~ Today’s Water Cooler: Politics, Syndemics; Warren v. Musk; Democrat gerontocrats; Mangione charged with terrorism; Bird flu, the first severe case ~
Monday, March 10, 2025
The Destructive Legacy of Failed Aquaculture
Canada plans to shut down open-net-pen salmon farming by 2029. But removing aquaculture infrastructure is challenging and costly.
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.
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.
