France is not in decline and the last thing it needs is 'reform' | 103 comments (100 topical, 3 editorial, 0 hidden)

Data and the big lie (none / 0)

One should look at Krugman's Op-ed in today's NY Times for a push back on "trickle down" from a US perspective.

http://select.nytimes.com/2007/09/10/opinion/10krugman.html
(If you can't read it, most of it has been quoted on economists Mark Thoma's blog):
http://economistsview.typepad.com/economistsview/2007/09/paul-krugman-wh.html

The issue that I think needs to be addressed in both cases is that a mountain of data seems to have no effect on the prevailing economic philosophy. What the left hasn't learned yet is that the facts are insufficient to counter the "big lie".

Not only does the right have a big echo chamber that reinforces their propaganda, but they also have the cooperation of the major media which is in the thrall of big business. I don't know what works, but facts alone obviously don't.

Policies not Politics
---- Daily Landscape

by rdf (robert.feinman@gmail.com) on Mon Sep 10th, 2007 at 10:15:38 AM EST

Re: Data and the big lie (4.00 / 2)

This piece certainly quotes facts, Robert, but it isn't facts alone. There's a narrative there that says big money is lying to us all in order to rip us off.

by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Mon Sep 10th, 2007 at 10:28:12 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Data and the big lie (4.00 / 4)

What the left hasn't learned yet is that the facts are insufficient to counter the "big lie".

I disagree. A chart showing the increasing gap between productivity and median wages along with the headline "you're not getting your share of the wealth" would be extremely powerful. Money and status concerns come very close to trumping emotional narratives.

The democrats can't shake the tree anymore as they are corporate sponsored, and no way will the MSM allow this sort of populist rhetoric in their papers. The only "populism" we're allowed is Lou Dobbs blaming Mexican laborers for the decline of the middle class.

you are the media you consume.

by MillMan (millguy at gmail) on Mon Sep 10th, 2007 at 01:35:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

The pie is getting bigger... (4.00 / 3)

...are you getting your share?

Would be a good slogan to go with the chart, because it uses a simile that is very common in folk economic defences of the neoliberal economic order.

Oye, vatos, dees English sink todos mi ships, chinga sus madres, so escuche: el fleet es ahora refloated, OK? — The War Nerd

by Carrie (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Mon Sep 10th, 2007 at 03:07:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Data and the big lie (none / 1)

I completely agree.
The citizens have become too lazy to defend their own way of life and it's becoming harder to bring anyone to think.

"I disagree with you so your data must be wrong , and it's a shame you're manipulating figures, and anyway I never trust figures"

by HugoMe on Tue Sep 11th, 2007 at 07:54:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Data and the big lie (none / 0)

Welcome to ET, Hugo!

Our knowledge has surpassed our wisdom. -Charu Saxena.

by metavision on Sun Sep 16th, 2007 at 11:09:13 AM EST
[ Parent ]

France is not in decline and the last thing it needs is 'reform' | 103 comments (100 topical, 3 editorial, 0 hidden)