John Andrist: Economics Too Is A Science Of The Possible

Over my growing process I have developed a new fascination for the science of economics.

Discovering that everything relating to our economy is so interrelated has both mellowed my fiscal conservatism and made me wish my liberal cousins were better able to absorb some of the principles of economics.

For example, raising the minimum wage lifts all boats; at the same time it discourages job growth, particularly opportunities for those it aspires most ardently to help.

Then too, the left seems to have a strong passion for requiring employers to pay wages for women that is equal to men. It’s a laudable goal, even for those who prefer to see it happen in the market place.

Truth be told, the market place has pretty significantly narrowed the gap on its own.

Now there is a growing push for paid parental leave. Another laudable goal. At the same time, it would be a huge barrier for equal pay and even employment itself among women of child bearing age.

Employers, after all, are bound to have more reticence to hire young women if they have to add such a benefit to the cost of doing business.

[mks_pullquote align=”right” width=”300″ size=”24″ bg_color=”#ffffff” txt_color=”#000000″]Now there is a growing push for paid parental leave. Another laudable goal. At the same time, it would be a huge barrier for equal pay and even employment itself among women of child bearing age.[/mks_pullquote]

If it also were to apply to men, a logical extension, it would be a damper for them to find a job at a pay level to which they aspire.

Like politics, economics is also a science of the possible. When we have something to sell we want the highest possible price. If we have something to buy we want the lowest possible price.

When we hire we also want the most we can get for our dollar. That’s the market system. It drives everything in a market oriented society.

It’s not really fair. You hear that a lot from the Bernie Sanders of our world. And they are right.

Socialism is a much more fair system. Trouble is it doesn’t work and never has.

Economics is fascinating, because it is only fair to those who have the ability, through education, aptitude and/or training, to advantage themselves in our system.

So the left must learn they cannot just legislate fair, unless perhaps they work for it a piece at a time.

Likewise, the right cannot succeed in one fell swoop to create the  perfect free market system, free of government restraints and controls.

Within each of us is that eternal struggle for justice and freedom. We simply can’t have both. But we can aim for it and accomplish some  change a little at a time, if we elect those who are political centrists within which ever party they hang their star.

So ask yourself not which candidate is perfect, but which has the best chance of securing the most of what you desire.

It is interesting, I think, that the vast majority of those in the law making business know that achievement requires working across the aisle. It’s just that they have to pass the hurdle of getting elected.

Not good for Republicans

Democrats continue to struggle to find candidates in North Dakota, and that’s not good for Republicans.

Choices are important for voters. Voter interest rises when there are choices, and it wanes when there aren’t any.

There are some bright young Democrats who should be available, including Kylie Oversen, their state chairman, and the Schneider brothers.

But the hurdle of winning, even for their star, Senator Heidi Heitkamp, is made difficult by their president.

How can you expect to find candidates when your president is trying to destroy the energy industry that is so important to the state?

Both parties have their dilemmas. Republicans must deal with the buffoonnery of The Donald. For the Democrats it’s their president.