Patten lectures hit on generational pressures

Former presidential adviser and economic analyst Laurence Kotlikoff will deliver two Patten Foundation lectures on the "Coming Generational Storm" at IU this week.\nMary Tilton, executive director of the Patten Committee, said Kotlikoff will discuss issues concerning the fiscal crises facing the United States and its major trading partners once the baby boom generation retires.\nThis evening's lecture will focus on the economic pressures younger generations will endure in supporting the baby boomer's retirement. On Thursday, Kotlikoff will lecture on the lessons the United States can take from the generational inconsistencies of Argentina. \nKotlikoff's invitation to IU came thanks to nominations from IU economic professors, Gerhard Glomm and Michael Kaganovich, who said they feel it is important for the public to become aware of the potentially problematic implications of "generational accounting" -- a term Kotlikoff coined. It is commonly used to identify economic problems that affect both older and younger generations. \n"It's important for people to realize that the change of demographics along with decreasing birth rates can lead to economic problems in developed countries like the United States," Kaganovich said.\nCurrently, Kotlikoff is an economics professor at Boston University and a research associate of the National Bureau of Economic Research. Kotlikoff, who has testified regularly before a congressional committee, has published over 100 articles and nine books, including his latest book "Generational Policy: The Case of Argentina."\nKotlikoff's visit to IU marks the second installment in a series of four guest speakers the Patten Foundation has invited to present lectures in the 2002-2003 season. \nDespite Kotlikoff's focus on economical issues, Tilton said the lectures are intended to be enjoyed by a general and educated audience.\n"You won't have to be an economist to enjoy and understand his lectures," Tilton said. "It's our hope that all audience members find his lectures enlightening and thought provoking"