[hgomersall]

In the words of Joan Robinson "The purpose of studying economics is not to acquire a set of ready-made answers to economic questions, but to learn how to avoid being deceived by economists." Everything written by mainstream economists should be taken in such light. Being a professional economist is not the authority you suggest it is.

[andruby]

As opposed to the arm-chair economists writing blogpost with an agenda?

Economics is not an exact science like maths or physics. "The Economy" is the collective human activity. It depends on so many actors. Actors who don't have full information, and who don't actually behave in a rational way.

Yes, I would be weary of anyone who speaks in absolutes and you should use your own common sense and judgement.