Bravo Mr. Barro!

Loved this WSJ opinion piece from Robert J. Barro, Ryan and the Fundamental Economic Debate. Barro gets to the underlying complexity of economic reality. Of course this means the argument he looks for will never see the light of day in the 'public discussion.' Too bad. 

Then there's this item from Thomas Sowell printed adjacent to Barro's: 

"This election is a test, not just of the opposing candidates but of the voting public. If what they want are the hard facts about where the country is, and where it is heading, they cannot vote for more of the same for the next four years. 

"But, if what they want is emotionally satisfying rhetoric and a promise to give them something for nothing, to be paid for by taxing somebody else, then Obama is their man. This is not to say that the public will in fact get something for nothing or that rich people will just pay higher taxes, when it is easy for them to escape taxation by investing overseas—creating jobs overseas. 

"Even if most Americans do not have their own taxes raised, that means little, if they end up paying other people's taxes in the higher prices of goods and services that pass along the higher taxes imposed on businesses. 

"There are no doubt voters who will vote on the basis of believing that Obama "cares" more about them. But that is a faith which passeth all understanding. The political mirage of something for nothing, from leaders who "care," has ruined many a nation." 

I recently received an email from a good friend, still in the Marines, who works with the Senate on a daily basis. He related a brief snippet that seems apropos: Senator to Marine Corps General, "General, the American people get what they vote for..."