by Maggie Mahar at The Health Beat Blog. Charles Gaba, who has become the “Nate Silver” for Obamacare enrollment numbers; now predicts that by April 15, 17 million Americans will have purchased their own healthcare coverage. His back-of-the-envelope estimate includes “a nice round 8 million” who buy policies in the government marketplaces. In parentheses, he […]
Obamacare Enrollment Heads for 17 million
Larry Summers’ Inverse Say’s Law sheds light on lack of Effective Demand…
By way of Mark Thoma, there is a new video of Larry Summers talking about Inverse Say’s Law. It is a wonderful video and one that could wake up the economics profession about Effective Demand. His views will not only challenge Fresh Water economists, but also Salt Water economists. (His talk starts at 9-minute mark.) […]
What the Supreme Court’s refusal today to agree to decide whether to strike down the federal statute that bars corporations from making contributions directly to candidates and political parties might suggest about the outcome of Hobby Lobby
When donors furnish widely distributed support within all applicable base limits, all members of the party or supporters of the cause may benefit, and the leaders of the party or cause may feel particular gratitude. That gratitude stems from the basic nature of the party system, in which party members join together to further common […]
Krugman and Kapital
Paul Krugman recently wrote three very interesting posts. In other breaking news the sky is blue and dog bites man. He suggests that elite perceptions of economic *events* are very much influenced by the experience of the super rich. He has been flirting with Marx for a while (Thomas Piketty seems to be a mutual […]
One for the doves
Angry Bear Spencer England commented on Tim Duy’s post… Very good wrap-up. There is virtually no evidence that the economy is breaking out of the past few years very sluggish growth. One For the Doves, by Tim Duy: The March employment report came in pretty much in line with expectations. Nonfarm payrolls gained by 192k, […]
Thinking About Piketty’s “Capital”
The quotes in this post’s subject line are very much intended as a double entendre. I’m of course referring to the title of Piketty’s book (which I’ve read about 80% of, jumping around). But even more, I’m talking about his definition of “capital.” I’ve ranted frequently about economists’ failure to define this term or agree on […]
Back at you on the GM argument
Back in 2008 cactus wrote Back at you on the GM argument. Reader Jack sends this note on 2014: Proof positive that the UAW is/was(?) the cause of car maker’s demise!! That’s how I’d put it to all those out there that still harbor the idea that the poor performance of much of the American […]
Two Yale law professors think they know what, exactly, the APPEARANCE of quid pro quo corruption looks like. They don’t. But I do.
If the president is to be taken seriously, it’s time for him to make campaign finance a centerpiece of the upcoming campaign. Despite appearances, serious reform remains possible within the new limits set out by the Roberts court. Obama should take full advantage of the chief justice’s explicit recognition that the “appearance of corruption” serves […]
Scotus Friday roundup
Pretty good company to be in! Friday round-up The Court’s decision on Wednesday in McCutcheon v. FEC, striking down the aggregate limits on contributions to political parties, political action committees, and candidates for federal office, continues to dominate coverage of, and commentary on, the Court. Yesterday this blog kicked off its symposium on the decision […]