nytimes.com— Gradually implementing an emissions-limitation program now might actually help the economy recover from its current slump.
May 1, 2009View in Crawl 4
It is nice to hear from someone who has the economy in mind make the case for cap and trade. It is unfortunate Mr. Krugman has become such a polarizing figure in recent months, mostly because I think he is really pointing out how both sides of the argument can compromise for the greater good.
Not only is a cap and trade system a mildly disguised form of governmental allocation of capital (i.e. soviet-style communism), but it involves handing over what will amount to huge transaction fees to those doing the trading-- most likely Goldman Sachs and company. Even for those who believe government needs to act on the "threat" of global warming, there is no legitimate reason to choose a cap and trade system over a straight carbon tax (unless, of course, you stand to make money doing the trading...).
xthexlanternxMay 1, 2009
It is nice to hear from someone who has the economy in mind make the case for cap and trade. It is unfortunate Mr. Krugman has become such a polarizing figure in recent months, mostly because I think he is really pointing out how both sides of the argument can compromise for the greater good.
gn84May 1, 2009
Not only is a cap and trade system a mildly disguised form of governmental allocation of capital (i.e. soviet-style communism), but it involves handing over what will amount to huge transaction fees to those doing the trading-- most likely Goldman Sachs and company. Even for those who believe government needs to act on the "threat" of global warming, there is no legitimate reason to choose a cap and trade system over a straight carbon tax (unless, of course, you stand to make money doing the trading...).