The Distraction of the “Gross Domestic Product” Economic Metric

For many years now it seems that the state of a nation’s economic health has been reduced, at least in the establishment press, to one metric—Gross National Product (GDP). Despite rising prices, increasing public and private debt, and other indications of a nation’s economic problems, governments and the legacy press everywhere hang on the latest GDP figures. If the number—always produced by government statistics offices—is positive, then all is well. If the number is on a downward trend, then government has an answer—increase government spending. This is the magic elixir.

Who Killed Charlie Kirk?

I had the pleasure of appearing on Charlie Kirk’s program a few times over the years and I always found him to be polite, respectful, and genuinely interested in ideas. Even in areas where we might not have agreed, he listened carefully. He was a strong advocate of free speech and he made a career of trying to convince the youth of the value of free speech and dialogue regardless of political differences.

Price Inflation Rose Again in August, but the Fed Doesn’t Care

The Federal Reserve is set to lower the target policy interest rate this week in spite of the fact that price inflation rose again in August. The Fed has, for many years, insisted that it is equally committed to both sides of its so-called “dual mandate” of pursuing both “price stability” and maximum employment. Yet, the Fed is increasingly showing that price inflation is not even one of the central bank’s chief concerns.

Jason1

Jason Rivers is a freelance journalist and an ex-investment banking analyst with work experience in the U.S.