Fair-Weather Capitalism Sweeps U.S. in Crisis: Kevin Hassett The crisis at Fannie Mae and Freddie
Mac provided yet another body blow to the already reeling U.S.
economy. With so many people now gripped by the prospect that the
economy may be headed toward recession, the blame game has
started.
Christie Brinkley's Not Only Victim of Divorce: Kevin Hassett The news that the messy divorce
trial of Christie Brinkley and Peter Cook ended with a
settlement last week came a little too late for the two
parties. The ugliness of the case was best-captured by the news
alert posted by the Associated Press announcing the settlement:
``Christie Brinkley settles NY divorce with husband who had
teen mistress, online porn habit.''
World's Poor Hunger for Free Trade: Kevin Hassett (Correct) This week, as the Group of Eight
countries meet to discuss global problems, there is one sad
truth you can put your money on: The G-8 will continue to
fiddle while the developing world burns.
Inflation Menace Has Echoes of Volcker's Days: Kevin Hassett If you are like me, the notion that
inflation could climb to double digits seems almost absurd. But
have years of U.S. Federal Reserve success lulled us all into a
false sense of security?
NBA Home Bias Suggests Referees Committing Fouls: Kevin Hassett As the Boston Celtics celebrated
their record 17th championship, the National Basketball
Association suffered more accusations of biased officiating.
During the Finals, former referee Tim Donaghy accused NBA
officials of calling fouls to manipulate the results of playoff
games.
Lieberman Makes Risky Bet in Speculation-Ban Bid: Kevin Hassett Every year there are a few memorable
instances of U.S. congressional testimony that have an immediate
impact on economic policy. This year's star performances were
provided by hedge-fund managers Michael Masters and George Soros.
Seeing Recession When There's None to Be Found: Kevin Hassett The idea that the U.S. is in a
terrible recession that may turn into a depression has spread
like a malicious computer virus.
Oil Tax Exposes Democrats' Economic Illiteracy: Kevin Hassett With President George W. Bush's
popularity fluctuating between that of a mosquito and a root
canal, some Democrats inside the Beltway are beginning to express
extreme optimism. Democratic victories in November, so the story
goes, may be so large that sweeping policy changes will be
possible in 2009.
Pork Projects Thrive in Democrats' Spending Scam: Kevin Hassett Politicians have two ways of
responding when they are caught doing something that outrages
voters: They can stop the behavior or they can find a way to
continue it in a manner that's difficult for voters to observe.
Polar Bear Ruling to Bring Tsunami of Lawsuits: Kevin Hassett As expected, the U.S. Department of
the Interior added the polar bear to the list of threatened
species under the Endangered Species Act last week. Even with the
Bush administration's attempt to render the ruling toothless,
this action will almost surely go down in history as the turning
point in the global warming debate.