Increased government debt in developed economies leads to increased household wealth, challenging the notion that government debt necessarily leads to inflation. Government spending ultimately ends up in household accounts, pushing up the value of real estate and stocks, which are primary components of household wealth. The 1970s bout of inflation was largely due to the increase in oil prices, not government debt. Policymakers and business leaders should recognize that government debt can bring household wealth and does not necessarily lead to inflation. Additionally, private debts play a crucial role in understanding the economy. Richard Vague's book examines the assets, liabilities, and incomes of the entire country, both in the private and public sectors, to reveal its net worth and argues that rising private debt drives financial crises, inequality, and economic growth. Vague emphasizes the importance of carefully managing debt and provides policy recommendations in areas such as trade, housing, financial policy, and student debt. [c6edaa86]
Political economists Radhika Desai and Michael Hudson discuss the massive explosion of debt in the US and around the world, and how neoliberal economics leads to large bubbles based on speculation and asset-price inflation. They highlight the increase in debt since the 1980s, the role of the Federal Reserve in bailing out the financial sector, and the racial disparities in homeownership and access to credit. They argue that the financialized economy, dominated by finance, insurance, real estate, the military-industrial complex, big pharma, and information technology, is undynamic and burdensome for ordinary Americans. [09d3c609]
For the past 40 years, privately funded interest groups and lawmakers have promoted the idea that US schools are failing and causing economic dysfunction. The story provides cover for the real culprits of inequality: wealth-hoarding bosses. Business interests and neoliberal politicians have argued that education is the only and best way to address inequality, providing cover to poverty’s real drivers: bosses who pay starvation wages. The article discusses the book 'The Fantasy Economy: Neoliberalism, Inequality, and the Education Reform Movement' by Neil Kraus, which challenges the idea that education is the solution to low wages. It highlights the false claims made by privately-funded think tanks and interest groups that blame poor schooling for economic hardship. The article argues that poverty and wealth inequality are the real causes of low wages, and that the focus on education as a solution distracts from addressing the systemic issues. It also discusses the overproduction of bachelor's and advanced degree holders who struggle to find jobs that match their qualifications, particularly in STEM fields. The article concludes by suggesting that the solution to inequality lies in collective action and addressing the economic system. [11df3fa0]
The article 'The petit bourgeois insurrection' by Melinda Cooper explores the rise of family-owned firms in America and their impact on democracy. It argues that the neoliberal revolution was not about increasing productivity or industrial profitability, but about nurturing asset appreciation. Privately owned capital, particularly in the form of real estate, has become the driving force behind America's fraying democracy. The article traces the history of capital formation and the role of fiscal and monetary policies in promoting asset appreciation. It also examines the influence of small family-owned businesses and large private businesses on politics and class divisions. The book 'Counterrevolution: Extravagance and Austerity in Public Finance' by Melinda Cooper is recommended for further reading. [58aa146a]
The CEO of Deutsche Börse, Theodor Weimer, criticized the government and advocated for a more private economy. He shared that American entrepreneurs told him that they don't need a specific president to lead the country, as entrepreneurs will take charge. However, the article argues that this claim is false, citing examples of how both Trump and Biden have influenced the American economy through tariffs and policies. The article also discusses Biden's 'Inflation Reduction Act' and its impact on the economy. It mentions that while the USA aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protective tariffs and subsidies can lead to declining innovation and falling productivity. Overall, the article challenges the notion of a completely private economy in the USA. [ce87b8b9]
Private equity firms are identified as a major cause of inflation due to their increased ownership of businesses, including housing, hospitals, retail stores, and newspapers. These firms operate secretively and without regulations that control publicly-traded stock companies. When private equity firms acquire businesses, they often restructure by reducing staff, demanding increased service and sales from remaining staff, and raising prices. They may keep the business as long as it generates high profits to repay debt, but the ultimate goal is often to sell the business at a higher price. Private equity funds operate as private corporations, attracting private investors and avoiding the disclosure requirements of public corporations. This allows them to make unsubstantiated claims and avoid rent controls. Private equity ownership has been associated with negative consequences such as premature nursing home deaths and reduced quality of services. The growth of private equity funds without appropriate regulatory control is seen as a recipe for economic instability. The article concludes that appropriate regulations are needed to prevent unnecessary inflation and protect consumers, families, and communities. [c3ed868d]