Relevant and even prescient commentary on news, politics and the economy.

Is Putin waiting for Trump?

So suggests Noah Smith: My view is that Putin is banking on congressional Republicans.  At this point is seems clear that the Ukrainian army is better than the Russian army (more motivated, better trained and led) and that NATO weapons are better than Russian weapons.  If the current coalition in support of Ukraine holds together, […]

Legacy of Racial Injustice in the Administration of the Death Penalty

Interesting information on how courts both state and federal distinguish and discriminate based upon race and color. Not necessarily new information. McCleskey goes back 35 years. In a SCOTUS hearing McCleskey was told data on patterns of sentencing was not allowable unless it was directly related to him. Warren was put to death September 21, […]

Housing unaffordability closes in on bubble peaks

Housing unaffordability closes in on bubble peaks; expect substantial price declines and increased foreclosures in the likely oncoming recession – by New Deal democrat I last looked at the issue of housing affordability at the beginning of April. As we all know, mortgage rates have continued to skyrocket in the past several months. At present […]

Downturn in housing permits and starts in May

An across the board downturn for housing permits and starts in May Housing permits and starts declined across the board in May. In the past year there has been a unique divergence between permits and starts due to construction supply shortages.  This has been reflected in the number of housing units authorized but not started […]

Why $10,000 of Student Loan Relief will not Help

I have been bugging Alan at Student Loan Justice to talk more about Student Loan interest, etc. accumulating on these loans. As you can see it is not unusual to accumulate more interest or other costs than the original loan amount. It is also not unusual for the servicer to collect interest before paying down […]

The Postal Service identifies 170 “suspended” post offices for permanent closure

To Be Discontinued: The Postal Service identifies 170 suspended post offices for permanent closure, Save The Post Office, Steve Hutkins Earlier this week the Postal Service shared a list with the Postal Regulatory Commission identifying 170 post offices that were “temporarily” suspended several years ago and that will soon be closed permanently. The list was submitted as […]

Think There’s a Connection … ?

“Ten Bears” poking at Fox News and Republicans downplaying the January 6 Insurrection by not broadcasting the 1st of six Hearings and probably the rest. One can only hope they will change their minds and take ownership of what they helped to sponsor. It is evident with their continuous denials, Homeless on the High Desert, […]