Category Archives: Politics

TaxCast: Financial Transaction Taxes, Trump Hearts Kleptocrats

The current Taxcast tours financial transaction taxes, the Swiss referendum, and dark money.

Iraq: “Is It Oil?”

Why the Iraq oil problem was not so much access, as in meeting U.S. oil needs, but that U.S. firms had been frozen out of Iraq.

Can Europe Be Saved from Populism?

Two economists offer recommendations on how to defend Europe from an upsurge of populism. Unfortunately, their ideas give cause for pause.

Michael Hudson: Why Failing to Solve Personal Debt and Polarization Will Usher in a New Dark Age

Crushing personal debt loads have repeatedly produced economic and social crises. The elites ignore the warning signs at their peril.

French Presidential Contender Macron Backs Tough Stand on Brexit

Macron, who has taken a recent hit as a result of a campaign blunder, took a forceful position on Brexit in a meeting with Theresa May.

As US Attorney, Trump Labor Secretary Nominee Enabled Drug and Biotechnology Executives’ Impunity

Yet another Trump appointee who was soft on big business misconduct.

European Polls Head for Heaven and Hell

Le Pen’s recent surge in French presidential polls has Mr. Market fretting, while results in Germany are a bright spot.

The Term “Deep State” in Focus: Usage Examples, Definition, and Phrasebook

Definitions of “Deep State” compared and synthesized into a definition, with usage examples.

Globalisation and Economic Nationalism

An in-depth data analysis shows a strong correlation between exposure to competition from imports and a rise in right-wing nationalism.

Single Payer on The March

Jesse Bohon on the Christian justification for single payer; single payer in California, and why #TheResistance must support single payer.

When the IMF Evaluates the IMF

A recap of where the IMF admits that it screwed up. Also points out how the IMF overlooked a core methodology prone to errors and gaming.

Grantham: ‘Twas Capitalism That Killed Capitalism

How capitalism became disconnected from social good, leading to hope for a “strong leader” will take on the rich and powerful.

Gaius Publius: Field Notes from the Battle Within the Democratic Party

Needless to say, the real war within the Democratic party is about who gets to feed at the trough.

No, Trump Isn’t Imploding — But the Opposition Is Broad and Intense

A look beyond the headline noise to gauge how Trump is faring with the public

The CFPB’s Big Opponent, Jeb Hensarling, Rivals Trump in the “Make Stuff Up” Category

House Financial Services Committee chairman Jeb Hensarling takes his best shot at the CFPB and fails to land a single blow.