NPR Gets It Wrong, Overspending Did Not Get Spain Into Its Crisis

Morning Edition gave a Spanish economist, Pedro Videla, an opportunity to mislead listeners when he dismissed the idea of more public spending as a way out of the crisis by saying "overspending is what got Spaniards into this mess in the first place."

This is wrong. Spain's public sector was not overspending. In fact, Spain's government was running large budget surpluses. NPR should try to find Spanish economists who are more familiar with Spain's economy.

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written by Jeff Oristaglio, May 04, 2012 8:08

Dear Mr. Baker,

I read your blog for two reasons. First, to be properly informed. Secondly, because you're funny as hell. That last line nearly had me snorting hot coffee onto my laptop.

Thank you for this great blog.

Thanks
written by Douglas, May 04, 2012 12:09

Thank you for covering this segment. I heard it while half awake and couldn't believe how unbalanced it was. I thought they would replay it in two hours but I didn't hear it again. Thankfully I guess.

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written by fuller schmidt, May 04, 2012 8:42

Maybe Videla gets mixed up between surplus and deficit still.

There's a reason
written by John Q, May 04, 2012 9:04

"NPR should try to find Spanish eocnomists who are more familiar with Spain's economy."

If NPR did that, it would be broadcasting a narrative at odds with Republican orthodoxy.

If it broadcasts a narrative at odds with Republican orthodox, it is attacked as "liberal media."

If it is attacked as "liberal media", it loses credibility.

Therefore, to maintain credibility, it must broadcast misinformation.

Understand now?

Chief Doofuss In Charge of Errors
written by dilbert dogbert, May 05, 2012 9:48

NPR needs a name change: National Public Misinformation Radio.

NPR Gets It Wrong, Overspending Did Not Get Spain Into Its Crisis

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