Media

What's all the fuss down there in Washington? Reading the news, you might think there's a huge ideological divide between Democrats and Republicans over taxes and the size of government. 

Unfortunately, that's not the case. Mainstream congressional leaders in both parties agree that taxes should be kept near historic lows while government is steadily downsized. 

Consider the new budget plan just released by Senator Patty Murray -- the supposed great Democratic alternative to Paul Ryan's plan. 

Retails sales surged by a solid 1.1 percent last month, and that's being hailed as great news. But great news for who, exactly? 

Given the weak labor market, with millions still unemployed, it is unlikely that higher retail sales and profits will translate into higher wages for retail workers, who make up a growing slice of America's workforce. Instead, those gains are more likely to be reflected in bigger bonuses for executives and higher share values.

In the discussion around our energy future, fossil fuel advocates continually claim that renewables will never be able to meet our power needs. This assertion is a self-fulfilling prophecy. The more we choose to invest in fossil fuels over renewable energy, the longer we delay our inevitable transition to a clean energy economy.

As grim as the GOP's long term prospects are demographically, things could still get worse. Like, for instance, Republicans could alienate the one last slice of the population that remains firmly in their camp: old people. 

One of the remarkable -- and depressing things -- about the low-wage economy is how small changes in wages can make a big difference. 

If you're a professional, you probably don't even know how much money you make an hour. But low-wage workers know, down to the penny. And what may seem like small change to wealthier people can make a big difference in their spending power -- which, in turn, affects the econony as a whole. 

The most recent charge in Senator Chuck Grassley’s (R-Iowa) crusade against rising tuition costs was in late February when he criticized then nominee for Secretary of the Treasury Jack Lew for the benefits he received from New York University. They totaled $1.4 million over a period of four years.

For fans of conservatives’ favorite teller of “hard truths,” the Path to Prosperity budget proposal released by Rep. Paul Ryan this week must have been a disappointment.

The affluent tend to hold a different vision of a just society than the public at large, and it is that vision which tops the political agenda in Washington and in state houses across the country.

This morning the Senate Banking Committee will hold a hearing on the nomination of Richard Corday  to lead the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. On the merits, Cordray should breeze through.  The politics, however, are destined to be thornier.