Friday, June 17, 2011

A Study In Worthlessness

Paul Krugman writes at his blog today:
The story so far: McKinsey released the alleged results of a study showing that large numbers of firms will drop health insurance coverage once the Affordable Care Act goes fully into effect. This is very different from the results of other studies, notably the Congressional Budget Office assessment of the act.

So when the McKinsey alleged study made headlines, the firm was pressed to explain how the study was conducted. And it has refused to answer.

McKinseyGate
Krugman's take on the health care "reform" bill is radically different from mine. He thinks it's just peachy, well, there are a few problems, but it's a step in the right direction. My take is that not only was it a step in the wrong direction, but we are screwed in ways we previously weren't.

Nevertheless, I agree with him about this study. If the people who produced it won't explain where the data came from, then it's worthless. It doesn't matter what it says.

I am so glad that I didn't quote from this study. I hadn't looked at it, nor at the other studies, but still was tempted to write something about its apparent implications. That should be a cautionary tale for bloggers trying to form opinions faster than anyone else does. Just because you think something ought to be true doesn't mean it is. Being wrong is a whole lot easier than being right.


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