Some ruminations on the role of the CIA, particularly its relationship to Presidents.
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
UK Medicines Regulator MHRA’s Role As Pharma “Enabler” During Pandemic Comes Under Microscope
“We feel compelled to conclude that the MHRA has indeed become an enabler for the pharmaceutical industry, with patient safety no longer being its primary concern.”
New Storyline in Wall Street Journal: “Russia Is Running Out of Missiles” Shifts to “Russia Can’t Keep Up Production Forever”
A careful reading of a sighting in what may be a new campaign to shore up Western hopes in the light of Russia’s military outproduction.
Will Trump Election Bring Back Isolationism and Threaten NATO?
Looking at how Trump current rhetoric contrasts with his past actions, and why those actions are likely a better predictor.
2:00PM Water Cooler 3/11/2024
~ Today’s Water Cooler ~
Financial Crises and Tax Havens
Tax havens not only facilitate tax evasion and corruption in ‘normal times’, they also harbour funds during economic crises, slowing down recovery.
From Isolation to Containment: Washington’s Economic War Against Russia Gets a Rebrand
Foreign Affiars recycles a 75-year-old strategy from George Kennan that no longer fits the geopolitical realities of the world in 2024.
Market Gives Vote of No Confidence in Latest Israel Genocide, Um, War-Financing Bonds
High interest rates for Israeli bond offerings, plus mumble-shuffle by manager Goldman and the SEC, confirm investor doubts about its prospects
Michael Hudson: Marxism, Economic Parasites, and Debt Cancellation
Michael Hudson in a bracing talk, including history of crises, the role of debt, and how ancient Greek and Roman law promoted inequality
On the State of the Union Speech: What Biden Left Out
This is a post about nothing; or rather the nothing that is where one would expect a something to appear
Announcing 2024 Water Cooler Fundraiser!
My goal is 🌡️ 400 donors, an increase of 25 over last year. If you can give a lot, give a lot. If you can only give a little, give a little. (You can also pay it forward by donating on behalf of those whose circumstances do not permit them to do so, this year.)
The Great Archaeological Discovery of Our Time
An interview with renowned archaeologist Gary M. Feinman on the emergence of a global data set from our past that humanity can use to prosper—and avoid the biggest mistakes.
