The Politics of Bad Ideas: The Great Tax Cut Delusion and the Decline of Good Government in America

The government's economic policies have not worked as advertised. This is the conclusion of two prominent authorities in the field-political scientist Bryan D. Jones and policy expert Walter Williams-in their examination of the persistence of bad ideas in shaping American economic policy.

Bryan D. Jones is Donald R. Matthews Distinguished Professor of American Politics and Director of the Center for American Politics and Public Policy at the University of Washington, Seattle. Jones' books include He has served on the editorial boards of several professional journals, including the American Journal of Political Science and the Journal of Politics, and has served as Vice President of the Midwest Political Science Association. As a syndicated columnist and frequent guest on radio and TV, Walter Williams is well known for his libertarian and, sometimes, conservative views. He has appeared on "Nightline," "Firing Line," "Face the Nation," Milton Friedman's "Free To Choose," "Crossfire," "MacNeil/Lehrer," "Wall Street Week", among others, was a regular commentator for "Nightly Business Report," and is an occasional substitute host for the "Rush Limbaugh" show. Dr. Williams' nationally syndicated weekly column is carried by 140 newspapers and several web sites. He is Professor Emeritus at the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs, University of Washington and a frequent Op-Ed page contributor. He served as a staff member and finally as chief of the Research and Plans Division, Office of Research, Plans, Programs, and Evaluation of the Office of Economic Opportunity during the Johnson administration.