Category Archives: Business

Why Texas Governors Don’t Go to Prison

Rick Perry’s aide gave a beautifully roundabout answer to a recent question about the blatant quid pro quo that marked his reign as Governor.  The spokesman explained, “There’s never been any wrongdoing substantiated.” Nor will there be.  Remarkably, Perry’s probably … Continue reading

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Posted in Business, Finance and Economics, Leadership, Policy, Politics, Texas | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Labor Day Tribute: Why Unions Suck

In the 1930’s, when workers in San Antonio forced by the Depression into degrading pay and conditions organized to improve their plight, they set in motion a series of unintended consequences.  Their labor union, organized by authentic Communists, aimed to … Continue reading

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Posted in Business, Finance and Economics, Policy, Politics, Socialism, Taxes | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Huntsman’s Jobs Plan a Good Start

Last week, the Huntsman campaign released an alternative to the President’s soon-to-be-released jobs plan. The plan includes four broad components including: 1) tax reform, 2) regulatory reform, 3) energy independence, and 4) free trade. I broadly agree with most of Huntsman’s proposed policies. … Continue reading

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Posted in Business, Clean Energy, Clean Tech, Climate Change, Energy Security, Finance and Economics, Nuclear Power, Peak Oil, Policy, Politics, Smart grid, Taxes, Technology, Unions | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

The San Antonio Pecan Workers’ Strike of 1938

In the early 20th century, San Antonio had become the center of a modestly lucrative industry – pecan processing.  Prior to the Depression, the business had started taking steps toward mechanization, but the country’s economic collapse began to reverse that … Continue reading

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Posted in Business, Finance and Economics, Policy, Politics, Socialism, Technology, Unions | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bush vs. Obama: Unemployment (August 2011 Jobs Data)

Update: Click here for the most recent jobs statistics. As is customary on this site, on the first Friday of every month, I update the unemployment numbers so that I can compare the unemployment rate under President George W. Bush with the unemployment … Continue reading

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Posted in Business, Finance and Economics, Media, Policy, Politics | Tagged , , | 26 Comments

Bush vs. Obama: Housing Starts

Since comparisons between Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama appear to be very popular these days, I have added yet another chart to the mix. During the Bush’s second term, housing starts fell off a cliff. While they seem to have … Continue reading

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Posted in Business, Finance and Economics, Policy, Politics, Taxes | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Solyndra: Another One Bites the Dust

After receiving a $535 million loan from the federal government, and about $1 billion in venture capital financing, California-based manufacturer Solyndra suspended manufacturing operations today, and laid off 1,100 employees. It also announced its plans to file for bankruptcy protection. … Continue reading

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Posted in Business, California, Clean Energy, Clean Tech, Energy Security, Finance and Economics, Policy, Politics, Solar, Taxes, Technology | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Ron Paul’s “Galveston Model” for a New America

After Ron Paul complained that the news media wasn’t taking him seriously, he seized an opportunity over the weekend to demonstrate exactly why that is.  He went on a Hurricane Irene-inspired mini-rant, explaining that when it comes to disaster management, … Continue reading

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Posted in Business, Finance and Economics, Policy, Politics, Taxes | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Proving Obama Is a Failed President

Last week, Jonathan Alter at Bloomberg posed a tantalizing question: “you think Obama’s been a bad president? Prove it.” More specifically, he issues the following challenge to Obama-doubters: “Your mission, Jim (and readers named something else), should you decide to … Continue reading

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Posted in Business, Clean Energy, Clean Tech, Defense, Energy Security, Finance and Economics, Healthcare, International Security, Leadership, Media, Nuclear proliferation, Peak Oil, Policy, Politics, Unions, War | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

Could Michele Bachmann Really Bring Back $2 Gasoline?

Earlier this month, Republican presidential hopeful Representative Michele Bachmann boldly declared, “Under President Bachmann you will see gasoline come down below $2 per gallon again…That will happen.” She suggested she could achieve this goal by allowing more aggressive U.S. oil … Continue reading

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Posted in Business, Clean Energy, Clean Tech, Energy Security, Finance and Economics, Peak Oil, Policy, Politics, Taxes, Technology | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments