June 08, 2010
In a short piece on consumer borrowing the Washington Post told readers that: “economists are hoping that households will soon borrow more and help sustain the recovery.” This may be true of the economists who Post reporters rely upon as sources, but it is not true of economists in general. Most households, including those at the edge of retirement have very little savings. With deficit hawks like the Washington Post editors and news reporters insisting on the need to cut Social Security and Medicare, it would be very unfortunate if these households did not increase saving and reduce their current consumption. The economists cited by the Post must want these people to live in or near poverty in their old age.
Comments