Who Needs Economics?

Members of Economy Connection speak and write about a wide range of domestic and international issues. They contribute the economic analysis needed to understand the forces shaping major events and public policy, and how the economy operates as a whole. Their insights can be valuable to people working toward social change, and to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the economics behind the headlines.

Knowing about tax breaks and subsidies for big business, for example, makes it hard to believe that the government has no money for education, health care or welfare. We are told that social services must be cut to avoid the dangers of "deficit spending" and "big government." But these arguments lose their power whenwe learn that they don't apply to activities that benefit corporations and wealthy individuals – such as bailing out a savings & loan, buying a new missile, or creating an international trade organization. 

Our members approach economic questions from different points of view, and their visions of the future are equally varied. Some feel that our current system would function well if some progressive reforms were instituted. Others advocate solutions involving coops, worker control, and community control. Still others want to find a way to make democratic socialism work.

The views expressed by members of Economy Connection are their own; they do not necessarily reflect positions held by URPE or Economy Connection.