Category Archives: Economy
Deception, or Modern Business
Some time ago, by either an act of the Maryland State Legislature or a change in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) (or perhaps a combination of both), utility consumers in Maryland were provided with an opportunity to buy energy … Continue reading
The Midas Touch – Late Capitalism
One day, some of King Midas’ men brought him a satyr they had captured in one of the king’s fields. Midas recognized Silenus, the god Dionysus’ favorite satyr and ordered him set free. Dionysus so appreciated Midas’ gesture that he … Continue reading
Charity and Capitalism
Back when I used to answer the telephone and occasionally had to suffer calls exhorting me to purchase something or donate money to some cause, there was one call that prompted a bit of thought. The caller was soliciting money … Continue reading
What I Think Maryland Thinks
Yesterday, the Baltimore Sun’s online poll question for What Maryland Thinks was this: Which Marylander has a better shot of winning his party’s presidential nomination: Dr. Ben Carson (Republican) Gov. Martin O’Malley (Democrat) Not Sure. When I made my prediction … Continue reading
Check Your Privilege
At the 1988 Democratic Party Convention, Jim Hightower described George H. W. Bush as someone who “was born on third base and thinks he got a triple.” Certainly, it’s true that Bush Sr. enjoyed a lot of advantage associated with … Continue reading
Debt Ceiling Crisis Averted: Tune Back In February
Last night, at the brink of economic catastrophe, the Congress passed measures to raise the “debt ceiling” and reopen the federal government. The prevailing wisdom was that, eventually, the Republicans would be rational and do what was necessary. I have … Continue reading
How Brave Are the Democrats?
I read something a little while ago that suggested that, among Democratic leaders, there’s the notion that the Senate will reject any spending bill or continuing resolution that doesn’t also raise the debt ceiling. I’m glad they’re thinking that way. … Continue reading
AIG CEO: Anger Over Bonuses ‘Just As Bad’ As Lynchings In Deep South | FDL News Desk
AIG CEO Robert Benmosche says opposition to the insurer’s bonuses in the wake of the financial crisis five years ago was like lynchings during the battle over civil rights.In an interview with the Wall Street Journal published Tuesday, Benmosche dismissed … Continue reading
Being Poor In America
Yesterday, I overheard a conversation at my favorite bar. Several people were trading stories about how people had tried to scam them for money by pretending to be homeless or needing bus fare. Typically, these anecdotes centered on how the … Continue reading