The Future–Capitalism or Central Planning

There is no question that capitalism as an economic system is under assault at the present time.  Because of the turmoil and downturn some are pushing hard for an agenda that would diminish the power and influence of private enterprise and entreprenuership and replace it with expanded government control over the decisions, marketing, policies and profits [...]

Capitalism Dead or in Hibernation?

It seems as though every other day for the last couple of months there have been comments about the demise of capitalism or at least a radical governmental intervention into the market place to correct the perceived shortcomings of capitalism.   That has been  the lead story on the TV news networks and in the print [...]

Bailout–Solution or Problem

It rankles me that  many of the elitist from Wall Street and Washington seem to think that they are much wiser and more sophisticated than all us yokels west of the Hudson and the Potomac.   First the folks in Washington  lay all the groundwork for this financial disaster by encourgaging and even mandating the very [...]

Cliches to heed for today’s world

Many of the old tried and true quips and truism that have been with us for decades or even centuries sure do still have applications that are relevant to today’s world of business , personal conduct and relations with foreign countries.   It would do some of our leaders well to recall them as they consider [...]

With or Without Parachute–continued

We left off with the building boom and the coincident lending that went with it last time in the Southwest and the sharp drop in oil prices that did affect the economic health of that region.  Two banks had already collapsed.   One deservedly so and another merely as a wiping boy in my opinion.  That [...]

Bailout — With or Without Parachute?

The current debate about a bailout of the financial mess with subprime mortgages reminds me of that scene in The Bridge Over the River Kwai when William Holden is ordered to jump into Jap territory on the mission  to destroy the bridge with Jack Hawkins.  Holden’s character had never jumped before and when they looked [...]

Money, Markets and Politics

With all the ado the last couple of days about Lehaman, Merril Lynch and reports on AIG it would do us all well to review a few of the basics of our economic system and the real world implications of any bankruptcy of these companies.   Of course the politicians will put their own spin on events to promote [...]