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Eminentoes
Paul Krugman as Pontius Pilate
And maybe the next U.S. Treasury Secretary.
I join Hollywood actor Danny Glover in urging the president to appoint a truly robust progressive — the New York Times columnist and former economist Paul Krugman — as the next U.S. Treasury Secretary. Nothing would do more to cement the confederacy of dunces that the president is gathering around him as his second-term cabinet.
In an April 24, 2012 New York Times blog post one wag titled “Why I Don’t Write About Israel,” Krugman, who is Jewish, played the part of Pontius Pilate in publicly washing his hands of any sense of personal responsibility, or any real remorse, for the calamity that will surely follow for the Israeli people if Iran or Hamas succeed in getting their hands on nuclear weapons. This is how the professional gadfly and author of The Conscience of a Liberal explains his craven and disingenuous silence on Israel/Palestine:
The truth is that like many liberal American Jews — and most American Jews are still liberal — I basically avoid thinking about where Israel is going. It seems obvious from here that the narrow-minded policies of current government are basically a gradual, long-run form of national suicide — and that’s bad for Jews everywhere, not to mention the world. But I have other battles to fight, and to say anything to that effect is to bring yourself under intense attack from organized groups that try to make any criticism of Israeli policies tantamount to anti-Semitism.
In other words, Krugman worries a lot about the so-called Jewish lobby. He’s one of those people.
So, too, of course, is Chuck Hagel, the nominee for U.S. Secretary of Defense, who, as it happens, is not Jewish. The former Republican senator from Nebraska has a long record of hostility toward Israel — once boasting that, unlike his peers, he wasn’t intimidated by “the Jewish lobby.” Hagel has urged President Obama to open direct negotiations with Hamas and, in 2007, he voted against identifying the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps as a terrorist group. While still a senator, he decried any use of military force against Iran to keep the country from developing nuclear weapons.
No doubt Krugman and Hagel — joined by John Kerry as secretary of state and Barack Obama as commander in chief — would work well together in putting screws on Israel to adopt “less narrow-minded policies” … in making more and more concessions to an enemy (Hamas) that will never accept anything less than the absolute destruction of the Israeli state. While favoring almost every other kind of government handout, this all-star team of mollifiers and appeasers would undoubtedly do its best to hold financial and military aid to Israel to the absolute minimum needed to assure that well over 60 percent of the Jewish vote will continue to go to the ruling Democrats (regardless of any concerns within the vaunted “Jewish lobby” about Israel’s security).
They will also do their best to buy time for Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the other crazies running the show in Iran so that they can continue to pursue the means of destroying Israel in a single strike without fear of U.S. military intervention.
But Obama doesn’t really need Krugman’s help to sell out America’s only real ally in the Middle East.
Krugman’s real value to Obama would be in the economic sphere. There is no bigger cheerleader for increased government spending and increased public debt than the delusional and pop-eyed Princeton professor. Krugman thought that the original “Stimulus” bill, which was passed in 2009 and sent more than $800 billion of taxpayer money down the drain in an assortment of hastily arranged, poorly administrated, and wasteful ventures, was too small by half.
In “The Education of John Boehner,” the lead op-ed in Monday’s Wall Street Journal cited yesterday by Jeff Lord, Stephen Moore began with the observation:
What stunned House Speaker John Boehner more than anything else during his prolonged closed-door budget negotiations with Barack Obama was this revelation: “At one point several weeks ago,” Mr. Boehner says, “The president said to me, ‘We don’t have a spending problem.’”
Too bad Obama didn’t have Krugman at his side. If he did, he would have taken things a step further, saying: “Yes, John, we have a spending problem: The problem is not that we are spending too much; rather, it is that we are spending far too little.”
That is what Krugman always says. Wherever he goes, he campaigns ceaselessly against government austerity — as if government aggrandizement has ever contributed to the spread of human happiness or prosperity. He believes that the “little fairies” that may be conjured up by greater borrowing and public spending are the “little fairies” that put bread on the table for you, me, and other workers and business owners.
But it seems unlikely that the president will look favorably on Danny Glover’s — or my — petition to bring Krugman into his cabinet. And I really don’t give a damn. I believe that the only way to deal with this fatally flawed government is to oppose it at almost every turn.
About the Author
Andrew B. Wilson, a frequent contributor to The American Spectator, writes from St. Louis.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (49) | Leave a comment
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Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 1.9.13 @ 7:35AM
I doubt if Paul Krugman will leave the intellectual sanctuary of the New York Times, a bottomless pit of vacuous liberal thinking.
His column is cleansed each and every day of perceived negative remarks which accurately dispute his warped economic views.
The Krugman hide is thin and he couldn't stand up to the public onslaught which would occur with any government appointment.
In the meantime I enjoyed your reference to the pop-eyed economist. That was a good one.
spike59| 1.9.13 @ 9:54AM
i have NO doubt Krugman, a dedicated statist, would be deeeeeeee-lighted to have the reins to the national economy in his girl-soft hands
Doctor Right| 1.9.13 @ 12:10PM
Not going to happen. Krugman has a cushy job as a Professor and professional "commentator."
As Sec. of Treasury, he might actually have to do some work...
Joellen| 1.9.13 @ 8:27AM
Well since Danny Glover is well respected and of course his advice, like all his hollywood pals, is much deferred to by Obama & Co., why doesnt he put himself in the departed seat of Timmy Geitner - could he be any worse then Timmy or Krugman?
In fact let's just stop with this charade and forget about nominations, appointments, etc. and acknowledge that we are being run by a mob and there at this time is absolutely no stopping them now.
If you havent started praying yet - please do so now!
SUBVET| 1.9.13 @ 11:09AM
Joellen........praying for what ?
Where's your faith HE's in control.
Daniel 2:21
Tina B| 1.9.13 @ 1:02PM
Yes, yes SUBVET. I do so agree. When it was all said and done last November, I decreed to my son and my two teenage grandkids who live with me, the Lord is in full control, but His hand will be swift now. the wheels are in full motion and the signs are everywhere. No mysticism needed, just the facts. We are on Rock solid ground.
Al Adab| 1.9.13 @ 1:19PM
Yes, He is in control and, as well, He judges the nations. While it is certain His kingdom will endure, there is no promise that our Kingdoms will do likewise. Is it not possible that for our rampant idolatry we have been weighed in the balance and found wanting?
Joellen| 1.9.13 @ 3:59PM
Subvet - AMEN - HE IS in control - however, we could still do with some praying to ABBA for those souls who still dont know HIM or who have rejected HIM. For it is not just for ourselves we pray, but for all that they may be saved.
Matthew all of chapter 24!
SUBVET| 1.9.13 @ 5:31PM
Joellen..............without a doubt....10-4
Tina....Joellen you two hens are on my prayer list.
Joellen| 1.9.13 @ 6:35PM
I prefer the label "chicks" myself:)
Maxwell| 1.9.13 @ 8:30AM
First let me start off and say, everyone really loves me no matter where I go, really! Second, Princeton attracts many fellow travelers who share the value system of Paul Krugman. Look at Van Jones and Cornel West. Just how Cruz from the great state of Texas made out of Princeton University leaning right is beyond me. When I turn right from my driveway & look at Old Nassau (P.U.'s administration building) I just sake my head.
Second, the vast majority of the town of Princeton is a reflection of the University and the VERY left tilt. A few weeks ago the wife had to make an appearance before our Maker. During that service it was asked 'what are you thankful for?' A obvious senior citizen calls out, 'may the Lord bless our President Barry Obama!!!'. I turned & said, you old bat, Barry care is going to kill you off faster than grass thru a goose, the place went dead silent! The leader of the service said, I cannot comment on that. I said, well, maybe you should grow a pair and speak out! Yeah, everyone really loves me.
Lastly, I always ask my New York Jewish friends, you realize that Barry ain't your friend, are you waiting for the box cars to pull up and the conductor to say, load them up & move them out? It goes right over their heads. Not a clue!
pogybait| 1.9.13 @ 9:26AM
Having once lived in the area, almost all have fallen off their beanbag chairs to champion Mr. Klugmans concept of the broken window method of stimulation the economy; Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, show a man how to become destructive force to break a window and he will eat until he is convicted of a thought crime.
TLP| 1.9.13 @ 1:00PM
They're waiting for their Free Showers.
Tina B| 1.9.13 @ 1:08PM
God bless you Maxwell, you hit the nail on the head, and you are funny. I began to take full advantage of my widowhood, and spoke my mind on every issue as my beloved husband would have. His homegoing only made me bolder. My friends couldn't shut me up, I was newly widowed and given a broad berth for a year or more. The Lord be with you.
Pecos Pete| 1.9.13 @ 9:01AM
Maxwell: Condolences for the passing of your wife.
Anthony| 1.9.13 @ 2:03PM
Am I being obtuse here??? I can't possibly believe that Maxwell would make these comments to funeral attendees at his own wife's funeral!!!
"Had to make an appearence before her Maker," while it certainly implies a funeral, please tell us Maxwell that you didn't say these things at your own wife's funeral. Please.
While I applaud the comments in general, calling a woman attendee at your wife's funeral an "old bat" and telling the "service leader" (whatever the hell that is) to "grow a pair" seems a bit disrespectful to your departed wife.
Please set us straight here, and if indeed it was your wife's funeral, my deepest sympathies, and my awe at your brassness!!!
You certainly are not one that needs to "grow a pair".
Maxwell| 1.9.13 @ 3:52PM
Sorry, I guess I am a better programmer than writer. Both me & my wife were at prayer. Thank goodness Lori is well. Unfortunately we have a strong believe in faith which is not shared by many in our community, that is Princeton. Town is a bunch of liberal ..... what ever. Dad used to say when he went to prayers, he brought his faith with him when he went and brought it home when he left. He saw the two faced liberals for what they were.
While my father is long gone he was the original tough guy, mounted artillery in WWI.
Anthony| 1.9.13 @ 6:11PM
Whew, I'm glad I was right. Be a bit more careful with your wording pal.
Glad the Mrs. is well.
Pecos Pete| 1.9.13 @ 8:53PM
Ditto!
Maxwell| 1.9.13 @ 10:05PM
Thank you very kindly all. I appreciate it.
Longdrycreek | 2.11.13 @ 4:17PM
I am pleased that Lori and Maxwell are doing well. Yes, Princeton is one of the Ivy League bastions of advanced thought, or whatever it is.
Robert George is an exception on the faculty and there may be others, but for the most part, the town is Liberal and most of the liberals are dumb as dirt, we say in the Texas Panhandle.
Princeton once was a beacon of thought. The Tigers are not mangy and toothless, but very PC and all the current sex fads are in.
TLP| 1.9.13 @ 9:08AM
Revelation.
End Times.
Muslim sitting on a Christian Throne.
Hamas' "Deliveror".
No Paper Trail.
"And I saw the BEAST rise from the Sea. And he was given a MOUTH to speak Haughty and Blasphemous words." Revelation 13-5.
What else does ABU HUSSAIN (Son ofnthe Father) need to do, to open your eyes? He just finished running a Campaign of Pure Evil, and now he will be the First President to be Sworn in by some Black broad, from Mississippi, instead of a Member of the Clergy.
He doesn't go to Church. He doesn't do Easter. He doesn't do The National Prayer Breakfast. He refused to speak at Georgetown University, unless all references of CHRIST were removed from the room.
He DOES celebrate every Muslim Holiday he can get his hands on, as well as Groveling in front of the Keeper of the Muslim Holy Sites, while insulting the Queen of Christian Britain, and making the P.M. Of Jewish Israel, come and go to the White House, through the door for they use to TAKE OUT THE GARBAGE.
Now, go ahead and throw in all the Israel/I'mahandajob stuff in this Article, and then DO THE MATH.
Hello?
TLP| 1.9.13 @ 10:15AM
I Cut and Pasted this from the Comment I made at another story here, today. Frankly, I just don't have the energy to waste time on this Waste of a Human Being. He doesn't have a Clue as to how ANYTHING works, or gets done. He has zero On Hands Experience doing ANYTHING pertaining to Economic Activity, other than Buying a Cup a Coffee, and paying his Transgender Neighbor to Choke him, as he gets himself off.
How do I know that he knows absolutely NOTHING about how Economies Work?
Cause he won a Nobel Prize for Economics.
That's all I need to know.
SUBVET| 1.9.13 @ 11:16AM
Tim...........next time I'll have to have my wife choke me when she's on top.....better you say !
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm a new way....our basket is about to come undone from the ceiling and the hole at the bottom is to big.
Drunken Sailor| 1.9.13 @ 2:19PM
Now I know you've been to the Phillipines.
TLP| 1.9.13 @ 2:32PM
And, Thailand.
And, Cambodia.
And, Vietnam.
And, Deleware.
SUBVET| 1.9.13 @ 5:35PM
Sailor.........my rope with knots are comming undone..........maybe a trip to Subic Bay is in order....to buy another.
Anthony| 1.9.13 @ 3:39PM
You just stay away from my anna K. from Emory U!!!! She gets off on that stuff and I don't want her wandering.
Von Mises Jr| 1.9.13 @ 10:54AM
I am more and more convinced that we are facing the end times. If the end times do not occur, living in America soon may make the end times look like a bargain.
But as I contemplate what just happened in our country, there seems to be no redeeming value. Perhaps Sodom and Gomorrah is approaching.
The situation makes no sense, TLP. According to Pat Caddell who had a 35 minute speech on Breitbart this morning, 70-75% of people hate both Parties in DC. Two-thirds believe that the ruling class is ruling against the will of the people. But yet they do nothing and care about nothing important. They could give a crap about Benghazi that was apparently either gun running to Islamist, a black ops prison or both. They voted them goodies from the national Treasury while our finances are imploding. Even 30% of Catholics voted for a man that will take away their First Amendment rights.
While Pontius Pilate was a despicable man, the crowds called for Christ to be crucified. And if anything, the average American today seems worse than the worst we have seen in history. I mourn for my family and my country.
Tina B| 1.9.13 @ 1:14PM
Yes, VMJ, I feel it is the crowds once again, shouting to crucify those with a true faith and a real relationship with the One that the crowds wanted crucified back then. This was evident at the DNC, and will become more obvious in the days to come. To those with eyes to see and ears to hear.
DRed| 1.9.13 @ 12:38PM
power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
Obama's been president for how many months? DO THE MATH.
Hello?
TLP| 1.9.13 @ 1:12PM
This was written 2,000 years ago, before the Gregorian Calender that we use, today.
I'm willing to cut John of Patmos, some slack on the timeline, as everything else, is right on the Money.
Like you do, where all of the LIES that come out of your Boy's Mouth.
Most Transparent Administartion, ever.
Nobody's Taxes will go up one thin Dime.
All Legislation will be up on the web for 72 Hours.
I will take Public Funding for my Campaign, if my opponent does.
All Health Care Debate will be Televised on CSpan.
No more Earmarks.
I don't know anything about Fast and Furious.
I won't do my Health Care Plan, if it adds one dime to the Defecit .
I will cut the Defecit in half in my first Four Years.
Shall I continue?
DRed| 1.9.13 @ 1:36PM
A month in the Julian calendar was as long as one in the Gregorian calendar.
To steal a phrase from the hunt for red october, Obama's a politician, which means he's a cheat and a liar. But he's not the anti-christ (or a muslim, or a communist-but I guess let's take it one subject at a time)
TLP| 1.9.13 @ 2:33PM
I notice you ignored your Boy's Lies.
Why am I not surprised?
DRed| 1.9.13 @ 3:11PM
You need to work on your reading comprehension skills. If your criteria for determining which politician is the anti-christ is lies, than they're all eligible.
TLP| 1.9.13 @ 5:36PM
Still waiting for your answer on your Boy's lies.
Put up or Shut up.
DRed| 1.9.13 @ 6:24PM
I said I thought he was a liar. What do you want?
TNcracker | 1.11.13 @ 4:54PM
I prefer to call the little turd Ahmahgivinablojob. Love you, TLP --you brighten my day!
Pecos Pete| 1.9.13 @ 9:20AM
Paul Krugman: "Texas is where the modern conservative theory of budgeting ... the belief that you should never raise taxes under any circumstances ... that you can always balance the budget by cutting wasteful spending, has been implemented most completely. If the theory can't make it there, it can't make it anywhere."
NY Times (January 8, 2013):
"A boom in revenues from sales taxes as well as taxes from oil and natural gas production have given Texas a budget surplus that the state comptroller has estimated at $8.8 billion."
"Republicans continue to control both chambers of the Legislature and to hold every statewide elected office."
"Gov. Rick Perry told senators that the comptroller’s revenue estimate released the day before was good news, but cautioned them to retain the state’s fiscally conservative model. Mr. Perry has called on lawmakers to support his so-called Texas Budget Compact, a Tea Party-style pledge to oppose new taxes and to replace the current spending limit for the state budget with an even stricter formula."
TLP| 1.9.13 @ 10:17AM
Wow. Krugman got it completely wrong, again?
$100 says he wins another Nobel, this year.
JimH| 1.9.13 @ 9:22AM
Knowing his monetary theories, he would not want to be paid in pieces of silver.
JimH| 1.9.13 @ 9:23AM
Sorry, brain cramp today. I'm reading Pilate and thinking Judas.
Anthony| 1.9.13 @ 11:15AM
Didn't this lunatic suggest Obozo mint a One Trillion $ coin to address the deficit?
The left are truly insane and we are allowing them to destroy America without a fight.
This is bullshit. Time to slap these bastards upside the head.
cicero| 1.9.13 @ 11:20AM
Of course, Krugman would take the job. Look at the history of all of the recent placetimers from Washington under Democratic admins. They all end up in multimillion dollar jobs that require nothing of the. Remember Robt. Reich; Jamie Gorelick; James Johnson, etc..,. Fleecing the taxpayers is only a stepping stone to fleecing shareholders (powerless) or the major banking houses. And as a bonus, they never have to fear being prosecuted.
wombat1| 1.9.13 @ 1:18PM
Krugman As Secretary of the Treasury?
Hell no!
But I understand he keeps cats.
Maybe there's something to work with there...
Kingofthenet| 1.9.13 @ 2:30PM
The current CRAZY House GOP would fight the nomination of John Bolton if President Obama nominated him, crazy is what crazy does.
sickofit5| 1.10.13 @ 9:51AM
Wow. "The Conscience of a Liberal" Sorry I missed that one. I am sure it was a quick read.
Marc Jeric| 1.10.13 @ 3:56PM
Krugman is a dedicated socialist, an intellectual midget, a bloviating gasbag, and a simple-minded moron. He "thinks" that we need more deficit spending.
Marc Jeric| 1.10.13 @ 4:07PM
Nation's present debt of $16 trillions translates into an average American family's debt burden of $250,000; that family consists of a husband, wife, and 3 children. Our country is totally bankrupt!