Beware of paying off foolish debts. Better to demonize hack creditors knowing it’s optional bondage than to twist fully conscious in the grip of implacable destiny. I only say this because I had a bad week. Continue reading
We know by this time that Trump mixes things up. We have been dismayed to see, time after time, how generously his ignorance mitigates his prevarications. Did he lie or really not know? But he better be careful when he fiddles with facts about commands he issues to the military. Continue reading
My recent suggestion to reduce the U.S. wealth gap by introducing an algorithm that more equitably distributes corporate income excited objections, such as: It wouldn’t be fair to pay everyone too equally. Low earners get paid what they’re worth. CEOs deserve top compensation for facing high risk. This addendum addresses those objections. Continue reading
Letting the top 1% accumulate so much wealth, then taxing it to redistribute that wealth can’t work. By the time taxes are applied, the damage has been done. To close the wealth gap, we must keep individuals from getting so rich in the first place. Continue reading
On Feb. 27, Republicans had over 5 hours to question Michael Cohen. Instead, they mounted an assault to wound and disable the erstwhile Fixer, but those tactics backfired, scorching the noses of those who dealt them. Continue reading
Poor Mr. Crump’s fortunes grew and grew until he became very worried about how to get his money – which he didn’t want to part with really – over to his deserving kids, who were a bunch of no-goods anyway, without paying any tax. Then he was struck with a brilliant idea: he was going to put that litter of pups to work . . . Continue reading
Though inalienable, universal, and probably self-evident, U.S. liberties today are based on workarounds that satisfy the power elite. In his speech celebrating the 100th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s birth, Obama warned of strongman politics that “. . . seek to undermine every institution or norm that gives democracy meaning.” Before getting worked around yourself, perform this quick reality check. Continue reading
Proud citizens of the most powerful democracy in history, we Americans grew a little smug, then got faked out. They still figure plump and posh in our minds, but our rights got dressed down to grunt status to serve the superrich a while ago. We just don’t seem to know it. Continue reading
Although the truth may be self-evident that people have inalienable rights, the rights themselves are anything but. Take, for example, the right protected by that pesky Second Amendment. Continue reading
The man who wants to connect everyone on the planet, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, recently cut off the man who needs his social media tools most. Why? Because Putin told him to. Continue reading