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

The downside of semaglutides

GLP-1-based therapies for obesity have been transformational. The benefits are undeniable, and the risks for most people are negligible. These drugs belong in the class with anti-hypertensives and statins. Who could complain? Here’s one doc who was an initial enthusiast, but who has cooled: “The truth is, most patients don’t stay on anti-obesity medications — […]

Brief Rundown on EVs, etc. v Gasoline Powered Vehicles

Nothing too technical, just some conversation and points. It has been found or reported, hybrid vehicles incur fewer issues and problems than gasoline vehicles. On the other side of the spectrum, fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) can have more issues. Let’s face it, the technology is still new and manufacturing and research in the US are […]

Can we stop hyperventilating about processed foods?

When I was growing up, lots of adults smoked. My piano teacher smoked during my piano lessons. Cigarette commercials were on TV. Their jingles were so addictive, we in the trumpet section would play them before band practice. Airplanes used to have a smoking section and a no-smoking light that went on before take-off and […]

RFK Jr and Antivax org and mRNA

Red Alert: RFK Jr-founded Antivax org pushing to Ban mRNA COVID Shots. Articles of impeachment are filed, ACA Signups, Michigander Charles Gaba Hoo boy. You knew this was coming. Via Jessica Karins of Inside Health Policy: As public health stakeholders and members of Congress grapple with how to respond to changes in HHS’ vaccine policy, the anti-vaccine organization […]

How the “wealth effect” fueled Q3 GDP

 – by New Deal democrat In Q3, personal spending rose 1.6%, or 6.4% annualized, while personal incomes only rose 0.8%, or 3.3% annualized. A little more precisely, personal spending rose 0.75% more than personal incomes. Just how much more did spending rise than the income to fuel it compared on a historical basis? In the past […]

Ethics in Law and Medicine

Talking about ethical behavior amongst professionals in Government. What binds attorneys and doctors to act in a professional manner even if a political appointee? In this case Robert Reich is asking about Lindsey Halligan and Dr. Vinay Prasad. A pretty good question to ask if you are an ordinary citizen with little power. “Ethics Shmethics” […]

The low pace of firings continues to Christmas

 – by New Deal democrat Our last bit of news before Christmas continued the positive news, as initial jobless claims declined back to 214,000, while the four week average also declined to 216,750. The last three weeks collectively have had the lowest seasonally adjusted numbers since January. Meanwhile, continuing claims rose back above 1.9 million to […]

Wage gains for low-paid workers were larger than for those further up the income scale

The economy turned bad when Covid hit the nation. People were not able to work. And whether it was Biden or Tru_p were in the White House, the same problems would have existed. As Paul Krugman documents, the results for lower wage employees was better and increasing during the Biden administration, This is far different […]