… the poorest three-quarters of the global population still only use about ten percent of global energy – a clear indicator of deep and persistent global inequity. [Source.] Working on a post today on...
Oil prices falling by half over the last six months upends the economies of oil-producing countries, including Nigeria, Russia, and many in the Middle East. What will the impact of lower prices be on...
Across the Middle East, state budgets are being cut. Bloomberg reports “Saudi Rulers to Curb Wages as Kingdom Confronts Oil Slump“: Saudi authorities pledged to curb wages and push ahead with investments next year...
This reposted repost comes by way of the Daily Speculations site, which explains why they reposted it. After the article, I have comments on each of the proposed FDR/Michael Moore “Second Bill of Rights.” Though...
Lower and middle income Americans are living better than kings, writes Richard Rahn in this Washington Times article. As we go into this Christmas week, you should count your blessings that you live in...
Speaking of equity, or the lack of it, consider the experience of leading economic anthropologist Polly Hill (recounted in a video interview by Alan Macfarlane): I was automatically debarred from keeping every term thereafter...
For students researching and debating the freedom vs. equity value topic, Elizabeth Gaskell’s novel, North and South, is food for thought. The novel, set in 1850, contrasts the traditions and values of the aristocratic...
There must be more to the story of the Missouri homeschool family being maced and tasered by police after a Child Protective Services complaint. Why didn’t local sheriff’s office just get a warrant if...
No easy answers for questions about wealth and poverty. Few rich people want to be poor but many with low-incomes wish they were rich or at least earned more. People wonder about the sources...
Life is better for many and worse for some. The stories people read and hear shape how they understand wealth or poverty in their own lives. We compare our life to those around us...
