Anthony J. Pennings, PhD

WRITINGS ON DIGITAL ECONOMICS, ENERGY STRATEGIES, AND GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS

US Legislative and Regulatory Restrictions on Deficit Spending and Modern Monetary Theory (MMT)

I outline some of the promise of MMT for the US while digging into several legislative and regulatory problems associated with enacting MMT policies long-term. I critique the MMT approach in the US because the movement has yet to adequately dissect what hurdles and limits keep the government from embracing MMT strategies. The major obstacles appear to be a series of legislative actions restricting deficit spending without corresponding borrowing through Treasury auctions.

The Division of Labor in Democratic Political Economies

While sharing broad common objectives for a robust political economy, the government and the private corporate sectors have differing motivations and strategies for reaching these aims. Despite the division and differing reasons, the goal is the same, a robust economy that will ensure both profits and political success.

MMT in a Post-Covid-19 Environment

We hear the term “printing money” a lot, usually by gold or bitcoin enthusiasts who believe in establishing strict financial constraints. By establishing “hard money” and limiting the quantity of money in an economy, they hope to see their assets rise in value while keeping prices down. Certainly, governments do print some of their money for public use, but the preponderance of funds are entries in digital ledger accounts.

Modern Monetary “Practice” and the Fear of Inflation in a Low-Supply Economy

So the economy looks to be at risk in late 2021. Will the practical application of MMT provide operational guidance for a new era of prosperity? Can infrastructure and climate change solutions provide sufficient returns on these investments? The big question is whether government spending for such programs can avoid significant inflationary pressures?

The Two Santa Claus Theory of US Economic Growth and the Prospects of Modern Monetary Theory (MMT)

Intentional deficit spending is not strictly a Democratic agenda. Republicans pushed related ideas with the Two Santa Claus Theory: deficit spending and tax cuts for the rich. Written in March 1976, by Wall Street Journal editorial writer, Jude Wanniski stressed that for economy to be healthy, US politics should have a division of labor between Democrats and Republicans.

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  • About Me

    Professor at State University of New York (SUNY) Korea since 2016. Moved to Austin, Texas in August 2012 to join the Digital Media Management program at St. Edwards University. Spent the previous decade on the faculty at New York University teaching and researching information systems, digital economics, and strategic communications.

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    apennings70@gmail.com
    anthony.pennings@sunykorea.ac.kr

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    The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of my employers, past or present.