Monthly Archives: August 2012

The Election Choice: Ferguson tosses his chips

Posted on August 25, 2012 by jackgoldstone

Niall Ferguson’s essay in Newsweek on why President Obama shouldn’t be re-elected has drawn scads of attention — but less for its argument than for the blatant distortions, near lies, and bald misrepresentations that Ferguson offers to back his view.  … Continue reading →

Posted in U.S. Politics | Leave a comment

Prepare for a Fall Surprise

Posted on August 23, 2012 by jackgoldstone

It is August, rather beautiful weather on the US East Coast instead of the normal stifling humidity, and perhaps that is lifting spirits.  Certainly the stock market is levitating. It is hard to find any real fundamentals that could justify … Continue reading →

Posted in The Global Economy | Leave a comment

Taxes as Punishment

Posted on August 16, 2012 by jackgoldstone

There is a perverse belief circulating in America.  It is a belief that has undermined all great societies of the past, and may yet be responsible for destroying the wealth and future of all Americans. Yet it is a belief … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Confused about Culture

Posted on August 13, 2012 by jackgoldstone

Mitt Romney and those responding to him have stirred up a controversy over the role of culture in economic growth.  But they seem not to realize that, at least in academic studies of culture and the economy, the data have … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Does Ryan show the Real Romney? Or is he just for show?

Posted on August 11, 2012 by jackgoldstone

I always wonder which is the real Romney — the Governor of Massachusetts who supported gun control and developed a mandate-driven health care system, or the Candidate who leans toward Tea Party anti-government policies and plans to repeal Obama’s health … Continue reading →

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The World Economy — Flying Blind, but probably headed down

Posted on August 10, 2012 by jackgoldstone

Data, data, data.  The numbers churned out each day, week and month by the Labor Department, the Treasury Department, the IMF, Eurostat, the World Bank, the UN, the governments of Europe, China, and the commodities, bond, and equity markets are … Continue reading →

Posted in The Global Economy | Leave a comment

Syria — Erosion of the Assad regime accelerates

Posted on August 6, 2012 by jackgoldstone

I have been telling folks the same story for months — it is not necessary to intervene militarily to defeat Assad.  It is only necessary to give the opposition enough aid to survive; as long as they hang on and … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Volatility redux redux

Posted on August 3, 2012 by jackgoldstone

The stock market soared today, with the S&P 500 hitting its highest levels in nearly 3 years.  Up 40% in the last 3 years, the market seems to be telling us a robust economy is underway. Yet there is no … Continue reading →

Posted in The Global Economy, U.S. Politics | Leave a comment

Squaring the Euro Circle?

Posted on August 2, 2012 by jackgoldstone

Although markets faltered today, Mario Draghi (‘super Mario’) laid out the basis for the deal he believes will save the Euro.  This deal has three steps, modeled on the deal that saved (?!) — so far — Greece. First, countries … Continue reading →

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