Tag Archives: COVID-19

Use caution with COVID-19 statistics

There are lies, there are damned lies, and then there are statistics. That famous axiom takes on particular meaning when faced with a worldwide pandemic and economic disruption. Statistics are an incredibly powerful tool. But, borrowing Spiderman’s equally-famous maxim: with great power comes great responsibility. Headlines — and politicians — shout numerous stats. The mortality […]

Coronavirus turns economic theory into action

There is a scene in the movie “Independence Day” when President Whitmore and senior leaders take refuge in Area 51. They meet the wild-eyed Dr. Brackish Okun, who had spent years studying the alien’s technology. Okun was enthused; the arrival of extraterrestrials turned the crashed spaceship “on.” Caught up in the excitement of the science, […]

Nevertheless, Collins, other Maine leaders, persist during coronavirus pandemic

Susan Collins had her Elizabeth Warren moment this week. You may remember back in 2017 during the early days of the Trump administration. Partisan rancor continued unabated and seemingly every nomination the new president made was hotly-contested by Democratic minorities in the United States Senate. One nomination was then-Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions for attorney general. […]

Universal basic income gives Americans freedom to take risks, and to manage a pandemic

Risk. What word do you associate with it? Danger? Reward? Both certainly fit. We take risks every day. Certainly, the ongoing COVID-19 situation presents a risk. While the vast majority of the population has no need to fear it on an individual level, it could have a massive impact on those with underlying conditions or […]