Economic Update

Economic Update - Class and Socialism - 07.05.15

We begin our 3-week experiment with a new format: two in-depth analyses, one in each half of the show. We begin by considering the different meanings  of class, class analysis and class struggle across human history and why those differences matter so much now. Today's second half explores how socialism evolved from a basic alternative to capitalism into a state capitalism not so different from private capitalism. 

Pope Questions Capitalism - 06.28.15

Our updates start with victory of alumna, faculty and students over autocratic board of Sweet Briar College in Virginia, then discuss the uniquely awful US record on paid leave for workers and an interesting move by cities (Santa Cruz, CA as example) to disconnect from corrupt big banks. We have fun with why US govt leaving Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York and we celebrate rising UK movement against austerity. Second half of show interviews veteran reporter Bob Hennelly on the Pope's statement about ecology, environment, and a failing economic system. 

Fighting Economic Injustice - 06.21.15

We open with Goldman Sachs injustice and move on to the 'independent contractor' ploy just busted at FedEx and Uber and then Wisconsin governor's attack on public university to lower taxes on corps and rich. We interview Prof Kristin Ross on (her new book) on the significance of the Paris Commune where workers fough injustice by reorganizing society dramatically and effectively.

Higher Education in Crisis - 06.14.15

Updates analyze unemployment numbers to show what they hide as well as reveal. Responses to listeners' questions expose the economics of lotteries and why the largest US corporations have recently used their profits to buy back their shares in the stock markets. An in-depth interview of Prof. Sohnya Sayres explores the end of free college and universities in the US, the rise of administrators dominating students and faculty, and what these trends have meant for the quality of higher education in the US.

Economic Update - Change: Sawant in Seattle - 06.07.15

Updates offer latest on Greece's struggles with Europe, a critique of Buffett on rich vs poor and a hard look at $400 million gift to Harvard from billionaire Paulson. Responses to listeners on new Mayor of Barcelona and TPP. A detailed interview with socialist Kshama Sawant and her seat on Seattle's city council.

The New Deal Lives - 05.31.15

We begin with Larry Summers and other signs of a broken economic system. Then the economics of Nebraska ending it's death penalty and vast sports corruption (FIFA). Responses to listeners on reorganizing universities and household class structures. Major interview with two guests, Professor Richard Walker and  Dr. Gray Brechin,  on rediscovering the New Deal.

Austerity Resistance Rising - 05.24.15

Opening updates focus on Seattle, Puerto Rico, Los Angeles, and Portugal. We then examine business domination of universities in service to profits and Republican efforts to undermine Democrats revenues from unions. We answer listeners' questions about business influence on govt policies and the question: "What is fascism?". Major topics treated in the program's second half are repression aimed at those resisting austerity and crisis of US higher education.

Economic Update - Profit-Driven Capitalism - 05.17.15

In this edition of Economic Update, we look at Verizon's purchase of AOL, why Facebook's "contribution" to ending inequality falls so short, how latest $$ gift to Yale increases inequality, how UK elections reflect "scapegoat economics, and why deadly Mediterranean migrations reflect capitalism's globally uneven development. We also respond to listener questions on (1) Americans' attitudes toward income and wealth inequality by our analysis of recent Gallup Polls and (2) whether student debts can lead to reduced Social Security benefits and what that means. This edition's major discussions (1) build on "sharing unemployment" to show how we can combine respect for our natural environment with a fair sharing of the leisure that could result, and (2) analyze the significance of recent guilty pleas by major banks for manipulating currency exchange rates for their private profit. 

Economic Update - Children, Capitalism, Family Values? - 05.10.15

Updates on Alberta election, Kansas closes schools early, Gallup polls on unequal US wealth and on average work weeks over 40 hours, Uber and markets, ignorance about USSR economy. Response to listeners on public subsidies to private profits. Interview with Dr. Harriet Fraad on children and families in US capitalism.

Capitalism's Other Side - 05.03.15

Updates on May Day holiday, Baltimore uprising, Nepal earthquake/poverty, Varoufakis vs repression, and Bud Light pushing beer by endangering women. Response to listener's questions on varieties of coops. Interview with Prof. Yahya Madra on Turkey, Capitalism, and Islam.