Category Archives: The destruction of the middle class

Mark Blyth’s Incisive Post-Crisis Takedown: “A Brief History of How We Got Here and Why”

Mark Blyth gives a pithy talk on the economic regimes of the modern period and what is likely to be in store.

The Military-Industrial Jobs Scam

Military contractors have used the threat of US job cuts to extract more dough from American taxpayers….and then cut US jobs.

Neoliberalism: Political Success, Economic Failure

Now, after nearly half a century, the verdict on neoliberalism is in.

Families Drowning in Debt to Stay in the Middle Class

Young people with pretty high incomes are sinking under debt.

Reclaiming the Commons Through State Ownership? Maybe Not

Transnational state capital can be just as harmful as its private counterparts. Local, democratic and sustainable alternatives offer better protection.

The “Existential Battle” Is for Control of the Democratic Party

Democratic Party operatives would have voters focus on Trump, as opposed to the batttle within their party over the Sanders-led effort to implement policies that serve Americans broadly, not the top 10% .

As Risky Finances Alienate Investors, Fracking Companies Look to Retirement Funds for Cash

Latest DeSmogBlog coverage of fracking follies: the still unprofitable industry turns to pension funds and private equity for capital.

Nobel Economist Angus Deaton: Inequality is Destroying Democratic Capitalism

Angus Deaton argues that the present level of inequality is a threat to “democratic capitalism” but contends that historically, even more severe inequality has been reversed.

The Politics of CEOs

Quelle surprise! CEOs back parties with an eye to increasing their own power.

Syriza, R.I.P.

The rule of the “radical left” Greek party Syriza came to an end earlier this month after it had abandoned its promise of reform.

Willing to Pay for Security: Gig Workers, Freelancers, and the Self-Employed Want Steady Jobs

Quelle surprise! Workers want a steady paycheck.