; much more terrifying is a government acquiring more power over the paycheck and the day-to-day lives of citizens.

Sincerely,
Dave Smith
Houston, TX