economy

Today's New York Times worries "That the Good Times Were Mostly a Mirage."

The chair of the Federal Reserve, Ben Bernanke, gave our (former) prosperity and stability a name. He called it “the great moderation.” more »

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Democratic leaders in the House are currently sketching out the details of an economic stimulus package designed to soften the blow later this year of the now-apparent recession.

But Robert Kuttner, founding co-editor of The American Prospect and the author of “The Squandering of America,” is warning that the Democrats should seize the opportunity – and take the political risk – of offering a bold and robust plan to not only stimulate the economy in the short run but reform the economy in the long run. more »

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Remember the Enron employees who watched their retirement savings evaporate as the Enron ponzi scheme, chaired by George Bush’s best buddy, “Kenny Boy” Lay, went up in smoke?

The conservative majority on the Supreme Court just told them all: “Drop Dead.” more »

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It ain’t sexy, I know, but a word about the economy and the presidential debate.

Wall Street banks are holding a fire sale; employment is down, holiday sales tanked. Burdened with record debt and stagnant incomes, homeowners are about to reckon with declining home values, their largest investments, with a projected $2 trillion in assets evaporating in the course of the year. Even clueless George — “the fundamentals are strong” — Bush admitted a little stimulus might be needed.

So finally, the r word — recession — hit the presidential campaign trail. In the January Myrtle Beach Republican debate, the candidates were asked what they would do to get the economy going in the event of recession. The answers expose just how preposterous conservatism has become.

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We don't know who will win the Iowa caucuses, but we do know what Iowa voters want.

As the leading Democrats seek to eek out a final lead, each delivered copious servings of substance, all pledging to achieve the same goals: an economy that works for everyone, health care for all, a clean energy future, affordable education and the end of the Iraq occupation. more »

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I'm just back from a long vacation in which I tried to stay away from political news as much as possible. I find that stepping away from the day-to-day always helps ground me in reality - and realize just how idiotic much of American politics really is.

So, with my mind cleared, let me just offer these few thoughts as the voting in Iowa begins: more »

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