I haven't finished writing about Mirrlees yet. But perhaps the most notable comment of the day came up during a question-and-answer session when one of panel of Mirrlees editors said (and I think I quote verbatim, but it is from memory):
The poor are so disorganised when providing for their pensions
Now of course, that could have been said ironically. But there was no hint that it was. It seemed to be delivered with a considerable element of surprise in the commentators voice, and maybe not a little disdain for their inefficiency. That the poor might be so disorganised in providing for their pensions is a consequence of the fact that at the end of each week they have nothing left over to save seemed to be beyond the comprehension of the entire Mirrlees team.
It was sickening to listen to.
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As a comment that shows such staggering ignorance as to be almost laughable.
Some years ago I watched a television programme in which Michael Portillo was given charge of a family for a week. He took the place of the single mum with three children and three jobs and had to manage the shopping. Of course, it was all showbiz but I think he came out of it a bit wiser.
Maybe we need a govt programme along those lines for policymakers….