Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Democracy Scares, from the Destruction of Bryan to the Abdication of Bernie: Why America Desperately Needs a Second Populist Movement but Ain’t Gonna Get One an interview + Review of The People, No! A Brief History of Anti-Populism by Thomas Frank
Thomas Frank explains why populist campaigners face such a hostile environment now.
Brexit: Pear Shaped
A desperate Government Brexit ploy, perhaps conceived to increase its negotiating options, has quickly become an own goal.
How Warming Will Widen the Italy North-South Economic Gap
In Italy and elsewhere around the globe, climate change will worsen existing inequalities, researchers say.
2:00PM Water Cooler 9/8/2020
~ Today’s Water Cooler ~
Treating Offenders: They Tried To Make Me Go to Rehab and I Said “Yes, Yes, Yes”
A new study on custody treatments of juvenile offenders finds rehabiltation reduces recidivism compared to coercive regimes.
History Gives Reason to Hope That We Can Beat Inequality
Not surprisingly, fighting inequality has always been an uphill battle, but history gives some insight on tactics.
Another Compliance Failure: CalPERS Discussed Recusal of Ex-CIO Ben Meng but Failed To Enforce It; CEO Marcie Frost Says “Not My Job”
CalPERS CEO Marcie Frost told the press that she’s punting on her compliance duties.
Influential California State University Council Calls for CalPERS CEO Marcie Frost to Go on Administrative Leave During Investigation by Inspector General
A CSU group has asked Gavin Newsom to put CalPERS CEO Marcie Frost on administrative leave while an inspector general probes governane failings.
2:00PM Water Cooler Labor Day 2020
Happy Labor Day!
Hoboken, New Jersey Sues Oil Industry for Climate Impacts From its ‘Deceptive Actions’
New Jersey has now filed lawsuits to pin liability on fossil fuel interests for climate change, with the city of Hoboken being the latest.
CalPERS Staff Yet Again Tries to Usurp Board’s Power by Steering Governance Reforms After CIO Ben Meng Departure
CalPERS staff is too obviously still trying to stymie Controller Betty Yee’s governance reforms.
China Faces Food Shortage?
COVID-19 has rendered food security shaky, in the medium to long term, for many countries. Does China face impending food shortages?
