Aug 25 A Few More Thoughts on 'Rational Optimism' Paul Solman: A few words of thanks for, and comments on, the ever-so-talented Mr. Ridley’s online replies to viewer questions. The q-and-a is much appreciated. Especially this paragraph on economic growth: “It is the combination of atoms, electrons and… Continue reading
Aug 25 'Rational Optimist' Matt Ridley Answers Your Questions Editor's Note: Last week, Paul Solman talked to "rational optimist" Matt Ridley about why he believes that life on earth for humans is getting better and better. Ridley agreed to answer some of your questions -- his replies… Continue reading
Aug 24 Watch Dismal Home Sales Report Renews Economic Recovery Concerns The National Association of Realtors reported Tuesday that July's home sales fell a worse-than-expected 27.2 percent -- the largest recorded monthly drop dating back to 1968. Jim Lehrer speaks with Susan Wachter of the University of Pennsylvania about the dismal… Continue watching
Aug 24 Why Does the U.S. Government Borrow Money Instead of Just Printing More? Question: Why does The U.S. government borrow money and thereby create debt when it has the sovereign and Constitutional right to create whatever money we NEED? $1,000 of debt and $1,000 of created money… Continue reading
Aug 23 Does Anyone Offer Bonds Redeemable in Gold? Question: Paul, since no government seems capable of dealing with paper money, is there any agency or company that issues bonds redeemable in gold? Paul Solman: Maybe, Smokey, but what kind of guarantee is… Continue reading
Aug 23 For Military Bastions, Iraq Troop Withdraw is Not the End By Dante Chinni Amid all the headlines of U.S. soldiers coming home from Iraq, it's tempting to think of military communities filled with happily reunited families preparing to pick up where they left off. That's been a dominant story of the past… Continue reading
Aug 20 Does the Average Greek Citizen Understand the Causes of The Country's Financial Crisis? Question: Does the average Greek citizen understand the causes of their dilemma? Do they know that the average American citizen also has and largely still is spending more than they bring in? Paul Solman I don't know. But the most… Continue reading
Aug 20 Obama in 2010: Just What Is His Base? By Dante Chinni When Barack Obama won the White House, a running theme among the press was how tactically smart the Obama team was in everything from their use of the Web to their ability to see the long-term and not sweat the… Continue reading
Aug 19 A 'Rational Optimist' on the Evolution of Prosperity By Business Desk Editor’s Note: Tonight on the NewsHour, Paul Solman talks to Matt Ridley — best-selling author, zoologist and one-time bank chairman. The “rational optimist” makes the case — rare in these days of economic unease — that life on… Continue reading
Aug 19 Watch News Wrap: Weekly Jobless Claims Highest Since November In other news Thursday, the Labor Department announced jobless claims rose to 500,000 last week. On Wall Street, there were disappointing numbers as well. Continue watching