Author: Jacek Popiel

Wealth Destruction – The Dark Side of Globalization

Jacek Popiel

The most significant economic development of the last thirty years has been the trend known as globalization. It is characterized by the removal of national barriers to the movement of goods and capital within a worldwide financial system. The result has been the transfer of economic activity to countries of “lowest cost” in terms of wages, work practices and environmental impact Globalization has been “sold” to all concerned on the ground of economic efficiency. The free movement of Read More …

The Way Out of the “Unaffordable” Care Act

Jacek Popiel

As the political battle over the Affordable Care Act grows in scope and intensity we should step back and take a fresh look at the issue: what kind of health care do we want, and how do we get there. The Affordable Care Act – “Obamacare” – is presented as a step towards a uniform health care system, serving all citizens under the same conditions of price and quality. A large number of countries – Japan, Switzerland, Germany, Read More …

Managing the Budget – Deficit through a thousand leaks

Jacek Popiel

The federal budget is out of control and neither party seems willing or able to do something about it. Nevertheless something needs to be done before the current course – endless borrowing while the Federal Reserve prints money indefinitely – results in a dollar panic, runaway inflation and the collapse of U.S. credit. There is a way out of the current predicament. The present situation has two main drivers. Ideological partisanship The established parties are driven by ideological Read More …

Consensus Demands Hard, Measurable Goals

Jacek Popiel

If government by consensus is “the American way” – and it is – why is there so little of it today? There are two main reasons: The first is ideology, a political disease inherited from the last century.  Ideology is a man-made worldview within which all questions are answered up front. It demands total assent and obedience. In the ideological universe any doubt, question or dissent is at best a weakness to be eliminated, at worst a crime Read More …

How the First Amendment Made us Different from Other Nations

Jacek Popiel

The First Amendment to the Constitution forbids “the establishment of religion”. Such “establishment” was common in 18th century Europe. The “established” faith was the one the sovereign had chosen, and was therefore favored and supported by the state. Other religions or denominations were, at worst, severely persecuted; and, at best, given second class status.   In return for state support and protection, the hierarchy and members of the established faith in turn backed the state – and provided Read More …

The Future of American Farming

Jacek Popiel

American agriculture is the most efficient and productive on the planet. Between 2% and 4% of the population – depending whether one counts migrant workers or not – raises enough to keep us well fed, with plenty left for export. This achievement has a dark side. Not only are ranchers and farmers a small fraction of the American population, but the number is shrinking: the average farmer (or rancher) is 58 years old. The farming population is not Read More …

A Tried and Tested Model to Follow for Rebuilding Our Economy

Jacek Popiel

On the surface the “fiscal cliff” debate is all about the federal deficit. But the reality behind the talk is the weakness of the economy. In its current state it can neither generate anything approaching full employment, nor provide the tax revenue needed to support the basic functions of government. In fact the size of the national debt is not the issue. In the five years from 1940 to 1945 the U.S government drove the debt from 50% Read More …

Education and an Economic Future for America are Linked Together

Jacek Popiel

The U.S. education system was once the envy of the world. Yet according to many surveys we are now falling behind many other nations – particularly in mathematics, science and engineering. What is wrong? Why are we slipping? The debate proceeds on the assumption that there is one optimal education system. In fact we have a dual-purpose system based on two very different educational concepts. Historical perspective is helpful here. In the Colonial period American education followed the Read More …