Bob Murphy

Author Archive

George W. Krugman

Some people are sore losers, but Krugman is a sore winner on the debt ceiling. Here’s part of his post-game show: [The organization titled] Fix the Debt didn’t just help create a climate of crisis with its fearmongering over the deficit; the fiscal scolds actively cheered GOP hostage-taking in 2011, and were still lending support […]

A Move to Significantly Weaken the Debt Ceiling?

I got this from a pretty sensible fellow over email. I haven’t had time to confirm it myself, let me know what you folks think in the comments. ===== A very little reported part of the law passed last night to end the government shutdown is described below: The Devil Is in the Details. While […]

The Debt Ceiling and Default

A video version of the stuff I’ve been blogging about here. Note that I recorded this before news of the deal. And remember, my course on “Basics of Economics” starts today!

Is It Unconstitutional for the Federal Government to Default on Its Debt?

Nope. Or at least, I have as much authority in saying that, as the bloggers and pundits who claim otherwise. Here’s what the relevant section from the Fourteenth Amendment says: Section 4. The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for […]

Danny Sanchez Interviews Me, Part 5/5

Here’s the fifth and final installment of my marathon interview with Danny Sanchez of Mises Academy. Remember, my online class starts this Thursday (tomorrow).

Potpourri

==> The observant von Pepe sends this CFR critique of Krugman. ==> If I do say so myself, I think I had a nice example in this post to illustrate a problem with the EPA’s cost/benefit procedures. (It involves changing the oil on 18-wheelers, for those who saw my inquiry on Facebook.) ==> Amanda Billyrock […]

Danny Sanchez Interviews Me, Part 4/5 (Robinson Crusoe)

Here’s the fourth installment of my marathon interview with Danny Sanchez of Mises Academy. Remember, my online class starts this Thursday. I was looking through the textbook to arrange the courses, and man there’s some good stuff in this class! I’m pumped to teach it.

Potpourri

==> In Noah Smith’s absence, he has a claque of lesser men (and women) blogging at his site. This guy, Peter Dorman, not only failed to acknowledge The Great Debt Debate of 2012 in his initial post, but he dismissed Nick Rowe’s futile attempts to educate him in the comments. (Oh, notice Gene Callahan et […]