Economic Consequences of Foreclosure Moratorium Should Take Precedence over Emotional Appeals

On the surface, it is very easy for readers to sympathize with financially stressed families that may be evicted from their homes. But emotional appeals should not serve as a substitute for reporting on the economic consequences of government intervention that will cost prospective homeowners over the long-term... News reports that personalize the misfortunes of individuals who have been identified as potential new constituents for the political class make for highly effective yarns. Here the...

Koch Brothers, Private Industry Vilified for Advancing Calif. Initiative Aimed Against Global Warming Act

They cover a lot of bases here but omit any discussion of the environmental movement's international dimensions. Polls shows that the public is evenly divided over a ballot initiative that would suspend California's global warming law until after unemployment falls. Here, the NYT seeks to swing public sentiment by questioning the motives of private donors who are linked in with the Tea Party. A California ballot initiative that could potentially unravel the anti energy policies Gov. Arnold Sc...

NYT Seeks to Discredit Rep. Boehner’s Business Alliances as White House Gets a Free Pass on Lobbying Ties, Union Support

Although the Obama White House is filled to the rim with former lobbyists, Rep. John Boehner's alliances and connections with pro-business groups are somehow illegitimate and unseemly. With the mid-term elections just a few weeks away, the idea here is to take down and discredit an effective, well-liked minority leader who is well positioned to become the next House Speaker. Private strategy sessions organized in concert with free market activists and lobbyists who are united in their opposit...

Economic Merits of Federal Loans Go Unexamined in Report that Misleads on Republican Position

Who is really being obstructionist and recalcitrant where economic inducements for small business are concerned? Republicans have offered several amendments to a loan bill that been blocked by the Democratic majority, yet the minority party is accused of playing politics in a New York Times piece that avoids any substantive discussion of economics. The story headline also implies that Republicans are now operating against business interests who are supposedly their natural allies. In reality, bo...

Perverse Incentives, Fiscal Consequences of Unemployment Benefits Should Factor Into Coverage

Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) is dismissive of any suggestion that says extending unemployment benefits will create perverse incentives and discourage Americans from seeking work. Detailed economic studies that say otherwise have yet to find expression in the New York Times. Political figures should also be asked why they are reticent to enact offsetting spending cuts that would alleviate additional debt... Will the extension of unemployment benefits further add to the deficit and undermine long ...