Author Archives: salsagator
A History of Cynicism in Recent Democratic Presidential Races
Mark Twain supposedly said, “history doesn’t repeat but it does rhyme.” Yet history, in the Democratic primary between former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, and Senator Bernie Sanders, appears to be repeating. Democrats are well known for circular firing squads and eating their own. However, this enthusiasm often abates during general elections against actual […]
GOP PROPOSES SECOND WALL STREET BAILOUT
More than sixty percent of those who own shares of stock believe the market is rigged and favor stricter regulations on financial institutions. Nearly ninety percent believe the federal government has failed to limit the power of Wall Street. With no lack of irony the House Financial Services Committee met this week to further deregulate […]
Montana Governor Schweitzer’s Road to the Vice Presidency
Former Senator Hillary Clinton does not, and will not, want to include former Governor Brian Schweitzer as her Vice Presidential nominee if she wins the Democratic nomination. However, baring a more viable challenger, it is possible Schweitzer may become the inevitable choice; even after a bruising primary. In recent polling former Senator Hillary Clinton averages […]
Does a Montana Governor Stand Between Hillary and the White House?
Former Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer may very well be a candidate for President in 2016. His first step will be winning the Democratic nomination. Does he have chance? With name identification below ten percent outside of Montana he will have to considerably raise his profile on the national level. The fact that he provides such […]
The Rise of the Republican Party of Florida & the Decline of the Middle-Class
Florida Governor Rick Scott has claimed that the Florida economy is doing better than the rest of the nation and business publications, like Florida Trend, have proclaimed, “Florida is back!” The headlines sound great but the facts tell another story. A recent study by Florida International University’s Research Institute on Social and Economic Policy found […]
Charles Schwab Sells Customers Down High Frequency River
The Charles Schwab Corporation is all about accountability. Just ask them. In a commercial, Chairman, Charles Schwab, explains, “the most principled people are the people who frankly can stand by their promises.” Schwab promises a “commitment to providing the most ethical financial services” including an “accountability guarantee.” The accountability business appears to be booming. In […]
Michael Lewis’ Flash Boys and Discount Brokers Selling Out Customers
Flash Boys: A Wall Street Revolt A new book from Michael Lewis, “Flash Boys,” has set off a firestorm on Wall Street. Lewis, a former bond trader, has taken aim at sacred cows, vested interests and deep pocketed institutions that have gamed the system for buying and selling U.S. stocks. The primary charge in the […]
The World Turned Cold: A Review of “The Ides of March”
Stephen Myers (played by Ryan Gosling) was a rising political star. He was bright, idealistic, charming and articulate. He had a knack for massaging the press corps and avoiding tiger traps. As such, he attracted others to him. His wit, charm and idealism made him attractive to others who felt they had similar gifts or […]
JP Morgan: from “fortress” balance sheet to Fort Apache the Bronx
A few years ago Jamie Dimon, the Chairman and CEO of JP Morgan, was the “savior” of Wall Street armed with a “fortress” balance sheet. Today eight federal agencies are investigating the bank, which has been labeled, “out of control,” by one analyst and shareholders will vote tomorrow on cutting Dimon’s role in half. In […]
The Post Human Economy as Enlightened Utopia
Just as machines have infinitely multiplied human muscle power throughout history, technology is infinitely multiplying human brain power today. So say MIT professors Andrew McAfee and Erik Brynjolfsson in their book, “Race Against the Machine.” Moreover, they say the digital revolution is only half completed. When it comes to technology’s ability to replace workers, “We […]
The Florida Squeeze 