The public debate about inequality and income growth sometimes seems entirely focused on intra-country differences, and ignores the global trend of decreasing inequality. In my reading on the subject I came across this graph, used in more than one article … Continue reading
In prior posts I’ve noted that some of the measured inequality trend is actually an artifact of where income is reported. Particularly after the 1986 tax reform, income has moved steadily from corporate returns to individual returns, exaggerating the growth … Continue reading
I suppose most political/philosophical criticism is glib, but it is the libertarian’s unique fate to receive glib criticism from both major political tribes. Libertarians, as few and un-influential as they are, are apparently threatening to the majority tribes, progressive liberals, … Continue reading
At the bottom of any argument you will find axioms (norms, inviolable rights, natural or divine laws), assumed or simply asserted as “first principles”. Geometric proofs cannot exist without accepted axioms, likewise reasoned discussion also requires some shared norms. We … Continue reading
Funny, I haven’t seen this covered much by the usual suspects: November’s second estimate of 3rd quarter GDP included very tempered growth in health spending. The third estimate blows that out of the water. Much of the upward revision to … Continue reading
Suggests what you might call the textbook result: The hike in the minimum wage thus appears to have raised the wage for low-skilled workers but made it harder for them to find jobs. Full paper here. From the summary: …because we … Continue reading
Federal and State Governments add more than 25% onto the charges for a no-frills landline (for my alarm system). The total bill is $43.78.
The article discussed here suggests it was related to the crisis: The common element appears to be the global financial crisis, which affected economic activity and governments’ capacity to finance continued health care spending growth. On the other hand, the … Continue reading
Does not appear to be going well: Germany has been pressing for lower carbon emission for years. The country wants 80 percent of its energy production to come from favored green energy sources, such as wind and solar, by 2050. … Continue reading
This is hilarious and tragic: As you might recall, giving feedback on Uber is a veritable labyrinth of steps: Activate your mobile device screen. Dry the finger or fingers to be used during the feedback operation. Position your finger over … Continue reading