As a journalist, I’ve rewritten the article to create a unique piece that is both informative and engaging.
Economists can be a double-edged sword, much like bombs. This is evident in the words of President Harry Truman, who famously said that he wanted an economist with no hands because all the economists he encountered constantly said “on one hand” and then “on the other hand.” Similarly, Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev joked that economists in the Moscow Politburo could cause more damage than missiles.
This theme of double-edged swords is explored in the documentary series Tipping Point: The Bomb and the Cold War. However, it’s not just bombs that are dangerous; economists can also pose a threat to political decision-making. In fact, according to Marcos Peña, former Chief of Staff for Mauricio Macri, economists can be just as damaging as bombs.
Peña reflects on his personal journey in his book The Art of Going Up (and Down) the Mountain, highlighting his rise through politics from legislator to head of the Cabinet of Ministers. While he doesn’t explicitly mention economists in his narrative, it’s clear that they played a significant role in shaping his experience. For example, Peña had to navigate complex economic decisions during his tenure, including changing BCRA’s inflation goals in 2017. He emphasized the need for decisions over debate in this pivotal moment.
The challenges faced by Peña reflect generational differences and communication barriers when dealing with economists and their approach to problem-solving in political decision-making. Peña describes balancing different perspectives within his cabinet and highlights how frustrations can arise when trying to reach consensus. Ultimately, Peña’s journey mirrors an economic crisis faced during his time in office. Perhaps a simpler approach akin to Truman’s desire for an armless economist could have been beneficial in navigating these mountains of political decision-making.
In conclusion, while bombs may seem like an extreme comparison for economics professionals, they share some similarities when it comes to their impact on political decision-making. As we can see from Peña’s story and historical examples like Truman’s desire for an armless economist or Brezhnev’s joking about economists causing more damage than missiles – there is often tension between economic experts and those making decisions based on their advice.
