EconTalk Arnold Kling on Reforming Government and Expertise
8 snips
Oct 4, 2021 
Arnold Kling, an economist and author known for his insights on political economy, engages in a thought-provoking discussion about reforming government. He critiques the inefficiencies of the administrative state and suggests a COO role to boost efficiency. Kling emphasizes the importance of accountability within public health agencies, especially highlighted during the pandemic. The idea of 'fantasy intellectual teams' offers a novel way to assess public discourse, aiming for rational dialogue over sensationalism. His proposals challenge traditional views on government and expertise.
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State Capacity Libertarianism
- Naive libertarianism seeks to minimize the state's role, while state capacity libertarianism prioritizes effective governance.
- Kling argues that modern complexities necessitate a more capable government to address new threats and opportunities.
Newsom's Mask Hypocrisy
- Arnold Kling cites California Governor Newsom's disregard for mask mandates while imposing them on citizens.
- This anecdote exemplifies the abuse of power and inconsistent application of rules by authorities.
Fragile Power Grid
- Kling uses the example of a fragile power grid to illustrate the potential consequences of ineffective governance.
- He argues that if the grid fails during a disaster involving electric cars, the government may have to make difficult choices about who can evacuate.
