Small government not the answer – a response to Wayne Swan

Swan writes:

"…in contrast to our opponents – we understand that economic policy must bend to the needs of the times, not the other way around." (p 4)

This could be interpreted in the sense that the economy must serve human interests first: not some abstract logic or goal. In this sense attacking pensioners or neglecting the aged, the mentally ill, or the disabled in pursuit of a surplus reminds the author of the Vietnam War-era statement that it was 'necessary to destroy the village in order to save it'.

There are political reasons for pursuing a record-fast return to surplus – hence concern by some at the government's priorities. Though allowing deficits to consistently spiral out of control over the course of the entire economic cycle will bring ruin in the end. But if we are pursuing the kind of economy that serves truly human needs and purposes, surely a narrow and timid Ideology of 'small government' is not the answer.