Posts by Econ70
Economic Science? Mabe Not!
Some economists say higher income taxes keep people from working. This is the substitution effect–because leisure becomes relatively cheaper people consume more of it. But higher taxes also reduce after-tax income so one might work more due to higher taxes. This is the income effect. The question is whether within certain ranges of tax rates,…
Read MoreAusterity is Awful
The risk of front-loaded fiscal austerity in the UK is that big cuts in spending, subsidies, public employment & increases in taxes will have a recessionary effect on an anemically recovering economy. A credible early commitment to gradual fiscal consolidation phased in in a back-loaded manner would have reduced the risk of a double-dip while…
Read MoreBipartisan Benefits!
While things could always be better the recent Obama-Republican tax package compromise rates a B+. It will raise GDP growth and reduce unemployment in 2011 but things may sag a bit in 2012 when some of the tax cuts end. Hopefully, by then, the economy will be stronger and will be able to hold its…
Read MoreFire Deaths in the U.S.: How Best to Keep Reducing Them
Read this article by Elliot Eisenburg posted on Magazine.Sfpe.orgproviding providing an analysis of trends in residential fire fatalities and their implications for the future. Fire Deaths in the U.S.: How Best to Keep Reducing Them
Read MoreCountry Cash
The Friday File: The wealthiest nation is Luxembourg with per capital GDP of $135,605, followed by Ireland at $112,248 and Switzerland at $102,865. No other nations exceeded $100,000. Norway was next at $99,266. Singapore was 5th at $87,884 then, Qatar at $81,968, and the USA at $80,412, which is downright amazing given its size. The…
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