Matt thinks it would be wonderful if Jonathan Cohn and Clay Risen were to get their ponies, but nevertheless refuses to replace sound principles of political economy with ponyology:
I hope I’m wrong about this. But I’m pessimistic. The mere fact that it would be desirableto do something to keep everyone who depends on the car industry for a living that simultaneously restores the domestic car firms’ economic viability and serves environmental policy goals doesn’t make it possible. Generally the reason we try not to have the government running businesses is that promoting public goals and maximizing profits require you to do different things. We normally try to advance policy goals by establishing a framework of taxes and regulations so that firms pursuing their interests will be compatible with the public interest. But if GM is going to be a welfare agency, it’s hard to also expect it to be a viable company that will rapidly get off the federal teat.
True.
But WW, Obama promised us all ponies and candy! You remember: he solemnly promised in Michigan to save Detroit and during the debates you so entertainingly live-blogged he solemnly promised the rest of us tasty tax credits for buying those delicious new green cars he's going to subsidize with his awesome US$150 billion green tech plan. So why are you surprised that everyone expects him to keep these yummy vows?
Well I wear my Obama tshirt out everywhere and people do stop me to chat! We're also volunteering at a voter drive just to get people to vote – any way they want to – just VOTE!
Also posted the link to his site on my myspace page, have a bumper sticker, every little bit helps!
Excellent, entertaining, useful reading, Thanks !!
your blog is awsome