Shawn Foreman For Congress

Economic Myths, Debunked (By Staring at Them Until They Blink)

The American economy is a majestic, invisible animal that lives somewhere above us, humming softly and occasionally knocking over a pension fund. For decades, we have been told it responds to incentives, responds to discipline, and responds especially well to people who already own things. This campaign believes it is time to stop doubting the animal and start feeding it applause.

Myth #1: The Free Market Is Rational

Incorrect. The free market is emotional. It is easily startled, deeply sensitive to vibes, and prone to panic if someone says the word “regulation” too loudly. It rewards faith, punishes curiosity, and must never be looked at directly during a downturn.

Myth #2: Tax Cuts Pay for Themselves

They absolutely do. In theory. In spreadsheets drawn from memory. In the future economy, which is always arriving shortly after the next election. If numbers fail to appear, it is because the tax cuts are shy.

Myth #3: Wages Reflect Value

This is a misunderstanding. Wages reflect confidence. The more confident the employer, the less money is required. Hard work is important, but not as important as believing that hard work should be its own reward.

Myth #4: Government Should Not Interfere

Government must never interfere in the economy, except to stabilize it, rescue it, incentivize it, punish it, subsidize it, or explain why this time is different. This is not interference. This is encouragement with authority.

Myth #5: Prosperity Trickle-Downs Naturally

Prosperity is like a fine mist that gathers at the top and eventually descends once it has enjoyed the view. If it has not reached you yet, it is because gravity is partisan.

Myth #6: The Deficit Is an Existential Crisis

The deficit is a looming catastrophe that threatens our children, our grandchildren, and the very concept of numbers—unless addressing it would interfere with something we want right now. In that case, it is merely a suggestion.

Myth #7: Markets Hate Uncertainty

Markets thrive on uncertainty, provided it is familiar uncertainty. Sudden change is dangerous. Slow collapse is patriotic.

When these myths are questioned, economists emerge from conference rooms to explain that the system is complex. When they are repeated confidently, they become truths. This is the difference between analysis and leadership.

The economy does not require reform. It requires belief. It requires repetition. It requires the collective agreement that whatever is happening is happening for a reason, and that reason will be revealed once we stop asking for it.

This campaign does not promise economic justice, fairness, or clarity.

It promises stability through insistence.

If you are uncomfortable, that means it is working.