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 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 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 18 Will Layoffs Cause a Double-dip Recession? Question: Paul, companies have been reporting large profits on sluggish revenue growth. The profits are from cost cutting efforts by managers who have accomplished this by reducing labor costs. Could the managers of companies be the cause of a double… Continue reading
Aug 17 More on 99ers: Reactions and Stories Paul Solman: With our story on the 99ers still up there among the "most watched" NewsHour stories more than a week after it ran, it seemed fitting to share another set of reactions to the story and the issue. After… Continue reading
Aug 17 We’re Looking for Stories of Worker Burnout Paul Solman: We’re doing a story on worker burnout and are having trouble finding case studies. Can you or someone you know, or even know of, direct us to a worker or several who are suffering from being worked too… Continue reading
Aug 16 Why Can’t the Fed Refuse to Loan Money to Banks That Pay Lavish Salaries? Question: Why can’t the Federal Reserve refuse to loan money — at practically no interest — to banks that give their executives lavish salaries and bonuses? Paul Solman: You tell me. I think they’d say it wasn’t allowed. But as… Continue reading
Aug 13 More from 99ers: An Update on Gregg Rosen, and Why Some Companies Say They Still Can’t Find Employees Paul Solman: The last few days, we’ve been running outtakes from last Friday’s long-term unemployment story, including two featuring pony-tailed 40-year-old former marketing manager and cell phone store owner Gregg Rosen. Today, a response from Mr. Rosen,… Continue reading