Was the 2024 US Presidential election irrelevant? Yes and no.
Was the 2024 US Presidential election irrelevant? Yes and no. If Trump and Kennedy do end the war in Ukraine, as promised, that will be a giant victory, because it…
Economics
beware the common sense con
When politicians offer up “common sense” solutions beware. Politicians will often tell us that what they stand for is precisely what regular folk, “ordinary hard-working taxpayers” want and believe. As…
And the rich get richer
Statistics Canada recently reported that in at least one respect this country is moving in... The post And the rich get richer first appeared on Views from the Beltline.
Why there should never have been an oil sands industry
I believe in free markets, at least for most commerce. As do most Albertans. Partly... The post Why there should never have been an oil sands industry first appeared on…
Sacrificial Citizenship
A thug accosts Jack Benny. Thug: Now, come on—your money or your life. Thug: Look, bud. I said, “Your money or your life.” Jack Benny: I’m thinking it over! —The…
Alberta—no advantage for the low income
Everyone has heard of the Alberta Advantage. They must have, the province never stops promoting... The post Alberta—no advantage for the low income first appeared on Views from the Beltline.
Neoliberalism made Trump possible
Excerpt from Breaking Free of Neoliberalism: Canada’s Challenge A good deal of punditry has gone around in circles on the question of how someone like Donald Trump could become president…
Guest post by economist Erik Andersen
Economist Erik Andersen offers something to remember when voting next month and beyond…
Back to School in a Wave
This is the first September that I'm not going to school as a teacher OR a student since I was 4 years old (not counting maternity leaves for all my…
Quotations
A reader who communicates regularly sent several interesting quotations that are perhaps relevant in today's world. Some are repeated here...
Sweden—a model economy
Everyone has heard of Spotify, the popular web player app. Many, however, are not aware... The post Sweden—a model economy first appeared on Views from the Beltline.
Taxing the very, very, very rich
According to the United Nations, “Inequality threatens long-term social and economic development, harms poverty reduction... The post Taxing the very, very, very rich first appeared on Views from the Beltline.
“The opposite of poverty is enough”
Conventional wisdom says that economic disparities lead to political violence, or mildly violent collective actions. Yet few politicians anywhere are willing to address root causes of social difficulties. It is…
Not worried about climate change?
Environmental Defence Canada says climate change is one of the main reasons why food prices are increasing. There are other factors too, but some of the prices in 2024 are…
Capital gains taxes—a buck is still a buck
A rather modest tax reform has much of the business community and its attendant economists... The post Capital gains taxes—a buck is still a buck first appeared on Views from…
Time for trickle up?
When, in the 1980s, we embarked on our binge of free trade agreements, we were assured by their political and business promoters that they would benefit all of us. By…
Living in a False Reality
Without testing or wastewater data warning us of rising cases of viruses in our regions ahead of time, we can only look to excess deaths after the fact. Bleak times.…
Living in a False Reality
Without testing or wastewater data warning us of rising cases of viruses in our regions ahead of time, we can only look to excess deaths after the fact. Bleak times.This…
Neoliberalism’s failure—Americans agree on something
If I should ask what the most prominent single feature of American politics is today, I suspect most would say it’s polarization, perhaps dangerous polarization. I would agree. It was…
Plague Update: I’m Not Disabled, But I Expect To Be Someday
For someone who has literally died, I’m in good health. My short bout with death a decade ago left its mark, and a computer in my chest, but overall I…