Posted 1:54 PM by Robert

But Why Isn't He Naming Names?

Brad DeLong says that "Democratic politicians" advance ill-conceived arguments to reduce drug company revenues.

A lucid moment.

But perhaps Professor DeLong would care to identify the worst and most opportunistic offenders, and describe some of the most egregious efforts these "Democratic politicians" have made in this area? That might help practically to contain the damage these arguments do. For example, it is not hard to find very smart people who know about the drug business who will privately confide that research has already been severely reduced by perceptions that such arguments will deprive the drug companies of the fruits of such research. And while he's at it, perhaps Professor DeLong might want to discuss how product liabilty laws promulgated by the Democratic party's beloved plaintiffs' counsel bar further reduce incentives for the creation and manufacture of drugs - especially vaccines for children.

Abstract comment like Professor De Long's that is served up without particulars (in this case, without even a single particular) might be construed as just a way for the commenter to distance himself as an economist theoretically from the destructive arguments and efforts of those same "Democratic politicians" for whom he is continually a enabler. Such abstract comments without particulars seem calculated to have no practical effect - other than to open a personal intellectaul trap door for Professor DeLong. Surely Professor DeLong doesn't want to risk being seen as engaging in cynical and deliberatly ineffectual academic bloviations against the policies of the same Democratic politicians he helps to get elected - would he?