Bankrupcy law change could help consumers recover: Experts

Some experts have recommended a change in bankruptcy law in the USA to forgive the debts of consumers (i.e. student loans, mortgage loans and consumer loans) and help the economy to recover, as stated in this report.

This is a dangerous suggestion that has moral hazards, but should not be written off entirely. Already, matters have become very difficult and bad! Anyway, the banks will not agree to write off the loans and will fight hard against such a law.

But I like to suggest this way out. If we study what is happening in Greece, the solution is for the banks to take a haircut and be paid say 50% of what they are due. In the case of consumer loans, the bankruptcy law could allow them to apply for a special fund from the state to pay off the loan at a 50% discount. The money borrowed from the state will have to be repaid in the future, but at a low rate of interest (instead of the usury rate charged by the banks). This will give consumers time to pay off their loans gradually and to rebuild their lives.

 

California Teachers Pension Fund takes a stand

I congratulate the California teachers pension fund for taking a stand against the obscene practices of over-paying CEOs of large companies. Read this report.

Trickle down economics

Quote in my blog: Republicans (in the USA) are fervent supporters of 'Trickle-down Economics' which is proven to be a fraud. Guess who else is also a die-hard believer of this economic nonsense? 

Here is an explanation of "Trickle down economics".

Question: Who is the "die-hard believer (in Singapore) of this economic nonsense"?

Stagflation

America is expected to see a period of stagflation, similar to the 1970s. It is a period of economic stagnation, i.e. no economic growth, high unemployment, coupled with a high rate of inflation. The lack of economic growth means that the high rate of unemployment will continue to be high, and the cost of living will increase, due to inflation. It will be a difficult time for many people. The problem is that this stagflation is likely to spread to other countries, due to the global environment.

What is the cure for stagflation? The economic stimulus adopted during the past three years did not seem to work. We need a new approach.

Lack of demand is cause of unemployment

The Republican politicians blame Government regulations for hampering the creation of jobs. Business owners disagree. It is the lack of consumer demand. Read this report.