From Debate to Silence: The Mystery of Missing Economist Voices in Policy

In the realm of economic policy, where once there was vigorous debate and analysis, there now exists a concerning void. Economists, traditionally the voices guiding discussions on fiscal matters, seem to have retreated from the public stage, leaving crucial policy decisions to be made without the benefit of their expertise.

Not long ago, economic discourse was marked by lively debates over fundamental issues such as equity versus efficiency. These debates centered on questions of how to promote economic growth while ensuring fairness in the distribution of resources. Yet, today, economists appear strangely silent as public policies unfold that raise significant concerns about both equity and efficiency.

One such policy is President Biden’s college loan forgiveness program, a far-reaching initiative with potentially vast implications. Economists, who once would have scrutinized such proposals for their economic impact, seem to have abdicated their role in the discussion.

Despite clear arguments against the program, including concerns about its equity and efficiency, the voices of economists are notably absent.

Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers has warned that the college debt forgiveness could be inflationary, and suggested that the funds might be more effectively allocated elsewhere. Additionally, the program could forgive loans for as many as 26 million Americans, raising questions about its cost and long-term sustainability.

Similarly, the proposed Green New Deal, touted as a solution to environmental and economic challenges, lacks the critical scrutiny it deserves. With its massive price tag of trillions of dollars and relatively uncertain benefits, one would expect economists to engage in robust analysis and debate. However, their silence on the matter is deafening.

The Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act also raises eyebrows, with its inequitable subsidies benefiting primarily wealthy electric-vehicle buyers. This, coupled with the potential for increased electricity prices burdening lower-income households, underscores the importance of economic analysis in shaping effective policy.

Moreover, the ballooning federal deficit, now reaching alarming levels even in times of full employment, begs for economic insight and intervention. Economists once argued for fiscal responsibility, but their voices are conspicuously absent in today’s discussions on deficit spending and national debt.

The absence of economists from these crucial policy debates is concerning for several reasons. Firstly, their expertise is vital in assessing the potential impacts of policy proposals on both equity and efficiency. Without their input, policymakers risk implementing ineffective or even harmful measures.

Secondly, the lack of public discourse on these matters deprives citizens of the opportunity to understand the complexities of economic policy and hold their leaders accountable.

In a world where economic decisions have far-reaching consequences, the silence of economists is not only puzzling but also detrimental to informed decision-making. It is time for economists to reclaim their role as guardians of sound economic policy and actively engage in shaping the future of our economy. The stakes are too high to remain silent.