Author Archives: Yves Smith
Why Trump’s 50 Year Mortgage Scheme Is an Even Worse Idea Than You Imagined
The Trump/Pulte 50 year mortgage scheme is indeed really bad even before getting to the fact that it would probably increase home prices.
Read more...“Regime Change” in Venezuela Is a Euphemism for U.S.-Inflicted Carnage and Chaos
A sadly necessary reminder of what US regime change operations are about. Hint: nothing good.
Read more...The ‘Supercenter’ Effect: How Massive, One-Stop Retailers Fuel Overconsumption − and Waste
To confirm prejudices some of you may habor: supercenters are bad! No wonder retailers love the format.
Read more...Links 11/11/2025
Shutdown Has Highlighted Washington’s Retreat From Big Ideas on Health Care
Health care in the US has become too big to fix.
Read more...Who Will End Up Paying for the AI Spending Spree?
AI is now so clearly a money burn pit that efforts are already underway to fob the losses off on taxpayers. Is there any way to head it off?
Read more...Russia’s Choices as It Brings Ukraine to the Brink with Electricity War, Takes Pokrovsk
Even with Russia’s domination undeniable as its electricity attacks turn off power all over Ukraine, Russia still has complex choices to make.
Read more...Military Moral Injury, Violence, and the Parable of the Guinea Worm
The casual US celebration of violence runs into the reality that those required to inflict it regularly suffer deep inner damage.
Read more...Links 11/8/2025
Always Watching: How ICE’s Plan to Monitor Social Media 24/7 Threatens Privacy and Civic Participation
How ICE plans even more sweeping surveillance of social media sites.
Read more...Another Shutdown Cost: Skewed and Limited Private Data as Economic Hazard
Due to the shutdown, official economic data has slowed to a crawl. Policymakers, markets, and citizens are turning to private-sector numbers.
Read more...How Neoliberalism Is Digging the Holes of Flagging, Indebted Economies Even Deeper
Indebted, low growth economies have a path for recovery. But neolibearlism stands in the way.
Read more...Fatties and Diabetics Not Welcome! Immigrants With Health Conditions May Be Denied Visas Under New Trump Administration Guidance
MAHA meets immigration, with deemed-unhealthy applicants set to be denied visas under new Trump Administration guidance.
Read more...Mamdani’s Win and the Price of Urban Life: Why City Voters Are Seeking Change
The soaring costs of city life appear to be sending urban voters toward progressive leaders who promise relief, both in the U.S. and globally.
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