I often engage in spirted debates with libertarians about politics and other issues.
When it comes to talking about economics however, I always feel like I am at a disadvantage. I don't know enough about the topic from a liberal perspective, and everything I say seems to have a legitimate rebuttal in classic economic theory.
So, what I'm asking for is some help....
Example below...
My libertarian friend and I are arguing (today) about Barack Obama's speech about republicans wanting to destroy the government by social darwinism.
He claims they are doing no such thing.
"Small problem with that idea: He's also on record criticizing the Rs for
driving up the deficit by wasteful spending. I suppose the 400 billion
prescription drug plan was social darwinism. Republican non-military
spending is up over 30% since Bush came into power. How this is
"dismantling the government" is something that you'll have to explain.
Ironically, Obama is criticizing Rs for social darwinism in response to the
Hurricane mess when Bush went nuts and committed almost 200 billion to New
Orleans without even batting an eye. He should have been much more stingy
with that money until he had and idea of whether the money would be used
effectively. Like, is it a good idea to rebuild New Orleans where it is at
all.
So, he "gets it"? Where are all the examples of republicans dismantling
government? Name one."
and then...
"Oh, I see. So, here's a simple question for you: Are the rich paying more
or less taxes since the tax cuts? And are tax revenues higher or lower?
But I like your idea that they break the back of govt by growing it without
paying for it so they can then dismantle it later. Brilliant. And all
the Republican voters realize this so they go along. Did you think that up
yourself?"
So I go do some research... and he is right about one thing... Revenue IS up... by about 15% over 2004. So of course, we go to spending... and who is actually paying that... and it all starts to get pretty muddy.
Are there any liberal economists out there that can point to sources for rebutting classical libertarian economics?