Comments (23)

• Thinker

  I like the analogy of economic philosophy as a product with competing brands. An aspiring economist purchases, or, more explicitly, buys into, a certain system for the satisfaction of his various desires-respect of his peers, ability to profit off papers and pronouncements, knowledge of the truth...

  Obviously, in the post-FDR political landscape, in which academics are called upon to give advice on policy, those academics who adhere to statist brands are more popular with the ruling class, giving them more power, money, and respect than those who prefer lassiez-faire.

  I would also like to add another brand to the list-Friedmanite monetarism. Less convoluted and with fewer contradictions than Keynsianism, this theory is popular with statists who wish to seem like they support the free market. These consumers place less faith in the governmental apparatus and more faith in the ability of individual elites (i.e. Fed Chairmen) to rule the plebs.

  Published: July 16, 2009 9:01 AM

• Kai

  Good fun! I think I'll wear my classic, yet currently outdated Laissez-Faire wardrobe for a few more years, it just might come back in style.

  Published: July 16, 2009 9:43 AM

• C

  "With Laissez-Faire, less is always more."

  I love it!

  Laissez-Faire, the ultimate truly and timeless sexiness....

  Published: July 16, 2009 10:42 AM

• Nick

  There's a lot I love about Ludwig's described fashion line, but who designed those silhouette economist color t-shirts? That's some style.

  Published: July 16, 2009 12:59 PM

• Ben Ranson

  Refreshing. It made me smile.

  This article is, in my opinion, an improvment over Mr. Tucker's fashion journalism.

  Published: July 16, 2009 1:31 PM

• Abhi

  That was very well written. I have to add, is there a Rothbard line?

  Published: July 16, 2009 1:45 PM

• Vishaal

  Great article Pia. Very creative and exactly the spin conservative politics and ideas needs! Well done.

  Published: July 16, 2009 1:58 PM

• Tom

  Unfortunately for Ayn Rand, not many people share her penchant for wearing capes.

  Published: July 16, 2009 2:09 PM

• wilderness

  Excellent article. A smooth way to detail numerous intellectual angles. Loved it.

  Published: July 16, 2009 8:34 PM

• Thomas Talionis

  You left out Obama. I see him as pushing $300 Ed Hardy t-shirts that are really only worth about $5 but they're covered with shiny rhinestones that spell out catchy yet meaningless words.

  Someday we'll look back and say, "what were we thinking? We got ripped off by a guy with a Bedazzler."

  Published: July 16, 2009 11:55 PM

• Robert C

  That last post got me to check out the prices for Ed Hardy clothes. I swear I'll never look at the people wearing that crap the same way again... I thought it was something they picked up at Target.

  Published: July 17, 2009 1:31 AM

• ek

  You got that right! Here's to hoping those Après Moi le Déluge's with their deft hands on the bailout stimulators spigot read Mises.org. Not that I have much hope but at least you made my day, thanks.
  ek
  

  Published: July 17, 2009 6:29 AM

• Buzungulus wannabe

  "...We got ripped off by a guy with a Bedazzler."

  Obama, King of Bling?

  $787BBling?

  Published: July 17, 2009 9:34 AM

• David K. Meller

  A very clever and beautifully written piece! I loved reading it, and will be sure to show it to friends. It describes the mentality of the two sides along with their styles, and their attitude toward the public perfectly.

  Thank you!

  PEACE AND FREEDOM!!
  David K. Meller

  Published: July 17, 2009 11:04 AM

• Thomas Talionis

  Obama's fashion regime is the demise of real value. But how about the Kim Jong-il line?

  Burlap jumpsuits both sterile and non-functional. Sure they grab our attention. We stop and stare but not in a good way. More like a circus freakshow kind of stare with everyone saying, "why doesn't someone say something to him?"

  This is fun.

  Published: July 17, 2009 12:11 PM

• Kato

  The Federal Reserve is the Bedazzler, adding imaginary value.

  This is quite a thought provoking article.

  Published: July 17, 2009 1:41 PM

• Jeffrey Tucker

  "This article is, in my opinion, an improvement over Mr. Tucker's fashion journalism."

  No doubt. It's an upgrade.

  Published: July 17, 2009 1:57 PM

• TequilaKid

  Your aesthetic approach to economic theory (i.e. praising von Mises' "clean lines and universal truths") clearly marks you as a lightweight thinkeress. I believe that the aesthetic properties of a theory have no bearing on its truth content. By your standards the philosophical statement “All is one” represents the acme of insight into reality. Many aesthetic needs are satisfied by omitting vital aspects of a phenomenon, because they're too messy or don't fit into your scheme of things.
  I find the philosophical ideas of Giovanni Gentile aesthetically very satisfying. Nonetheless this Fascist ideologue and minister of education under Mussolini -- fortunately gunned down by Communist partisans in Florence in 1945 – represents one of the most odious political ideologies that ever existed. I utterly reject all his tasteful hogwash.
  Statements about reality – especially scientific statements -- should be judged by epistemological -- and not aesthetic -- criteria.
  

  Published: July 18, 2009 1:33 PM

• Sonic Ninja Kitty

  I loved this article! Who says economists aren't fun? :)

  Published: July 18, 2009 9:04 PM

• Caley McKibbin

  There's no doubt that the way people think about fashion sometimes serves for thinking about everything else.

  Published: July 18, 2009 10:05 PM

• newson

  "...Clemenceau’s boots “were of thick black leather, very good, but of a country style, and sometimes fastened in front, curiously, by a buckle instead of laces.” After 15 million human beings had perished in the war, the foremost statesmen of the world were assembled to give mankind a new international order and lasting peace . . . and the British Empire’s financial expert was amused by the rustic style of the French Prime Minister’s footwear."

  keynes, the dandy, by mises, from "planning for freedom".

  Published: July 19, 2009 12:57 AM

• The Rev

  Am I the only one who's wondering if Ms. Varma is single?

  The Rev

  Published: July 19, 2009 4:51 PM

• Pia

  haha...Rev, no comment! :)

  Published: October 10, 2009 11:02 AM