The US Economy Runs on Billionaire Pocket Change
The top 10% of earners account for almost half of all consumer spending in the United States. Wealth concentration has made economic stability shockingly reliant on elite consumption.
131 Articles by: David Moscrop
David Moscrop is a writer and political commentator. He hosts the podcast Open to Debate and is the author of Too Dumb For Democracy? Why We Make Bad Political Decisions and How We Can Make Better Ones.
AI Is Here to Stay. Who’s Steering the Ship?
From the smokestacks of the Industrial Revolution to today’s neural nets, technology has always been a double-edged sword that carries the promise of liberation for workers. But cashing in on that promise requires control over how technology is deployed.
The Democrats Helped Bring About Trump’s Return
Tomorrow Donald Trump will take the oath of office again. By spurning economic populism and embracing Bush-era Republicans, Democrats helped pave the way for his second inauguration.
Donald Trump Is Making Canada Nationalistic Again
Donald Trump’s latest musings about annexing Canada have put Canadian right-wing populists in an awkward position. As Pierre Poilievre and Doug Ford embrace nationalistic rhetoric, they’re also hedging their bets to keep trade and defense ties intact.
Congratulations, Your Privacy Is Worth $20
Siri eavesdropped on users’ medical appointments and other private moments. With the pitiful settlement that was reached, Apple will now dole out enough hush money for each claimant to buy a few coffees.
Digital Ownership and the End of Physical Media
The decline of physical media and the death of analog formats is consolidating corporate control over digital content. This shift raises serious concerns about access, ownership, and consumer rights.
Under Austerity, Assisted Suicide Isn’t Freedom
The UK is getting closer to legalizing assisted dying. On paper it may seem compassionate, but as with the Canadian case, the problems of state austerity and medical neglect mean it remains morally and ethically questionable.
Liberals Are Finally Admitting Bernie Is Right
After another devastating loss to Donald Trump, a few liberal pundits are begrudgingly admitting it — Bernie Sanders was right.
Navigating Discontent in the Age of the Internet
We live in an era of increasing tribalism and self-righteousness, made more toxic by social media. Philosopher Mark Kingwell argues that the Left can forge a healthier political culture.
Dear NHL, We Can’t See the Ice Through the Ads
Under the NHL’s new ad regime, the puck never crosses a line without a viewer being bombarded with a garish billboard.
Big Tech Markets Its Snake Oil as Progressivism
Tech bros promising “community engagement” are trying to cash in on health equity. Silicon Valley’s answer to social welfare involves slapping a progressive label on subscription social services while monetizing the safety net.
Copyright Keepers Just Destroyed a Huge Digital Library
In a troubling blow to public access, a US appeals court sided with big publishers, erasing half a million books from the Internet Archive’s lending library. This case isn’t just about books; it’s also about who controls the digital commons.
The Dream and Nightmare of Neoliberalism
The spread of neoliberalism promised economic efficiency and freedom for the powerful while wreaking havoc for millions. In recent years, claims of a post-neoliberal era have emerged, but a new book argues that these claims may be greatly exaggerated.
The Rich Want You to Fear Tax Fairness
Canada raised its capital gains tax inclusion rate, sparking outrage from the investing class, who warned of economic disaster. The data shows that their histrionics were groundless.
Economic Overlords Are Destroying Democracy — and Our Lives
Economic power is political power. We spoke with Peter Phillips, author of Titans of Capital, about how the capitalist class is subverting democracy and controlling the lives of billions through massive investments in everything from food to war.
Stop the Nonsense: Justin Trudeau Is No Marxist
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s farcical labeling of Justin Trudeau as a communist echoes hysterical historical precedents. The rhetoric underscores a cynical misunderstanding of both Trudeau’s policies and communism.
Greece’s Six-Day Workweek Is a Recipe for Disaster
Greece’s forced six-day workweek exploits workers and will leave the economy worse off in the long run. The policy, driven by economic pressures and an aging population, serves as a cautionary tale for global labor.
Enough With the Housing Crisis Already!
There is no excuse for a wealthy society like ours to have any problem providing enough housing for everyone. The housing crisis is an intolerable and glaring policy failure, and we are approaching a critical mass of collective exasperation.
We Need to Talk About Amazon Prime Day
Amazon Prime Day, which took place earlier this week, offers a flurry of deals for savvy consumers. But the two weeks leading up to the event and Prime Day itself result in double the industry average of recorded injuries.
Yes, Profits Have Risen With Prices
That unbelievably expensive grocery bill? Turns out there’s a simple explanation: a new report in Canada finds that corporate profits have doubled since before the outbreak of the pandemic.