THE PEASANTS ARE REVOLTING!

YOU'RE TELLING ME.
Our Banana Republics (PAUL KRUGMAN, 7/30/02, NY Times)

The fact is that in recent years many states have been run like banana republics. Responsibility gave way to political opportunism, and in some cases to mob rule. When Tennessee considered a tax increase last year, legislators were intimidated by a riot stirred up by radio talk-show hosts. Only when lack of cash forced the governor to lay off half the work force did the state, which has the second-lowest per capita taxes in the country, face up to reality. [...]

State governments turned into banana republics in part because voters didn't realize that a charming, personable chief executive can also be an irresponsible opportunist, seeking political advantage through policies that ensure a fiscal crisis on someone else's watch. Now the same governing style has moved to Washington. And this time there's no safety net.

What a disappontment--this column gave such promise of being excellent. Mr. Krugman is, of course, right that the reason there are fiscal crises in some states and with the federal budget is because of the mob. People want government to do stuff for them and they don't care what it costs someone else or whether it's good for their fellow citizens or the state or country as a whole. This is the conservative critique of government--the greed of the masses must eventually swamp the ship of state. Bravo, Mr. Krugman! You've seen the light!
Posted by Orrin Judd at July 30, 2002 9:38 AM