Deceptive Economic Indicators & “Free” Trade

All economics seem to agree that the Taylor Swift Eras tour boosted the economy everywhere she went, but while it is clear that there was a boost to spending, it is not so clear people benefit beyond getting to enjoy a concert. This is a look at whether, at least in some cases, factors that boost an economy may do nothing to increase wealth within that economy and could even reduce wealth within that economy.

Its the economy stupid. Voters want the best economic outcome, but by measuring the economy using 'Economic Activity', governments can effectively cheat the public. In many western societies, instead of maximum prosperity, governments often pursue maximum economic activity, which benefits big business and governments, but can result in an economy which in theory is going well, while at the same time individuals fall behind. This is the kind of economic policy makes frustrated voters turn to Trump and Brexit.

Governments of developed countries all around the world are running budget deficits right now, and the reason follows from free trade.  I have posted before on how every ethical decision our society makes comes at an economic cost. In many cases, this economic cost is a government cost and require increasing taxes, but in today’s […]

When the referendum in Britain came down as supporting ‘Brexit’ I was deeply saddened. disappointed. While there were perhaps valid reasons to support either leave or remain, it is clear that even if the number of racists and bigots is a very small percentage, that percentage was on the side of ‘leave’ in a vote […]

Have you heard of the ‘ageing population problem’? Why is it a problem that people are living longer? Is the suggestion that retirees can never be productive, but children can be put to work? Really? Or is the real issue that both sides of the political spectrum find either economic immigration reasons to apply confirmation bias which leads to arguing for a return to the population explosion, and immoral immigration policies that fuel the far right and erode the living standards of societies' children. This page looks at the real issues underpinning an 'ageing population'. The reality is: an ageing population itself is not a real problem, but suggested measures to address it are real problems.

Tariffs have almost universally been declared a bad idea.  My point is that while it may be true that tariffs do not normally produce positive economic outcomes, tariffs may be necessary to achieve positive moral outcomes. Almost every regulation we place on business hopefully achieves a positive moral impact, but does come at an economic cost […]

The wealth differential is increasing not just between rich and poor individuals, by in the corporate world as well.  I have been thinking about the increasing trend towards monopolies and the problems with modern government structure and monopolies. Starting with some thoughts on the background, and then why monopolies may be on the increase. The […]