Trump Tariff Objectives and Public Purpose
Introduction: Net Benefit for Public Purpose I look at tariffs as instances of foreign and trade policy, and policy more generally. I also think that all policies, domestic and foreign, […]
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“Take Care of Our Own” Dammit!
The Puerto Rico natural disaster has been commented on extensively in the Press and alternative media. For example: Jeff Spross in The Week; Over the long term, Puerto Rico should […]
Trump’s Quandaries, Trade Issues, the Safety Net, “Printing” Money, and Other Matters
An interview covering the topics in the title and also strange possibilities that might occur in the Trump Administration. White Swans, perhaps, but not black ones I think. I also […]
Don’t You DARE Cut the Social Safety Net!
This is a Real Progressives interview on defending and expanding safety net programs, Medicare for All, negotiating with the Republicans in a way that always produces measurable and visible gains, […]
Social Security Is Not a Ponzi Scheme
This post appeared earlier under the title “Ponzi Schemes and the Ponzi Schemers.” I’m republishing it because our just confirmed Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director is one of […]
On How The Federal Government Spends and Other Matters
My first interview at Real Progressives on Monetary realities, including how the Federal Government spends, the absence of legitimate solvency concerns, austerity scares and other related questions.
Congress, Don’t You Dare Cut the Safety Net or Any Other Programs People Need: A Manifesto
Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees, along with his current allies in Congress, and among lobbyists, suggest that he is likely to break his frequently stated campaign promises that, if elected, he […]
The Affordable Care Act: a Magic Legacy Moment for Obama or an Albatross Around the Neck of Democrats & Progressives?
Marketers for the Obama Legacy Network have been sending out e-mails calling attention to five favorite “moments and victories” in the Obama Administration in order to solicit new members and […]
Marketing the Obama Legacy Network
One of my pet peeves is the inane and inept marketing/fund-raising letters sent to me by the Democratic Party and closely related interest groups with close ties to the Clinton […]
The Defense Department is Running Out of Money Unless We Do Something
Everyday you hear or read on some network or web site a claim that Social Security and Medicare are running out of money, followed by an appeal to raise taxes, […]