Other ideas, such as Ronald Reagan's beloved Laffer curve, were derided in spoof articles: Mr Gardner had a sense of humour, and used it to effect.

ECONOMIST: Martin Gardner

As you know, I studied economics in the U.S. It was in the U.S. that Arthur Laffer first sketched the curve that bears his name.

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Application of the Laffer Curve is why the U.S. boomed in the 1980s and 1990s, why India is rocking now and why eastern Europe will outperform western Europe.

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