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

The Strongest Deal Possible?

“The president should listen to and work with his allies in Congress, starting with Nancy Pelosi, who have expressed their concerns about the impact that a weak [Trans-Pacific Partnership] agreement would have on our workers to make sure we get the best, strongest deal possible.  And if we don’t get it, there should be no […]

Listen to Michigan Congressman Sander Levin Tongue – Lash Wisconsin Congressman and Chairman Paul Ryan

Michigan is pitifully gerrymandered due to state Republicans controlling the state legislature in 1990, 2000, and 2010 and controlling redistricting. Michigan sends fewer Democrats to The House than how the state votes which is 54+% Democrat in national elections. Democrat Congressman Sander Levin is one of those Congressmen. Listen to his response to Republican Congressman […]

We Believe ? ? ?

Almost one year old (July 18, 2014) this speech by Senator Elizabeth Warren. We Believe: – “We believe that Wall Street needs stronger rules and tougher enforcement, and we’re willing to fight for it.” – “We believe in science, and that means that we have a responsibility to protect this Earth.” – “We believe that […]

Philae Lander Wakes Up!

No this really doesn’t have anything to do with Economics or Center-Left Politics or SCOTUS. Your point? Me I am geeking out. BBC Philae comet lander wakes up, says European Space Agency UK Telegraph Philae, Europe’s comet lander, wakes up after seven months Slate Philae Is Alive! Let’s call this an Open Thread

Paul Krugman’s Argument is Liquidated when it’s Specious Character is Revealed

Got you to look. I am using 18th century English, the title translates into 21st century English as “Paul Krugman’s Argument is clarified when the fact that it is precise is revealed” Krugman objects to Stephen Schwarzman’s use of the word “liquidity” which, he claims, conflates two different meanings. I think the word should be […]

Rick Perry admits that deregulation of the financial services industry, and insufficient economic stimulus in the wake of economic collapse, were mistakes. Cool!

Republicans jumped on Clinton’s decision [in her speech today] to cite her ties to Obama and were trying to raise money off the speech almost as soon as it ended. In an email appeal asking for donations, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry wrote, “We want to look toward a brighter future, not backward at the […]

Elon Musk has received billions in subsidies

While receiving subsidies is nothing new for the Forbes 400 or even multi-hundred millionaire pikers like Mitt Romney, a recent story in the Los Angeles Times (via Good Jobs First) shows that Elon Musk (#34 in the Forbes 400) is a champion at getting subsidies for his companies. According to the Times article, Musk’s three […]

Democratic Arithmetic vs Comparative Advantage: TAA, TPA, TPP

In reading around on reactions to the defeat of the TAA (Trade Adjustment Authority) component of the TAA/TPA (Trade Promotion Authority) Package needed to successfully pass TPP (Trans Pacific Partnership) I get the usual incomprehension as to why Democrats can possible oppose Free Trade given the proven mathematical reality of Ricardian Comparative Advantage. And the […]

Efficiency wages, monopsony and labor demand

Again Krugman writes about something I know something about. This time I enthusiastically agree (yeah I know big surprise there). he noted that, in efficiency wage models, it can be relatively easy to convince firms to raise wages. His presentation is (as usual) extremely, brief, clear, unwonkish and excellent. Then he linked to Arindrajit Dube […]

It’s crunch time. Just a little reminder from Ross

Just a little reminder for everyone.  It’s not just his “giant sucking sound” comment.  It’s the time frame he noted, and the advantages to a business going to a foreign nation.  Well, tomorrow is the Fast Track vote and there are some dem’s who are not taking the threat of loosing their job seriously enough.