Quelle surprise! Historically, high levels of immigration in the US led to more union formation.
Friday, January 17, 2025
2:00PM Water Cooler 1/16/2025
~ Today’s Water Cooler: Politics, syndemics; Treasury nominee Bessent under fire? RedNote’s moment to pass? Infantry in battle ~
Evaluating the Risks of Engineered Viruses and Bacteria, aka ‘Mirror Life’
Scientists seem unduly casual about the threats posed by engineered bacteria and viruses that are chemical mirror images of natural ones
Gaza Ceasefire Deal Still Not Approved by Knesset. And Why Should the World Trust Israel to Comply if So?
Sadly Netanyahu is trying to slip the noose of the much-ballyhooed Gaza ceasefire deal and may succeed.
James Galbraith: How the Fed Became Less Powerful Despite Weakened Congressional Oversight
Fifty years ago the actions of the Fed mattered. Today, as far the aggregate measures of America’s domestic economy go, they do not.
Bluesky: Exit, Voice, and Platform Loyalty
On some of the subtler forms of Bluesky censorship.
2:00PM Water Cooler 1/15/2025
~ Today’s Water Cooler: Politics, syndemics; Warren v. Hegseth, Ernst v. Hegseth; Biden-installed roadblocks to Schedule F; Democrat leadership crisis; RedNote’s cat tax ~
A Forgotten Farming Technique Is Making a Big Comeback – Here’s Why
How a traditional farming method, trap crops, is coming back into fashion as climate change works to the advantage of many pests.
Make America Healthy Again: Is MAHA a Trope or a Movement?
A look at MAHA’s recommendations, per the Casey Means book Good Energy, and why they are an affluent-focused, neoliberal prescription.
U.S. Sanctions on China’s Oil Firms Are Just the Beginning Under Trump
A discussion of some moves Trump is expected to take to try to contain China, starting with energy and avoiding use of the dollar.
Trump’s HUD Secretary and Our Reverse Robin Hood Housing System
A Trump-Turner housing agenda appears destined to continue the worst aspects of the US approach to affordable housing.
2:00PM Water Cooler 1/14/2025
~ Today’s Water Cooler: Politics, Syndemics; Trump transition confirmation process; DOGE as procurement capture?; Tiktok users flee to RedNote; Boeing delivery woes ~
Wanting More for BRICS Than BRICS Wants for Itself
More realistic takes on BRICS, including by Michael Hudson.
