Sunday, January 19, 2025

A Tale of Two Pandemics

A look at two pandemics, HIV and COVID-19, shows how much public health has suffered due to the advance of neoliberalism.

Elite College Antitrust Lawsuit Digs into Violation of Exemption via Preferring the Rich

The latest shoes drop in an antitrust suit against five elite schools over money playing a role in admissions, a violation of a legal carveout.

Trump’s Picks for Top Health Jobs Not Just Team of Rivals but ‘Team of Opponents’

If confirmed, RFK, Jr. will have key subordinates with some views opposed to his. What might this mean for health policy?

2:00PM Water Cooler 12/17/2024

~ Today’s Water Cooler: Politics, syndemics; Trump presser; AOC loses key vote; Mystery drones; Crisis hotline for CEOs ~

Tom Neuburger: Why CEOs and the Very Rich Should Receive Enhanced Protection

Why CEOs and squillionaries deserve the very best protection money can buy.

Links 12/17/2024

History Repeats in Catalonia, As Rent Strike Begins

The “revolt of the keys” has started, says the Tenants’ Union. But what chance of success does it have?

From Marine Reserve to Military Base: Washington and Ecuador’s Quiet Plans for the Galapagos Islands

Normally, when a Latin American government passes legislation that contravenes its national constitution, shrieks of outrage inevitably follow from Western governments. Not this time.

It Is Possible to Have a Flat Tax, or to Have Democracy, but Not Both

Why a flat tax is yet another scheme to further enrich the rich and weaken the political power of ordinary citizens.

Rebooting Antitrust’s Economic Theory to Focus on Social Welfare

New Brandesians oppose the flawed mainstream antitrust “consumer welfare” theory. A social welfare standard would be even better

2:00PM Water Cooler 12/16/2024

~ Today’s Water Cooler: Politics, syndemics; DOGE; Kamala’s future. If any; The state of tech: like industrial chemical accident; Covid wastewater: Good news ~

Misperceptions and Demand For Democracy under Authoritarianism

Addressing misperceptions may lead to greater public demand for democracy, suggesting that accurate information campaigns could help challenge authoritarian narratives.

Links 12/16/2024

The US Is Left Out in the Cold as China and Russia Develop Arctic 

RAND proposes familiar blunders to deal with rival powers’ partnership — one that Washington helped instigate.

Zeitgeist Watch: Wall Street Journal Readers Criticize Article Defending Illegal Immigration Because Employers

Presumed pro-business Wall Street Journal readers are largely unsympathetic to employers pleading to keep temporary visa staffers.