HICKS: Management’s complicity with union doomed GM
General Motors Corp.’s bankruptcy marked the second-largest commercial failure in modern history. It is an opportunity for deep reflection.
Economic Analysis
Articles
HICKS: Administration demonized ‘investors’ in Chrysler deal
Almost one-third of Chrysler’s investors are schoolteachers, college administrators, firefighters and police officers. These
“vultures” of Wall Street finance have seen the value of their hard work severely hampered by the Chrysler bankrutcy plan.
Holiday a reminder of the value of public service
Many lament the loss of what might be called timeless values. I place these into two categories; both are exemplified and sustained by military service.
State tourism advertising poses tough question
If Indiana is to be marketed as a region, government will be the one to do it.
EPA policies cannot force economic choices
We are at a critical moment in environmental policy. We suffer a dearth of frankness on the matter that imperils the quality
of our decision-making.
Build your economy by assessing community
Hard times present a fitting opportunity for communities to engage in useful self-reflection. In this case, deep thinking on the regional economy could best be served by focusing on the fundamentals first, not the outcomes.
‘Buy local’ offers no protection for bad businesses
These days, the "buy local" crowd seems to have a stronger voice. I am gleeful about this for a variety of reasons, but it
is helpful to view some of their claims with a bit of skepticism. At least that is what economists should do.
Cap and trade could be double-edged sword
Cap and trade could lead us to a much cleaner, more prosperous future or it could devastate our economy.
The tax system has fluctuated throughout the ages
Let’s reflect on the origins of the current income tax system to help understand it better.
Bonus outrage poor excuse for good public policy
The wages paid by a company to its employees are a distinctly private matter.
Improving livability is economic development
I am often asked the seemingly simple question, "Just what is economic development?"
Answer to stimulus formula equals inflation
When economists worry about the health of the banking system, it is primarily because we are concerned with a stable velocity
of money.
Market, not bailouts, should stimulate refinancings
Markets, no matter how imperfect, not government programs, manage the economy.
Stimulus just way too big to spend this year
After much debate, the U.S. House and Senate have come together on a stimulus package. Whether it will work remains to be seen. And the long-term impact of spending nearly $800 billion is a big concern.
Unemployment data paints worrisome picture
The most recent data on the U.S. economy continues to be worrying, but a little context remains helpful.
Proposed fiscal stimulus package has high costs
Expeditious and clever spending on roads, infrastructure and, in the half-dozen states where it is possible, a tax cut will determine the success of the stimulus plan.
Speed is critical to success of stimulus plan
All the serious talk in Washington for the next few weeks will center on an economic stimulus package. Up to now, the argument
has been for an extensive (perhaps a $1 trillion) program.
College-affordability debate focusing on wrong issues
College affordability has gained a lot of attention over the past few years, but I am not sure that the simple focus on costs
is the right way to think about the
problem.
UAW in tough spot as automakers seek concessions
A federal bailout for automakers Chrysler and General Motors won’t fix their problems. I think a bankruptcy of these companies is nearly inevitable.
It might also spell the demise of the UAW.
Economist puts present economy in historical perspective
The clouds of darkness will pass, fear will be removed, and the light of the season will linger in those who seek it.