Spending on Healthcare as a Part of GDP I realize I’m being impolite (Dean Baker), but we’re facing fascism and the NYT is saying things are clearly untrue and very detrimental to those of us who care about democracy. A piece on the problem of healthcare costs in the United States told readers: “The Affordable […]
Trump claimed last week on social media that “Our economy is BOOMING, and Costs are coming way down,” and that “grocery prices are way down.” Rubbish. How do I know he’s lying? Official government statistics haven’t been issued during the shutdown — presumably to Trump’s relief (the White House said Wednesday that the October jobs […]
Trump screwed his farm belt voters with his China tariffs. While China had been a reliable buyer of American soybeans, it retaliated by buying Brazilian soybeans instead. Brazil is expected to have a record soybean harvest next year. Recently, Trump announced a “deal” in which China would resume American soybean purchases. “A U.S. Department of […]
– by New Deal democrat Hopefully for the last time . . . As I have done since the beginning of the government shutdown, the unadjusted number of initial and continuing claims can be calculated based on reporting by the States, plus DC, and Puerto Rico. Then, by applying the same adjustment as was used for […]
Excellent commentary and explanation by Michigan’s Charles Gaba. Charles has been writing on the ACA and healthcare for years going back to when I lived in Michigan. He offers up excellent knowledge and explanation on the topic of states reacting to the lack of tax credits for their citizens, “There Will Be Graphs: A deeper […]
#1. Trump’s ‘Irrefutable’ Thanksgiving Claim Hit With Brutal Fact Check (Daily Beast): “President Donald Trump boasted the price of a Thanksgiving dinner from Walmart had dropped under his administration. He conveniently leaves out the catch behind the bargain meal . . . ‘Walmart just announced that Prices for a Thanksgiving Dinner is now down 25% since under […]
Trump says affordability is “a con job by the Democrats.” Who ya gonna believe, The Donald or your lyin’ eyes? When Trump speaks of cons, we should listen. He should know, he’s the king of cons. But like all Republicans, Trump accuses others of what he himself is doing. “During the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump […]
– by New Deal democrat My “Weekly Indicators” post is up at Seeking Alpha. The trends of strong retail spending, a weak US$, and strength in commodity prices all continue. But in recent weeks withholding tax payments have waned. While there can be a number of causes for that, it definitely merits a caution flag as to […]
Short commentary on what is going on with US prices. With Trumpian on and off policies, economic stability is difficult to maintain. Pulled this graph from a Tax Foundation article from October 21, 2025. “Trump Tariffs Raising Prices for Consumers, New Evidence Shows.” As you can see. prices did increase for domestic product just as […]
Looks like Trump is finally seeking tariff reductions to lower the price of groceries. “The White House on Thursday during a background call with reporters announced framework deals with Argentina, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Ecuador that it hopes will bring down the costs of certain groceries. “These deals come after President Donald Trump and some […]