I agree with you: different mixes of structures are constructed. I assume that Noah uses productivity indicators that include structures financed by the government (at all levels of government). It's my understanding that the government has been increasingly relying on this funding for income redistribution (alternatively, that rent-seeking by private providers of goods and services to build government-financed structures has been increasing). You may remember the discussion about the multiplier effect of Obama's 2009 plan which I was not surprised it was very low, and perhaps negative. I bet you that the multiplier effect of Biden's grotesque plan will be very negative.
"I worry that this is a bad sign—that the best thinkers travel in narrow circles, either by choice or because they are excluded by the intellectual establishment."
Reminds me quite a bit of the old "Republic of Letters", only with new enabling technology. We seem to have fallen back to the days where actual intellectual discussion must be done somewhat circumspectly. Here's hoping we get back on the upside of that curve fairly soon, and the establishment can appreciate and stomach high minded discussion again.
I agree with you: different mixes of structures are constructed. I assume that Noah uses productivity indicators that include structures financed by the government (at all levels of government). It's my understanding that the government has been increasingly relying on this funding for income redistribution (alternatively, that rent-seeking by private providers of goods and services to build government-financed structures has been increasing). You may remember the discussion about the multiplier effect of Obama's 2009 plan which I was not surprised it was very low, and perhaps negative. I bet you that the multiplier effect of Biden's grotesque plan will be very negative.
"I worry that this is a bad sign—that the best thinkers travel in narrow circles, either by choice or because they are excluded by the intellectual establishment."
Reminds me quite a bit of the old "Republic of Letters", only with new enabling technology. We seem to have fallen back to the days where actual intellectual discussion must be done somewhat circumspectly. Here's hoping we get back on the upside of that curve fairly soon, and the establishment can appreciate and stomach high minded discussion again.