From the Desk of a Male, Pale and Stale
Trump’s tariff strategy explained (part two: ‘Looming Disaster’).
Economy
A Look at Trump’s Multi-Pronged Tariff Plan
It’s Trumpian, bold, and out of the box. Let’s hope it ends up as beautiful as he promised the American people last year.
The Method to the Donald’s Tariffs Pt 2
America can’t afford to keep giving the world a free ride.
Some Thoughts on the Tariffs
In which a non-economist tries to figure out what The Donald is trying to do.
Why Is Productivity Low in NZ?
The HMNZS Manawanui’s inquiry explains. Poor leaders. Its lousy CEOs, bosses, inbred boards, ministers, admirals. Our non-human systems work just fine.
My War With the NZTA: Part One
It turns out that the NZTA has not historically separated out traffic management costs from its overall expenditure. This in itself suggests slack budgetary management and a remarkable lack of concern about how public funds are spent.
Has Milei Saved Argentina from the Left?
To the fury of the media, Argentina’s economy is bounding back.
Willis and the Supermarket Showdown
It would be naïve to think that the supermarket giants will roll over. The lobbying machine is already moving. This is where Willis’ resolve will be tested.
Taxpayers’ Union Under Threat
The union has now received a threatening letter to sue for damages on behalf of a Ms Mark-Shadbolt, who has demanded they remove in its entirety the comments on this taxpayers’ rip-off.
It Is Australia’s Big Bribe
Labor’s cynical election budget bribes appear to be having the desired effect.
Foreign Aid, Reparations and Economic Growth
Developing countries in Africa and the Caribbean must pivot away from the reparations narrative and instead focus on strategic economic policies that drive industrialization and technological adoption.
No, This Is Self-Induced Poverty
You never hand money to an addict. Surely. Unless you are MSD. It is a crazy state of affairs. The state is using massive resources to stamp out the supply of P while simultaneously funding a large part of the demand.
The Councils’ Gold‐Plated White Elephants
This is exactly how NZTA and councils work. The secret contract is the Local Government (Rating) Act and your customers are the ratepayers.
Why Did Willis Reappoint RBNZ Chair Quigley
Chair Quigley’s letter wildly endorsed the $50 billion money printing program. It refers to the wonders of the governor using “alternative monetary policy tools”, a codeword for the program otherwise known as “quantitative easing”.
Face of the Day
Willis took over responsibility for the supermarket delegation this month and will announce decisions taken by Cabinet to incentivise and encourage a third player into the market.
The Taxation Enigma
But assuming rationality in human behaviour is always a huge miscalculation in ignoring the reality of our more common irrationality.