October 13, 2010
It would have been useful to point this out in an article that presented the views of former Fed governor Robert Heller. Mr. Heller’s views were presented as those of an inflation hawk who was worried that the Fed was going too easy in trying to boost the economy. He noted the inflation of the 70s and the recessions in 1980 and 81-82 that brought the inflation rate down.
It would have been worth reminding readers that these downturns were far less severe, measured in duration and increase in unemployment, than the current downturn. If the possible bad outcome is not as bad as the current situation, then there would appear to be little basis for concern about excessively easy monetary policy.
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