Browsing all articles in Economics.
Health Care Reform, Deflation and the Transformation of the American Economy
It seems like people have missed the point of health care reform.
Of course it will result in rationing.
That’s what health insurers do now through denial of benefits.
The difference under health care reform is that the Federal Government will give political cover to denials of claims. It’s not longer “that’s the policy.” Instead it’s “That’s the [...]
Where Does the Money Come From?
How is Obama going to pay for it all?
Let’s start with an important understanding: the Federal deficits and accumulating debt are a bipartisan issue. However, it’s on the present Administration to clean the mess up. We’re past the point where we can put off a solution because deficits are swelling beyond the ability [...]
The Case for a V-Shaped recovery: Romer upbeat on US economy
Previously, I laid out the cases for various recovery and suggested the V-Shaped recovery theory was largely discredited.
I may have spoken too soon. The Obama Administration, speaking through Christina Romer, Chair of the Council of Economic advisors argues that the slowing of the decline in unemployment and other economic indicators plus the stimulus money coming [...]
Let This Sink in
This is not an economics blog. I’m not an economist and despite my employment in the banking industry, I’m not privy to any special information. The slow-motion train wreck that the economy has morphed into-along with the brazen looting- make this a fascinating story.
I try to take a fairly balanced approach to predicting outcomes because [...]
Endgame: Economists’ Views of The Ongoing Recession
When Does it End?
Since the beginning of the subprime crisis in fall of 2007 we’ve been bombarded with a host of predictions on the resolution of the crisis and the ensuing recession.
It’s important to understand exactly what recessions and depression are and where they come from and how they are resolved.
Recessions and depressions are different [...]
Kunstler and the End of an Era
[Mike: Edited the title]
You’ve probably never heard of Howard James Kunstler.
If you had, you’d not likely forget.
He’s the Cassandra of the “New Urbanism” movement, a prophet who is destined to be ignored until it is too late.
Like any good prophet, Kunstler is saying exactly what we don’t want to hear:
The suburban organizing principle is dying [...]
A Populist Manifesto
The problem with capitalism isn’t capitalism.
It’s actually something far more subtle.
The problem is how we define capitalism.
The right wing in this country always defends capitalism as an unfettered good that is a good for everyone. Although I agree that it has some advantages over central planning, the bastardized form of capitalism currently practiced in the [...]