Administration Quote by Thomas Sowell
“The Obama administration seems to be following what might be called 'the Detroit pattern increasing taxes, harassing businesses, and pandering to unions. In the short run, it got mayors re-elected. In the long-run, it reduced Detroit from a thriving city to an economic disaster area, whose population was cut in half, as its most productive citizens fled.”
About This Quote
The policy approach described harms economic health by over‑taxing, over‑regulating, and favoring special interests, yielding short‑term political wins but long‑term decline.
In simple terms: Policies that hurt business hurt the city.
Key Takeaway
Short gains can cause lasting damage.
Themes
economics
politics
urban decline
tax policy
labor relations
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- city governance
- election cycles
- population loss
- business climate
Key Concepts
public choice
regulatory capture
Practical Applications
- reassess tax and regulatory burdens
- promote business‑friendly reforms
Questions to Reflect On
- What trade‑offs are acceptable for political survival?
- How can cities balance labor interests with economic growth?
A Different Perspective
Short‑term political gains may undermine long‑term prosperity.
![“Some of this is bureaucratic ineptitude and a great deal of this is an administration that doesn't understand the urgency of the situation, and therefore this [Barack Obama] administration has not reached out actively to the private sector and said, we need help.” quote by Carly Fiorina](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/593/carly-fiorina-1077_administration_some-of-this-is-bureaucratic-ineptitude_99435.jpg)
