Category Archives: Guest Post

U.S. Sanctions on China’s Oil Firms Are Just the Beginning Under Trump

A discussion of some moves Trump is expected to take to try to contain China, starting with energy and avoiding use of the dollar.

Trump’s HUD Secretary and Our Reverse Robin Hood Housing System

A Trump-Turner housing agenda appears destined to continue the worst aspects of the US approach to affordable housing.

Wanting More for BRICS Than BRICS Wants for Itself

More realistic takes on BRICS, including by Michael Hudson.

Links 1/14/2025

Even in Switzerland’s Direct Democracy, There Is Little Room for Public Choice on Digital Identity

After two-thirds of Swiss voters rejected the government’s proposed e-ID system in 2021, a slightly revamped “Digital Passport Act (E-ID Act)” is back on the political agenda

Is Capitalism Falling Out of Favor? We Analyzed 400,000 News Stories to Find Out

On the fundamental flaws in a study meant to assess the popularity, or lack thereof, of capitalism in the US.

America’s Infrastructure Crisis: Covid’s Role in a Ticking Time Bomb

How falling levels of infrastructure maintenance are somewhat, perhaps significantly, due to Covid deaths and disability.

2:00PM Water Cooler 1/13/2025

~ Today’s Water Cooler: Politics, syndemics; Trump transition: Gabbard, Hegseth; “That’s quite an act. What do you call it?” LA fires; Tintin now in the public domain ~

Links 1/13/2025

Musk, Meloni, and the AfD: Trump’s Plan for Reorganizing EU Vassals Comes into Focus

Meloni offers vassalage to the US under faux nationalist packaging. Musk’s support of the Alternative for Germany shows it might be prepared to do the same.

The Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE) Lacks Legal Structure and Promised Transparency

DOGE depends on Elon Musk’s charismatic authority. That’s a bad thing.

Health Care AI, Intended To Save Money, Turns Out To Require a Lot of Expensive Humans

Artificial intelligence systems require consistent monitoring and staffing to put in place and to keep them working well. In essence: You need people, and more machines, to make sure the new tools don’t mess up.

Weaponizing the US Dollar. Can It Work?

Michael Hudson refines and extends recent discussions on the future of the dollar, particularly under Trump, and finance-dominated capitalism

Meet the Cats Who Roam Rikers Island

Even cats in a prison setting find human servants!

2:00PM Water Cooler 1/10/2025

~ Today’s Water Cooler: Politics, Syndemics; New Covid data, Covid and mortality; LA Fires: misinformation; SEIU joins AFL-CIO ~