Over the summer, I have expanded my website to include a new blog that will enable me to comment on economic policy issues and current events more generally. I will continue to write my monthly Financial Times/Washington Post column, and their websites will also feature my blog content. This blog will enable me to address issues immediately, informally, and at varying lengths and to pose questions that I think economists have inadequately considered. It will also provide an opportunity to disseminate various commentaries and discussions that I present at conferences.
As I have often noted, policymakers in political environments are most constructive when they find approaches that are appealing from a variety of perspectives and command widespread support. Academics, on the other hand, are most useful when they provoke thought and debate and present new approaches. In that spirit, I will regard this venture as successful only if it incites disagreement and debate. My goal will often be to expose fallacy or misguided opinion. However, I shall never try to impugn the motives of those with whom I disagree.
Comments and questions are welcome, but we will only be able to select a few to post with each blog. I may, from time to time, respond to questions or comments in a new blog posting, but will not be able to respond to each individual comment received.
I hope you will find some interesting ideas in this new blog and share it with your colleagues and friends.
Larry
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