Category Archives: The destruction of the middle class

The Overlooked Role of the Financial Crisis in the Subjugation of Europe

Europe faces permanent economic diminution thanks to following US sanctions But did the financial crisis pave the way for this self-sabotage?

Are Corporate Executives Expendable?

Analysts across the political spectrum challenge massive paychecks of corporate chiefs—and whether companies can survive without them.

Angus Deaton on How Neoliberal Ideology Produced Abject US Falling Life Expectancy for Less Educated

Angus Deaton returns to his deaths of despair theme, with updated data and a pointed critique of the role of Chicago School libertarians.

Oil, Gas, Wages, Interest Rates: Biden’s Other 2024 Risks

A supposedly good economy has not helped Biden much and trends such as oil prices do not look to be in his favor.

The Nationalist Right Tries a New Formula to Sell the European Neoliberal Project

In Italy and elsewhere, the right combines anti-immigrant and chauvinist measures with neoliberal policy.

More on the Collapse of Operational Capabilities in the West: How Did We Get Here

Some thoughts on the rapid decline in operational capabilities, or why tons of people, particularly those in charge, are no good at their jobs

Fascism is the Western Answer to Class Struggle

Rob Urie makes a reasoned, data-backed case that the tools used in supposed democracies to enforce class standing merit the label of fascism

Energy Destinies – Part 8: Pathways

Satyajit Das concludes his series on the future of energy by looking at curbing demand, aka radical conseration.

Going on a Big Energy Diet: Will the Status of Women Be a Casualty?

Will coming energy crunch roll back women’s gains?

Why the GOP Is Trying to Take Credit for Union Workers’ Infrastructure Victory

The feckless Dems get no respect, even on the rare occasions when they do the right thing, as with a recent infrastructure bill.

Central Banks and Income Distribution: Does the Taylor Rule Push Up Rentier Incomes?

An explanation of how a favorite Fed rate setting tool, the Taylor Rule, promotes inequality by shifting income away from workers.

‘Time for Congress to Act’: Sanders, Scott Unveil $17 Federal Minimum Wage Bill

Another push for a minimum wage boost. The gap between the $17 target and the current level of $7.25 an hour is a yawning chasm.

James Galbraith: How Central Bank Myths and Practices Support Financiers and Dollar Hegemony

Sadly, some bank-serving fables are very durable, so James Galbraith has (yet another) go at them.