Author Archives: Yves Smith

Trump Versus Biden: The Substantial Fall in Real Wages for Most Workers Under Biden

An important new paper contradicts Democratic pundits, showing that most workers lost in real wage terms under Biden

Coal Still Powers More U.S. Electricity Than Any Renewable Energy Source

Why coal’s share of US energy output has not fallen as far as the ecologically-minded had hoped.

US Trade Desperation: Trump Insider Robert Lightheizer Recommends Third-World Capital Controls to Achieve Balanced Trade

New desperate ideas to fix chronic US trade imbalances, like capital controls, are getting a hearing.

Renting Your Life

More on the further erosion of ownership and property rights via required renting.

Links 5/18/2024

Dr. Jill Stein & Michael Hudson: Fighting Russia & China to Last American: Destroying US From Within

The high cost and risks of the Biden Administration commitment to pursue forever wars with Russia and China.

US Affordable Housing Policy Works for Wall Street and Rich Developers, Not Renters

Current policy doesn’t provide affordable housing very well but does a good job of lining the pockets of real estate interests.

Defending Privacy in the Surveillance State and Fragmenting Internet

Governments and private entities are eroding privacy on the internet. Is it possible to safeguard both openness and security in cyberspace?

The Long Goodbye? Mitch McConnell and Big Money Politics

In a political system whose primary currency is not the vote but the dollar, McConnell’s role as leader has been well-earned.

New Palestine Protest/Free Speech Threat: House Oversight Committee Targets 20 Pro-Palestinian Organizations, Such as Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Demanding Treasury Produce Suspicious Activity Reports, Including on Employeees

A new salvo against designated enemies, aka Palestinian rights advocates, which fortunately is more bark than bite.

Kentucky Retirement Systems Plaintiffs Seek Repayment from KKR Entities of Misappropriated $137 Million Plus Interest and Punitive Damages, Totaling $771 Million….Oh, and An Accounting Too

The Tier 3 Plaintiffs in the long-running public pension case, Kentucky Retirement Systems, are fast off their marks with a blockbuster filing.

The IMF’s Chronicle of a Catastrophe Foretold

A dour IMF forecast bodes ill for developing economies and provides more confirmation of crises in the offing.