For all the haters who say Krugman never offers specific proposals:

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

An alternative economic strategy
By Paul Krugman. January 17, 2009

The interest rate is up against the zero lower bound; the fiscal stimulus doesn’t look big enough; the TARP has been a disappointment. What to do?

My wife suggests that we might try sacrificing a few bankers — central bankers, investment bankers, whatever — to appease the financial gods.


We may have to make some sacrifices

http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/17/an-alternative-economic-strategy/

[TheDoorbellRang]

1. That's a wicked smart idea

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

2. "outside the box" (and onto the pyre)

[nodramamama]

3. When Obama asked Krugman for ideas, Krugman replied with specifics

First, Mr. Obama should scrap his proposal for $150 billion in business tax cuts, which would do little to help the economy. Ideally he’d scrap the proposed $150 billion payroll tax cut as well, though I’m aware that it was a campaign promise.

Money not squandered on ineffective tax cuts could be used to provide further relief to Americans in distress — enhanced unemployment benefits, expanded Medicaid and more. And why not get an early start on the insurance subsidies — probably running at $100 billion or more per year — that will be essential if we’re going to achieve universal health care?

And the next day, Obama scrapped the payroll tax cut proposal.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/12/opinion/12krugman.html?_r=1

[chill_wind]

4. Heh.I think I like his wife a lot. K & r n/t