A ratchet effect is an instance of the restrained ability of human processes to be reversed once a specific thing has happened, analogous with the mechanical ratchet that holds the spring tight as a clock is wound up. The term is used in a variety of different silos, including sociology, famine cycle, game theory, production strategy, and anthropology, among others.  For example, in economics, Budget Ratcheting occurs when positive variances in performance, lead to greater absolute changes in the following cycle, when compared to any negative variances in performance. Point is, it’s not a strictly political idea, but this dig will focus on the ratcheting effect noted by the political left. Ratcheting, sometimes called the ratchet effect or ratchet theory in politics is the belief that the Democratic party is, like the Republican party, right wing, at least by global standards, and dampens positive change.

Second Thought

Plus Tom Brady comes out of retirement a day after his "final touchdown ball" is sold for over a half million dollars.