Wednesday, January 14, 2026

This Labor Day, Working Families’ Earned Social Security Benefits Are at Risk

A reminder that it would not be hard to “save” and even expand Social Security, save the reluctance to tax the rich a smidge more.

Will There Be a General Strike on May Day, 2028?

UAW President Shawn Fain’s call for a general strike: Background, critique, and possibilities

Links 9/2/2024

The Stupid Price Gouging Discourse

Is Kamala’s price gouging proposal is a ruse, and why won’t she voice support for Lina Khan at the Federal Trade Commission?

Links 9/1/2024

How Responsible Is the Rental Housing Cartel for the Explosion in Homelessness? 

Since collusion in pricing and vacancy hit critical mass in 2016, homelessness has soared. 

5 Lessons From Ancient Civilizations for Keeping Homes Cool in Hot, Dry Climates

To prepare for an even hotter future, designers today could learn from the past.

Michael Hudson: Debt, Economic Collapse and the Ancient World

Robinson Erhardt conducts a wide-ranging discussion of Michael Hudson’s work, including the social cost of debt bondage and rentierism

Links 8/31/2024

The Problem with AI

Why AI is likely to have more limited use than boosters anticipate, particularly in replacing professionals like teachers and accountants.

2:00PM Water Cooler 8/30/2024

~ Today’s Water Cooler: Politics, syndemics; New RCP averages show 2024 race neck-and-neck, plus new Covid charts show positivity improvement; Kamala and joy; Trump needs a campaign reset; Unions and worker power ~

Links 8/30/2024

Cash Stuffing Gains Ground: Gen Z Is Using Cash More Than Millennials in UK, New Survey Reveals

This is one generational trend I wasn’t expecting. 

Beijing and Washington Clash Over Russia Sanctions

The US continues to talk at, rather than with, China about its close ties to Russia.

Holiday Weekend Coverage

We are kicking back a wee bit this Labor Day holiday weekend and hope you can too!