WSJ Editorial--Laffable

So, maybe I'm oversimplifying things, but this graph seems ridiculous to me.

Last week (7/13/2007) a WSJ editorial used this Laffer-curve diagram to support the claim that the US needs to decrease its corporate tax rates in order to increase its revenues. I don't want to argue the merits of this view. I merely want to point out that the data on this graph would be better with a straight-line correlation--with Norway, and possibly Luxemborg, being outliers. In which case, the point would be that the higher the taxes the greater the revenue.

Bush Administration vs. Science, Again

I'm not entirely sure what to make of this article and the steadily strengthening chorus of voices complaining about the Bush Administration enforcing their views--however crazy--and consolidating their power. I've got to say, though, that the White House spin is amazing.

Background: former surgeon general tells, nay testifies, to a congressional committee that Bush administration kooks pressured him and his office to make science fit policy. They went so far as to tell him to include President Bush's name three times per page in his speeches! Knowing docs, this was likely to be the single most insulting thing for Dr. Carmona.

White House Spin: It's a shame Dr. Carmona squandered his chance to represent his views.

Emily Lawrimore, a White House spokeswoman, said the surgeon general “is the leading voice for the health of all Americans.”

“It’s disappointing to us,” Ms. Lawrimore said, “if he failed to use this position to the fullest extent in advocating for policies he thought were in the best interests of the nation.”