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Reflections in this Topic

Constitution-tampering is Unwise
Working paper: The voluntary union of sovereign states is so rare as to stand unique if successful. Since the secret of the U.S. Constitution seems to be its delicate internal balance, tampering with its provisions is to be resisted. That's not strict constructionism, it's fear of disturbing successful equilibrium. (1487)

What Do Unions Want?
Working topic: Much of American history of the 20th Century fits the theory that the auto and steel unions realized the fringe benefit revolution was a product of World War II and would not last. Their strategy seems to have been to fight desperately to preserve fringe benefits, while simultaneously working politically to get the tax payers to relieve heavy industry employers of the cost. (1488)

Looking Beyond Cheap Oil
Working topic: There's plenty of world oil for centuries to come, but cheap oil is mainly found in the Middle East. Even expensive oil would be cheap after a huge investment in transportation, pre-processing and refining. The geopolitical strategy would be to bite this bullet for American consumption, while forcing peace on the rest of the world by its continued dependence on the Middle East. The logical outcome of this thinking is to establish permanent Middle East military bases. (1489)

Longevity Revolution
Working topic: The addition of thirty years to average life expectancy was unprecedented and largely unnoticed. After a brief celebration of vacation lifestyle for retirees, employers perceived they cannot afford the defined-benefit approach and must switch to defined-contribution pensions as fast as possible; and it gradually dawns on employees that they cannot retire before age 70. (1490)

Rising (China and) Developing Nations
Working topic: Sudden prosperity leaps ahead of rising lifestyles: developing countries have an early period where they cannot spend their money on consumer goods. These abnormally large savings increasingly penetrate and destabilize globalized markets. The world needs a better banking arrangement, and may well need a new basis for currency reserves. (1491)

Deconstructing Higher Education, Home Design, and Medical Care.
Working topic: Three major consumer categories are unnecessarily expensive. Higher education, housing, and medical care all suffer from obsolete designs, which we cling to because of resistance by producer groups. What may be at stake in all three is poorly organized protection for intellectual property, which leads to rent seeking. (1492)