This blog is mostly about public policy and politics from an economist’s perspective. I can’t say its rigourous discussion of economic theory, though I hope to throw in occassional thought experiments about that.
I’ve been a political conservative most of my life, and I think I still am. But I’m disaffected at the moment. I still believe in limited government, but I think the “conservative” movement as it exists, often doesn’t want government limited at and is more representive of what is expedient for a fraction of the population and really has no guiding principles at all. How do you recouncile endless war, a runaway security state and being OK with entitlements for the “right” people with limited government?
The Republican party is likely even worse in this regard. We have one President at at time and I support the current one at least in hoping he finds a way to more peaceful and prosperous times for all. I can’t stomach undermining him strictly for politics.
I also will sometimes discuss television, movies, books and other culture of interest to me.
All this will be reflected here, and agree with me or not, I hope you come away with something valuable. This is my personal blog, any views expressed are my own only and do not represent those of any organization I am affilated with.
I was born in Idaho, went to Graduate school at UCLA and have lived and worked in California and now in Oregon. I have worked in the electric power industry since the mid 1980’s. I like economics, politics, movies, philosophy and interesting talks.
Brucetheeconomist's Blog 
This is a very nice statement of intention/bio. I also like the new layout.
Hey Bruce, thanks for subscribing! I actually don’t follow US politics too much, but your blog looks well-thought out and I am going to go explore it now 😛
I too, have been politically conservative all my life, having been a subscriber to National Review for over 30 years. I really miss WFB and feel like conservatism is no longer grounded in reality or civility (with the very rare exception of people like George Will). I am not economist, but I have gradually lost my attraction for the economic policies of one of my heroes, Ronald Reagan. I no longer believe in the wisdom of having heroes.
I am dismayed that few conservative will call the Tea Party out on facts or principles. I don’t know what to call this new Right Wing, but it’s not conservative. It is actually very radical, in the way that the Birchers were radical. And it is Christian Dominionist and though I am a Christian, this worries me quite a bit.
If one more person quotes another “founder” out of context I might just dust off my great-great-great-great-great grand pappy’s musket. (Even though he never had one and was actually a Tory.)
I notice you “I too have been … conservative”. I might say “I too had been … conservative”. I’m not a liberal, but I’m sort of non-affilated I think. I might support say Mitch Daniels or Gary Johnnson for President, but definitely not Sarah P. If she were nominated, I’d vote (a little reluctantly) for Obama.
Bruce,
As a conservative, I also feel increasingly out of place in both right and left circles. When I grew up in the eighties, I remember the Republicans being the party of cold hard logic.
Sadly, that no longer appears to be the case. Now the debate consists of people who are radical on both sides. They shout past one another, while the reasonable middle remains shockingly silent.
I appreciate your attempt to find a new way for the right. Right now, unbridled and base populism seems to be the way of both political parties.
Me, too. I am trying to break out of the conservative cocoon. I am trying to remake myself as a libertarian.
I came by to thank you for subscribing to my blog, but after reading this “About” post – which appears to reflect my own political sentiments like a well-made mirror, I’ve decided that I want to read more and have subscribed to your blog as well! 😀
Thanks for coming by.
I hope you come by again, your blog looked interesting.
To be fair, I think you’re a great fan of Ayn Rand, and I’m really not so much. That’s just full disclosure on my part.
She makes some useful point in Atlas Shrugged: namely that people will often times suggest government action for high minded reasons when what they really want is to line their own pockets. Safety regulation can be a means to kill competition.
That said, I think her characters are not like anyone in real life. I believe in individual freedom, but she appears to me to make every person an island: not wanting or needing any connection with any other person. Altruism and self-sacrafice are sneered at as death worship. I believe life gets a lot of its purpose from being part of something bigger than one’s self, a connection that may lead you to fight for your country or family.
I don’t deny that people may play on altruism to rob or take advantage, and I can understand doing something just for one’s on satisfaction at their creative abilities. But I think a world with no sense of community, altruism, and shared connection would be a cold and sad place, but it seems to be a Randian ideal.
All that said, again welcome for coming by and even if we disagree, I try to be respectful of those who visit. Come again.
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Hi Bruce, just discovered your blog & liked it. Read your “about” page and noticed a typo: “I can’t say its rigourous discussion …” Should be “it’s”. Nitpicky I know, but you can’t take the former editor out of me. Look forward to visiting your blog regularly in coming days. Best wishes,