Real World
Economics 2008 Lecture Series (Spring)
Ed Lotterman, Economist & Columnist
Issues, Choices and Trade-Offs in Election 2008
Even a real-world economist can’t tell you who is the best candidate for president or Congress. But he can help you identify the key issues we face and the key questions we should ask in deciding which candidates to support. Come hear Pioneer Press columnist Ed Lotterman explore key national issues in five public lectures this spring keyed to the 2008 election (see the schedule for the 2008 fall lectures).
| April 7 | Taxes and the Federal Budget | ||
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Should we replace the income
tax with a flat tax on consumption? Should we abolish the estate tax and
the Alternative Minimum Tax? Should the Bush tax cuts be made permanent or
immediately reversed? |
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| April 21 | Energy and the Environment | ||
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How important is it that we
be “energy independent?” What should we do to limit greenhouse gas
emissions? Can we improve air and water quality, and what will we have to
pay? |
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| May 12 | Stimulus Plans and "the Recession" | ||
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What, if anything, can a
president or the Congress do to make an economy recover from a recession or
to grow faster in the long run? What should the Federal Reserve do, and
what can elected officials do to facilitate the Fed’s role? Is this a
short-term or long-term problem? |
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| May 19 | Social Security and Baby Boomer Retirement | ||
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Baby Boomers will begin to
retire during the next presidential term. How could Social Security be
changed to make it more sustainable? Do we need changes in private
retirement systems? Or is it more important to simply leave a stronger
economy to our grandchildren? If so, how? |
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| June 2 | Health Care | ||
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What can be done to extend health coverage to everyone? Can we reduce health care costs? What role should government and private markets play in financing health care? How can we motivate people to live healthier lifestyles? |
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How to Order Tickets
Please note: New since our last series, we will sell tickets only via this website or at the door on the night of the lecture (please arrive no later than 7:15 pm to avoid delaying the start of the lecture). You can download a ticket order form (in PDF format) to order and pay for tickets by mail or buy tickets at the door the night of the lecture. We cannot accept credit cards--cash or check only.
| Tickets | Adults | Students/Seniors (60+) | ||
| Single Lecture | $15 | $12 | ||
| Five-Lecture Series | $65 | $50 |
Location
All lectures begin at 7:30 pm at the History Theatre, 30 East Tenth Street in downtown St. Paul (map/directions ONLY). Please note, the History Theatre is NOT the Minnesota History Center!
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