Category Archives: Free markets and their discontents

Knowing Less About AI Makes People More Open to Having It in Their Lives – New Research

A study on receptivity to AI use sadly skips over some fundamental questions.

Close to 30 Million Americans Face Limited Water Supplies, Government Report Finds

Struggles over water use and cost are set to intensify as usage outstrips supplies.

How Trump 2.0 Could Herald a New Age of Authoritarian Capitalism

To discuss: “Trump’s weaponisation of US power poses a threat to peace, prosperity and the planet.”

The Next Unwind of Social Guarantees: Home and Medical Insurance

A Wall Street Journal column suggests that elite conventional wisdom favors more gutting of medical and home insurance as unduly “socialized”

For Homeless Seniors, Getting Into Stable Housing Takes a Village — And a Lot of Luck

Another indictment of America’s claims of superiority: a coming tsunami of homeless elderly

Actuaries and Scientists Warn Climate Shocks Risk ‘Planetary Insolvency’ as Power Struggles About How to Rebuild LA Begin

A new report shows a 50% GDP fall from 2070 to 2090 due to climate change. Los Angeles gives a taste of coming struggles about what to do.

Closing Ranks: Organised Labour and Immigration

Quelle surprise! Historically, high levels of immigration in the US led to more union formation.

James Galbraith: How the Fed Became Less Powerful Despite Weakened Congressional Oversight

Fifty years ago the actions of the Fed mattered. Today, as far the aggregate measures of America’s domestic economy go, they do not.

Make America Healthy Again: Is MAHA a Trope or a Movement?

A look at MAHA’s recommendations, per the Casey Means book Good Energy, and why they are an affluent-focused, neoliberal prescription.

U.S. Sanctions on China’s Oil Firms Are Just the Beginning Under Trump

A discussion of some moves Trump is expected to take to try to contain China, starting with energy and avoiding use of the dollar.

Trump’s HUD Secretary and Our Reverse Robin Hood Housing System

A Trump-Turner housing agenda appears destined to continue the worst aspects of the US approach to affordable housing.

Wanting More for BRICS Than BRICS Wants for Itself

More realistic takes on BRICS, including by Michael Hudson.

Weaponizing the US Dollar. Can It Work?

Michael Hudson refines and extends recent discussions on the future of the dollar, particularly under Trump, and finance-dominated capitalism

Americans’ Rage at Insurers Goes Beyond Health Coverage – The Author of ‘Delay, Deny, Defend’ Points to 3 Reforms that Could Help

On the prevalence of claims processing fraud by insurers and what if anything can be done about it.

Europe Races to Refill as Gas Reserves Dwindle

A look at another act of European self-destruction in the name of harming Russia, here on the gas supply front.