Low Interest Rates: The Addictive Policy Drug of Choice

September 1, 2019

This piece was originally posted on the Lawrence Economics blog in 2012.  This version has been updated in many places; however, the effects discussed in that posting remain a major concern today.  Political pressure to not only keep interest rates low but to lower them further seem unstoppable, especially since the eventual economic consequences are not … More Low Interest Rates: The Addictive Policy Drug of Choice

Modern Monetary Theory (MMT): Not Modern, Nor Purely Monetary, Nor a Coherent Theory

August 23, 2019

The theory, such as it is, has two primary claims: Countries that print their own currencies need not default on excess debts. Inflation in the end can and must be controlled by raising taxes or cutting spending, sufficiently to soak up such printed money. Based on these claims, MMT advocates conclude that the US need … More Modern Monetary Theory (MMT): Not Modern, Nor Purely Monetary, Nor a Coherent Theory

Health Care Optimism

April 6, 2019

A number of pundits, including Jack Hough in a recent column in Barrons, believe in an optimistic future for health care in America.  They opine that some combination of market forces and the power of innovation will rescue this country from our outsized expenditures on medical care.  I too believe in market forces and the … More Health Care Optimism

Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2019

February 11, 2019

Recently, I joined the Citizen’s Climate Lobby (CCL) which backs the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2019. This bipartisan piece of legislation introduces a carbon fee that rises each year. The proceeds are distributed to American households on a lump sum basis, similar to the process used for the Alaska oil dividend program. … More Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2019

Fox Valley Health Care Transformation Initiative

January 18, 2019

On Wednesday, I addressed the Noon Hour Philosophers audience on why the Fox Valley needs to change how health care markets work here and indicated several potential reform initiatives.  The audience of roughly 85 people heard an update on the talk I gave at Lawrence in October.  Below I provide an overview of the talk.  … More Fox Valley Health Care Transformation Initiative

Presentation on Fox Valley Health Care

October 21, 2018

The Fox Valley HC Presentation 2.1 highlighted three key observations: Observation 1: Medical costs in the Fox Valley are unsustainable and unaffordable for many residents. Observation 2: Local healthcare systems lack transparency and are unaccountable. In our opinion, unelected “elites” serve their institutions rather the community at large. Observation 3: Local health care system and delivery … More Presentation on Fox Valley Health Care

Does Might Make Right?

October 8, 2018

In his August 5th column in the Appleton Post-Crescent, Christian Schneider argued that voters, similar to politicians, are “willing to say anything to realize their ambitions” and, in particular “to be in charge.” Schneider’s observation suggests that they believe that “might makes right.”  Yet the fundamental purpose of democracy is to ensure that the people’s … More Does Might Make Right?

Appleton…We Have a Health Care Problem

September 17, 2018

On October 16th, at 7 PM in the Wriston Auditorium at Lawrence University, I will present the Fox Valley Health Care Transformation Initiative which seeks to transform the organization, delivery, and financing of the medical systems in the Fox Valley to achieve the Triple Aim of lower cost, better health, and improved patient experience for the … More Appleton…We Have a Health Care Problem

Tariffs and Trade

September 14, 2018

On September 12, 2018, I presented my thoughts on tariffs and trade to the Golden K Kiwanis Club of Appleton.  The following link provides the slides for my presentation:  Tariffs and Trade