This is a concept that suggests that improvements in the general economy will benefit all participants. All well and good, but what if you don’t have a boat. A strong economy can benefit workers, with improving wages and expanded employment opportunities. Investors can benefit through rising asset prices, as witnessed by the very strong recovery in … Continued
“Consent of the Governed” is a phrase found in the United States Declaration of Independence. In political philosophy, the phrase, consent of the governed refers to the idea that a government’s legitimacy and moral right to use state power is only justified and lawful when consented to by the people or society over which the … Continued
“Brain Drain” is a slang term describing a substantial emigration or migration of individuals, particularly a core portion of highly educated individuals such as; doctors, healthcare professionals, scientists, engineers or financial professionals. A brain drain can result from turmoil within a nation, the existence of favorable professional opportunities in other countries, or from a desire … Continued
Last June we posted a blog titled, “Is Cash Obsolete?”. Apparently, cash is becoming obsolete in certain situations, particularly for some smaller establishments, such as bars, restaurants, hair salons and coffee shops. While no specific data is available, anecdotally, it appears that many businesses are no longer willing to, and are not equipped to, accept … Continued
As employers face increasing difficulties in attracting entry-level workers, some companies have been pursuing more constructive strategies for developing opportunities for the disabled. Along with low unemployment levels and a gradual increase in work force participation, the available data indicates that the disabled are now also part of the trend. The average unemployment rate for … Continued
According to Wikipedia, the Green New Deal (GND) is any of several proposed economic stimulus programs in the U.S. that aim to address both economic inequality and climate change. The name refers to the New Deal, a combination of social and economic reforms and public works projects undertaken by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response … Continued
Years ago, in response to Los Angeles smog, Johnny Carson reputedly quipped, “I don’t trust air I can’t see.” Maybe so Johnny, but your lungs and eyes understand the health benefits of clean air. Scientists and policymakers generally agree that the world will have to quit coal to have any hope of restoring universal air … Continued
According to Wikipedia, this is an English expression purported to be a translation of a traditional Chinese curse. While, at first glance, this may be seen as a blessing, it is normally used ironically, with the clear implication that uninteresting times of peace and tranquility are more life-enhancing than interesting periods, which, from a historical … Continued
This quotation is generally attributed to Chancellor Otto von Bismarck and is sometimes modified to read, “Politics is the Art of Compromise.” Governing is not football, and while UCLA football’s coach, “Red” Sanders quote, “Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing,” may be appropriate for sports, it is not suitable for government. It would probably … Continued
The short answer is no, but the value of benefits may erode over time. The long term viability of the Social Security program is a recurring topic. Recently, the Social Security Administration reported that this year retirement benefits paid out each month are exceeding the tax revenues and interest that fund the program. Consequently, it … Continued
The book-to-bill ratio is a measure of the relationship between the amount a company bills over a specific period (a month, a year, etc.), and new orders. To the extent that new orders exceed or fall short of current revenues, backlogs increase or fall. A book-to-bill ratio higher than one means that more orders were … Continued
This is the last line of a John Milton sonnet and has been subject to a wide range of interpretations. One possible interpretation might relate to the fact that first responders are definitely serving, whether they are on stand-by or actually in the field addressing an emergency. Investors might benefit from recognizing that they may … Continued
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