"Out of the Mainstream", Weekend reads II

In this edition:

• Romney's tax policy is actually great policy, and good politics... that's why Obama is struggling to take it down no matter what.
• The WSJ climbs on my Federalism band wagon!
• Another reason Obama's "Horses and bayonets" sneer is full of holes
• Can the philosophical origins of modern economic malaise be laid at the feet of modern consumerist narcissism?

WSJ: Romney's Tax Deduction Cap: Good Tax Policy, Better Politics

Linked 10/20/2012 by Paul L. Caron at TaxProf Blog

"[D]etails aside, the tax cap is a big idea, and potentially a very good one. The proposal makes economic sense to the extent that it helps to pay for lower marginal tax rates. ...

The idea may be even better politically."

Plenty of Debates, Not Much About States

Democrats regard federalism as quaint, Republicans at least pay lip service to it.

David B. Rivkin and Elizabeth Price Foley, October 23, 2012

"The idea that the Constitution grants only limited and enumerated powers and leaves the remainder to the states is foreign to those who believe that the national government should or even could address voters' every concern. But contrary to the view widely shared by the political class, Washington—in particular, Congress—does not have the power to pass any law it wants in the name of the 'general welfare.'"

Holes in the Hull 

Liberals confuse sneering for intellectual confidence.

By Jonah Goldberg, OCTOBER 26, 2012 12:00 A.M.

"This struck me as an example of how thoroughly liberalism has confused sneering for intellectual confidence. It shouldn't be surprising, given that comedy shows often substitute for news programs, particularly for younger liberals. That's probably why the president has been spending more time talking to DJs, entertainment shows, and comedians than to reporters. He desperately needs the support of low-information voters, who've replaced the old adage 'it’s funny because it's true' with 'if it's funny, it must be true.'"

Guest Post: Narcissism, Consumerism And The End Of Growth

Submitted by Tyler Durden on 10/20/2012 10:16 -0400 at ZeroHedge

"We need a third way that offers people work, resilience and authentic meaning. In my view, that cannot come from the Central State or the global corporate workplace: it can only come from a relocalized economy in revitalized communities."