Even Millionaires Think The Rich Should Pay Higher Taxes

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/06/millionaires-taxes-survey_n_5272647.html. DUE 12 MAY 2014. Where do the rich hold most of their wealth? (see graph) Why do the rich think they should pay more taxes? What should be done to lessen the inequality of wealth in the United States?

BAN ALL THE BANKS: Here's The Wild Idea That People Are Starting To Take Seriously

http://www.businessinsider.com/banning-banks-2014-4. DUE 5 May 2014. How do banks create money? How will this new proposal change the way banks make loans? What issue does Paul Krugman raise in considering a move to this type of system?

More Proof That American Health Care Prices Are Sky-High

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/17/health-care-costs_n_5160819.html. DUE 28 APRIL 2014. According to the article, which American sub-group has great health care? Analyze the graphs for the drug Nexium and Gleevec. What is happening with the cost compared to other countries? Why do you think this is happening?

Student Loan Borrowers' Costs to Jump as Education Department Reaps Huge Profits

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/14/student-loan-profits_n_5149653.html?utm_hp_ref=politics. DUE 21 APR 2014. What does Chris Hicks claim is the motivation of the Department of Education? Name 3 economic repercussions of increasing student debt after the student graduates?

US Corporations Have over $2 Trillion Stashed Overseas

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/08/profits-overseas-untaxed_n_5114300.html. DUE 14 Apr 2014. Why do corporations say they have money stashed overseas?? Are there other reasons the article lists for this offshore cash? Why is this bad for the US economy? What solutions would you offer to get US corporations to keep more money at home??

Jobs and Skills and Zombies

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/31/opinion/krugman-jobs-and-skills-and-zombies.html?_r=0 DUE 7 April 2014. Some employers complain that they can't find skilled workers; what does Krugman say should be the economic remedy for this? Who do employers blame for the plight of businesses in our economy? Krugman states that the "skills myth" is shifting attention away from other economic problems in the U.S. Name 3 of these problems being avoided by employers and why.

Tax-Hating States Are Totally Fine with Taxing the Poor

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/18/sales-taxes-highest-in-st_n_4988216.html. DUE 31 March 2014. Where are the "tax-hating" states located? Why is sales tax actually a tax on the poor? Why do you think Florida has such a high sales tax rate? What are some alternate taxes that would be less of a burden on the poor?

These 9 Maps Sould Absolutely Outrage Southerners

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/06/maps-of-the-south-bad-place_n_4855191.html DUE 17 MAR 2014. Which of the maps concern you the most? Why? In your opinion, what is the reason for the disparity between the south and the rest of the country? Should the Federal Government intervene?

Janet Yellen Nails the Economy's Biggest Problem

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/27/janet-yellen-income-inequality_n_4867232.html. DUE 10 March 2014. What does the new Fed Chair say is the economy's biggest problem? What is the history of the problem; when did it start and why? What do YOU believe is the solution to the problem?

Just How Dangerous is a Giant Comcast?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/19/comcast-time-warner-deal_n_4816651.html DUE 3 March 2014. What is the rationale for the government breaking up monopolies? Will Comcast become a monopoly if the merger is allowed to go through? What is predicted to happen to prices if the merger goes through? What will happen to service if the merger goes through? In your view, should the government allow this merger?

Tom Perkins: People With More Money Should Get More Votes

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/14/tom-perkins-votes_n_4788086.html. DUE 24 Feb 2014. Read BOTH articles....Krugman and Perkins. Discuss the questions listed under the Krugman article.

Paul Krugman: Inequality, Dignity and Freedom

http://www.opednews.com/Quicklink/Paul-Krugman-Inequality--in-Best_Web_OpEds-Equal_Inequality_Paul-Krugman_Workers-140214-773.html. DUE 24 Feb 2014. Read BOTH articles....(Paul Krugman and Tom Perkins) What is a Plutocrat? Discuss the argument presented by Krugman and Perkins by illustrating the plight of the Plutocrat. Does Perkins have a point? Do you believe that people with more money should get more votes?? How does Krugman contradict the point made by Perkins?

New Fed Study on Jobs Crisis is Extremely Misleading

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/04/new-york-fed-labor-market_n_4723769.html?ir=Business. Due 10 Feb 2014. Who is to blame for the jobs crisis? Analyze the graphs in the article and describe their information. Why are more people working past retirement?

dy Debunks Classic Argument About Low-Wage Workers

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/24/low-wage-workers-education_n_4653020.html Due 3 February 2014. What does the graph show us about education and low-wage jobs? Evaluate the graph using cost-benefit analysis---does it pay to get an education? What are the back end costs of NOT getting an education??

World's 85 Richest Have Same Wealth as Bottom 50 Percent

http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/1/20/world-s-85-richesthavesamewealthasbottom50percentreport.html. Due 27 Jan 2014. What are the backend costs of having so much wealth in the hands of so few?? Mention at least 3 backend costs.

Home> Politics Feds Investigating Christie's Use of Sandy Relief Funds

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/feds-investigating-christies-sandy-relief-funds/story?id=21511567. Due 20 Dec 2014. Do you believe Gov. Chris Christie knew about the lane closures his staff initiated that caused the traffic jams at the George Washington bridge? Do you believe that Gov. Christie should be impeached? Do you believe Gov. Christie spent Hurricane Sandy relief inappropriately? Predict how big an impact these stories will have on the Christie's campaign for President in 2016.

Extended unemployment benefits slow growth, hoax on working poor

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2014/01/06/extended-unemployment-benefits-slow-growth-hoax-on-working-poor/ Due 13 Jan 2014. What is the rationale of conservative economists for NOT extending unemployment benefits to 1.3 million Americans?? What are the backend costs of such a policy??

Wall Street About To Be Hit With A Rule It Hates, Thanks To JPMorgan

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/05/volcker-rule-jpmorgan_n_4391024.html Due 16 Dec 2013. What is the Volcker Rule? What is portfolio hedging? Should banks be allowed to hedge their portfolios?? Why or why not??

A Permanent Slump?

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/18/opinion/krugman-a-permanent-slump.html?_r=0 Due 9 December 2013. What are the reasons we may have a permanent slump, according to Krugman? What are his comments about Larry Summers' view of the economy?

The U.S. Health Care System is Terrible, In 1 Enraging Chart

http://www.aufamily.com/forums/topic/135092-the-us-health-care-system-is-terrible-in-1-enraging-chart/ Due 9 December 2013. Read the graph and discuss the implications of our current health care system. Is it a big deal?? What solutions would you suggest to fix our health care system? Is health care a "right" in the U.S. Constitution?? Should the government be involved in fixing the health care system?