Economic Update

Economic Update- Patriarchy and Capitalism

 On this week’s Economic Update, Professor Richard Wolff discusses the UAW union’s latest moves; their organizing drives at auto plants, their efforts to form unions among employed and free-lance journalists. In addition, we will highlight New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to deploy national guard troops in New York City subways and what that means for everyday residents. Finally, an interview with psychotherapist Tess Fraad-Wolff on the interactions between patriarchy and capitalism, today.

Economic Update- Debris From A Declining Empire

This week's episode of Economic Update hosted by Professor Richard Wolff, we discuss United Kingdom politician George Galloway's by-election victory, and the raised minimum wage in the UK. We will comment on Elon Musk's lawsuit against the NLRB, as Trader Joe's, Starbucks, and Amazon also join to ask the right-wing Supreme Court to gut regulation of business. We then look at US protectionism as the Biden administration raises tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, in an attempt to keep Chinese EV's from US markets. Then in labor news, we discuss Starbucks’ negotiations with unions and how Michigan’s legislature killed its "right-to-work" law after 58 years.

Finally, we have an Interview with Richard RJ Eskow on the current decline of the “US Empire”. Richard RJ Eskow is a journalist and host of The Zero Hour. a syndicated radio and television program. A lead writer, speechwriter, and editor for Bernie Sanders’ 2016 campaign, he was also a featured columnist at The Huffington Post. He worked for years in the corporate world, with governments and with multinational organizations at the World Bank, specializing in healthcare financing, policy, and information technology.

Economic Update- Capitalism, Gender, And A Split Society

 This week's episode of Economic Update we discuss the underemployment of US college graduates, failed anti-Russian sanctions, the collapsed UK birth rate, and expanding wars in the Middle East. In addition, we will dive into the costs and risks in absence of a ceasefire in Gaza. Finally we Interview Dr. Harriet Fraad, host of Capitalism Hits Home and a clinical therapist. Professor Wolff and Dr. Fraad explore the post 1970's deindustrialization in the US, its impact on white males versus other social groups, and resulting US social splits.

 

Economic Update- Breaking Up With Capitalism

This week's episode of Economic Update hosted by Professor Richard Wolff, we discuss the Philadelphia University of the Arts Faculty Union and its struggles; we clarify what declining inflation does and does not mean; we answer the question: as to why sanctions fail. Finally we interview Essence Magazine's senior news & politics editor, author, and lawyer Malaika Jabali. We discuss her newly released book "It's Not You Its Capitalism".

Economic Update- Capitalism and Tax Injustice

 In this week's episode of Economic Update hosted by Professor Richard Wolff, we discuss Germany's recession, California fast-food workers unionizing, how the war in Ukraine boosts the US stock market and corporate stock holdings, while hurting most wage/salary incomes. In addition we ask what lessons from the protest/revolt of European farmers? Finally, the ongoing exposing of major injustices of the US federal tax system (tax exemptions for schools, churches, hospitals, and charities and social security's flat tax system). 

Economic Update- The U.S. Tax System: Designed For Economic Injustice

  In the latest episode of "Economic Update," Professor Richard Wolff takes us through a comprehensive exploration of pressing economic issues. From the evolving dynamics of remote work and corporate demands to the intricate economics of the Ukraine conflict, and the ripple effects of anti-Chinese sentiment in the US economy. The episode culminates with a critical look at the inherent injustices within the US tax system.

Economic Update- The U.S. Economy As An Apartheid System

This week's episode of Economic Update hosted by Professor Richard Wolff, we will be discussing the continuing decline of US manufacturing; a 29,000 person strike at California State Univ.; the Houthis disrupt Red Sea shipping in move against Israel; and Texas refuses to obey US federal government's rules in struggle over immigration and white supremacy. In addition we have a special Interview with leading economist Prof. Michael Hudson on basic crises facing US capitalism.

Economic Update- U.S. Capitalism At The Crossroads

This week's updates are divided into two parts.  Part A: the special dimensions and qualities of the US labor movement's current dynamism, Piketty shows capitalism generates widening wealth and income gaps leading to crashes or else simmering, divisive, domestic resentments. The system itself becomes destabilized. It can then lurch to the left as happened via The New Deal in the USA or right as in Nazi Germany, Italy and Spain (fascism). Both movements advocated gov 't intervention to stabilize capitalism: one left, one right. The left worked via massive supports to working people (minimum wages, gov't jobs, social security, etc.). The right went to try forced labor, anti-immigrant efforts, demonizing immigrants to support employers. Turns right have their parallels now: Brexit, Trump, Milei (Argentina) and Miloni in Italy. The big question: since all the rightward moves failed and sent Germany, Italy and Spain over into social democracy." Will their behavior be equalled again?"

 

Economic Update- As The Empire Crumbles

 This week's updates include:  information on the closing Greyhound bus stations, miscalculating strengths of Russian obstacle in Ukraine, UK empire cannot afford both Yemen bombs and National Health Service, Boeing aircraft safety debacle enables Chinese export leadership in global auto trade, Israel's caught also in the shifts and changes of the world economy as US dominance declines.

 

Economic Update- Corporations Vs. Democracy

 In this week's show, Prof. Wolff analyzes the corporation. It stands as a basic institution blocking real democracy in our society. The corporation's structure and operations empower and enrich a tiny social minority at the expense of the people's wealth and democratic power. Like the critiques of slave plantations and feudal manors that preceded the disappearance of those systems, the growing critique of capitalism reflects but also informs critical social movements now.