Jul 24 Should the Government Set Up a National Lottery? Question: No one wants to pay higher taxes. But at the same time, many people don’t think twice about spending a few dollars a week on a lottery ticket. Why doesn’t the government set up a National Lottery to supplement… Continue reading
Jul 21 Why Do CEOs Make So Much Money? Question: Why do CEOs make so much money? The answer must be supply and demand, but I would like to hear a good analysis of the cost benefit. I do realize too however: Would… Continue reading
Jul 16 Simon Johnson on the Future of the U.S. Auto Industry Paul Solman: The fourth in this week’s series of conversations with economist Simon Johnson concerns the future of the suffering American auto industry. Johnson weighs in on whether the new GM will make it and responds to the… Continue reading
Jul 16 How is the U.S. Savings Rate Determined? Question: How is the U.S. savings rate, which has gone from near zero percent in the past to 6.9 percent recently, determined? And a more elaborate question: Is it truly the difference between what is earned and what is… Continue reading
Jul 08 Watch Cyber Attacks on U.S. Government Put Digital Security in Spotlight Recent attacks on government computers, private organizations and foreign governments have raised fresh questions about the nation's digital security. Analysts discuss the implications of the attacks and the vulnerability of the nation's digital systems. Continue watching
Jul 05 Reader Response: The Uncounted Unemployed Paul Solman: A provocative response, via the PBS Ombudsman, to Thursday’s story about undercounting unemployment. The emailer said it was okay if her name was posted. I assume that means it’s okay to… Continue reading
Jun 24 Watch Political Unrest Continues on Streets of Tehran New York Times reporter Nazila Fathi speaks with Gwen Ifill about the latest developments on the political unrest in Iran. Continue watching
Jun 22 Watch 9:28 Generation Next: Young Grads Turn to Service Amid Tight Job Market By PBS News Hour At community resource centers across the country, young people like Brian Marroquin, a recent graduate of VCU, are deferring their careers to focus on community service. Judy Woodruff examines the trend as part of the Generation Next series. Continue watching
Jun 19 Watch Health Care Debate May Hinge on Public Insurance Option House Democrats unveiled a draft health care reform bill Friday that includes a "public option" -- a government-run health insurance plan that would compete with private insurers. Betty Ann Bowser examines the debate over the public insurance concept. Continue watching
Jun 19 Instead of Capping Pay, Could the Government Police Banks’ Risk Models? Question: Instead of the government trying to prevent risky behavior by limiting bonuses and other compensation for the best performers in the finance industry, would it be possible for the government to review risk models that banks use? Paul Solman:… Continue reading