Re: [MLUG - DISCUSSION] Flat Tax

[Mike Miller <EMAIL:PROTECTED>]

On Thu, 4 Jan 2007, Christian M. Cepel wrote:

> It must be nice to have your opinions fed to you and be able to dismiss 
> a book out of hand entirely unread.

Suppose some guy, like Deepak Chopra, just came out with a new book about 
quantum physics and string theory.  He's no expert, but he claims to have 
many experts supporting his ideas though he names none of them.  Should I 
read his book?  No.  Why not?  It's a waste of time.  He's full of crap! 
Instead of reading his book, I'll read some reviews of his book by PhD 
physicists with expertise in quantum mechanics and string theory.  If they 
say he is full of crap, then I've saved some time.  If they say he has 
written a great book on their field, then I'll read it.  It's like that 
with Boortz book.


> And yes... many many people I know have suggested this book.  They've 
> actually read it.  It's intriguing even if the numbers will be slightly 
> different.

And none of those people have PhDs in Economics.  Am I wrong?


> I am going to play your angle and dismiss Jon's article out of hand 
> based on your review of it.  40% is downright ludicrous.

Now I have to decide if I should believe the Professor of Economics at U 
Michigan or Christian Cepel, who seems to know nothing about econimics. 
What do you think I will choose?


> Further, just like Boortz I'm sure this guy has his own agenda and seeks 
> to make a name for himself...  don't we all?

I hope that he does.  If he is wrong in claiming that no serious 
economists will support this Fair Tax plan, what is that going to do for 
his name?  Professors get good names by being right many times.

Mike

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