Author Archives: Yves Smith

Eight Reasons Why Marco Rubio Would Be a Disastrous Secretary of State

With Trump nominations like Matt Gaetz, RFK, Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard attracting lots of ire, Mario Rubio is being treated as sound. That’s a mistake.

Forget Snowbirds. These Sunbirds Are Flocking North

Hotter days and higher flood risk are prompting people across the South to consider moving north.

As Biden Uses Long-Range Strikes into Russia to Create Problems for Trump, What Else Might Happen With Ukraine When Trump Takes Over?

Biden and the EU are trying to throw spanners in Trump’s desire to end the war with Ukraine. What if anything has changed?

Trump’s Energy Sanctions Are a Double-Edged Sword for Global Economy

Trump plans tougher sanctions on Iran’s and Venezuela’s oil exports, and secondary sanctions on China. How might that work?

Links 11/16/2024

Wall Street Banks Accused of Trying to Sabotage Key Consumer Protection Rule

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau wants banks to send data of ex-customers to a new bank. Banks are howling. They may have a point.

Trump’s Speeches Are Chaotic, Rambling and Extremely Effective. Aristotle Can Explain Why

How Trump’s much-lambasted rally speaking style actually deploys a classic rhetorical device.

US EPA Enables Polluting Plastics Plants by Failing to Update Wastewater Limits, Report Says

Yet another example of EPA underperformance, here on the plastics pollution front.

Is Realignment the Shape of US Politics to Come?

Trump and his loyalists intend to deliver major changes to US politics. But how realistic is that promise?

Scientists Fear What’s Next for Public Health if RFK Jr. Is Allowed To ‘Go Wild’

On the considerable upset about RFK, Jr.’s nomination to head HHS.

The BRICS, a Geopolitical Challenge Overlooked by the European Union

A discussion of what BRICS might be when it grows up and what that could mean for the EU

Wall Street Journal Show How Medicare Advantage Plans Restrict Medical Services to Sicker Seniors, Leading to Switching to Traditional Medicare

The Wall Street Journal shows how Medicare Advantage plans curb care to sick seniors, leading many to switch to traditional Medicare

Shale ‘Drill, Baby, Drill’ Hits Wall of Capital Restraint

One of Trump’ inflation-cutting plans, more shale production to lower energy prices, is not going to get strong uptake from the industry.

Will Trump End or Escalate Biden’s Wars?

An awfully hopeful take on what Trump might do about America’s “forever wars”.

Global Fury After State Dept Claims Israel Not Violating US Law by Blocking Gaza Aid

US defenses of Israel, this time by pretending the genocidal state is not blocking Gaza aid, are ever more infuriating and lame.