Beliefs or images of reality, as distinct from reality
Do you remember “preventive detention? It was the idea of arresting people on the assumption that they might commit some crime, even though they have not yet done so. The concept never got a lot of public support, since it was such a blatantly unconstitutional approach to law enforcement. That is not to say, however, … More Preemptive Response to Prejudged Emergency
Most people believe that the laws of physics and the laws of chemistry are real and the legitimate facts resulting from scientific investigation over the past few centuries. Most people also believe that economics is a science. Well, it’s not quite that simple. Human behavior often follows consistent patterns – not quite “laws” – but … More Laws of Nature and “Laws” of Economics
We usually think of innovation as creating new technologies to solve problems or improve some industrial process, or invent new products. Throughout the Industrial Age, economic growth and productivity have resulted from innovations in the production of goods and services. The integration of new technologies with labor and new energy sources, first coal, then oil, … More The Greatest Challenge Ever to Human Ingenuity
The Democrats have a serious problem. They have abandoned efforts to put into practice their traditional principles of supporting social and economic justice. In practical terms their election depends heavily on the largess of the rich and powerful. They are just as beholden to Wall Street and the corporate elite as are the Republicans. But … More The Democrats’ Dilemma
Any genuine scientific analysis of the trajectory of global capital is hard to find. Economic history is rife with ideological stories of “wealth creation,” “capital formation,” and the mythical “invisible hand.” What is capital? What is wealth? What is money? Well, they are all pretty much taken for granted in most economic thinking – conveniently … More Global Capital, Illusions of Wealth, and the Walking Dead
It’s hard to give up on an ideal. But the “Change We Can Believe In” has faded, even as the illusion we had hoped it was not. The American electorate has always had a problem with distinguishing rhetoric from action. Of course, Obama’s efforts, such as they have been, have also been thwarted at every … More Delusions of Democrats: Ending Obamania
Ever wonder why the richest nation in the world, the U.S., has become a “debtor nation”? Oh, but they’ve already told you. It’s those politicians, especially the ‘liberal’ ones who just spend too much. You know, those “tax and spend” liberals. Well, I’m no apologist for the liberals. I agree with Chris Hedges that the … More The National Debt and Deficit Scam
One of the effects of the penetration of money into every realm of life is the corruption of human values. The growing tolerance for, even blindness to, corruption in politics seems obvious. But it seems to pervade both everyday life and business as well. Corruption is not new. Neither are bribes, theft, or betrayal. Americans … More The Found Art of Self-Dealing and the Corruption of Everything
Talk of the so-called “political gridlock” in Washington has become so commonplace that it certainly qualifies as a full-fledged cliché. For too long, the three branches of the federal government have been pandering to the short-term economic interests of power elites. They have done little else. Yet they also work in high conflict with one … More Republicans, Democrats, and the Climate Tipping Point
News coverage in the aftermath of the police killing of Michael Brown and the ensuing civil unrest in Ferguson, Missouri have died down now. But in the aftermath, little else has been said in the national media about the underlying problem of police in America. Ferguson’s city council responded to protests with some mild reforms … More After Indictment: Justice is not Enough
