Economy

It's a Wonderful Life still, banking, bankers

In Defense of the 30-Year Mortgage In Defense of the 30-Year Mortgage

A recent New York Times column argued that the long term fixed-rate loan popular with US homebuyers is unfair to banks. In fact the arrangement—a fruit of the New Deal—is somethin...

Nov 23, 2023 / James K. Galbraith

photo of a US tank; US training ukrainian military how to use it, it will be delivered there

The Devastating Wars Abroad Are Windfalls for Weapons Manufacturers The Devastating Wars Abroad Are Windfalls for Weapons Manufacturers

Your tax dollars are being squandered in the rush to build and sell ever more weaponry for ongoing wars.

Nov 23, 2023 / William D. Hartung

US-Mexico Border

Biden’s Supposed “Open-Border Policy” Does Not Exist Biden’s Supposed “Open-Border Policy” Does Not Exist

Just a glance at 2023 border contracts suggests that more walls, detention centers, and expulsion flights are coming.

Nov 22, 2023 / Todd Miller

Bill Gates speaks during a press conference announcing a a plan to increase awareness of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

Why Bill Gates’s Philanthropy Is a Problem Why Bill Gates’s Philanthropy Is a Problem

If you learn to look past Gates’s PR halo, you will see his greed, hubris, and superiority complex.

Nov 22, 2023 / Tim Schwab

Javier Milei lifts a chainsaw next to Buenos Aires province governor candidate Carolina Píparo during a rally on September 25, 2023 in San Martin, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Argentina’s Chainsaw Massacre Election Argentina’s Chainsaw Massacre Election

A far-right libertarian and dictatorship apologist is about to become the nation’s next president. It’s a victory that the United States helped enable.

Nov 21, 2023 / Jacob Sugarman

Hannah Arendt, in a black and white photograph, sits in front of a wood paneled wall wearing a white jacket

Tomorrow’s Antisemitism Today Tomorrow’s Antisemitism Today

While real antisemitism is rearing its head, the assurance that “anti-Zionism is not inherently antisemitic” can feel like gaslighting.

Nov 21, 2023 / Barry Schwabsky

This Union Is Famous for Opposing South African Apartheid. Now It’s Standing With Gaza.

This Union Is Famous for Opposing South African Apartheid. Now It’s Standing With Gaza. This Union Is Famous for Opposing South African Apartheid. Now It’s Standing With Gaza.

In 1984, ILWU Local 10 refused to unload goods shipped from South Africa. Today, it’s demanding a cease-fire.

Nov 21, 2023 / Sarah Lazare

Sam Altman at Open AI's developer conference in San Francisco earlier this month

How Sam Altman Ran Afoul of the Keepers of the AI Faith How Sam Altman Ran Afoul of the Keepers of the AI Faith

Altman's departure from OpenAI was less a managerial dispute than a religious schism. 

Nov 21, 2023 / Jacob Silverman

Jonathan Greenblatt attends the 2023 TAAF Annual AAPI CEO Dinner on September 26, 2023 in New York City.

Why the Anti-Defamation League Loves Certain Bigots Why the Anti-Defamation League Loves Certain Bigots

From apartheid South Africa to Elon Musk, defending Israel overrides fighting antisemitism.

Nov 20, 2023 / Jeet Heer

“MADE IN USA” clothing labels sit in a pile at the 5 Thread facility in Los Angeles.

“Made in America” Never Meant More Ethical “Made in America” Never Meant More Ethical

Garment workers in the US are paid far below minimum wage. New legislation, if implemented successfully, would change that.

Nov 20, 2023 / Derek Guy

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