Mike “Mish” Shedlock is an American investment advisor and financial commentator. He operates the blog MishTalk.com, offering economic trend analysis. Shedlock is a registered investment advisor representative for Sitka Pacific Capital Management, an asset management firm whose goal is strong performance and low volatility, regardless of market direction. He is also a contributing “professor” on Minyanville, a community site focused on economic and financial education.
Bill Gross has a Plan to Fix the Fractured U.S. Job Market. However, before you can fix any problem you have to understand what the problem is. Interestingly, Gross seems to have a handle on some aspects the problem. Here are two key points from the article on which I agree with Gross. If we...
Here is yet another example of the unrealistic, self-defeating obstinacy of rank-and-file public union workers: In Connecticut, AFSCME and other public unions voted down a proposal negotiated over many months that contained a “no layoff” clause for 4 years in return for a pay freeze for 2 years. That was an amazingly generous offer. The...
Illinois has a budget deficit of $8 billion and has billions of dollars in unpaid bills. Those problems persist after the largest tax hikes in history. However, Illinois is wasting millions of dollars in programs that many would consider absurd even in good times. For example, please consider $365K In Taxpayer Dollars To Teach People...
Many countries have restrictions and requirements on doctors, nurses, lawyers etc. Greece carries the idea to extreme. According to Keep Talking Greece “closed professions” include beauticians, drama and dance school instructors, bakers, antiques dealers, insurance agents, insurance consultants, employment consultants, diagnostics centre staff, translators, divers, cameramen, driving school instructors, cab drivers, tourist bus drivers, newspaper...
Those looking for more public union insanity can find it in Orange County California. The Orange County Register reports Lifeguarding in OC is totally lucrative; some make over $200k. When thinking about career options with high salaries, lifeguarding is probably not one of the first jobs to come to mind. But it apparently should. In...
As proof of the misguided, counterproductive policies of Illinois, Governor Quinn hiked corporate incomes taxes to bail out a state deep in fiscal trouble, (it did not and will not work), now grants corporations hefty incentives to not move to Texas. The Chicago Tribune reports $100 million keeps Motorola Mobility in Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn...
Suppose you own a profitable, legal in all 50 states, business and want to expand or reorganize your operations. Now let’s suppose that someone came up to you and said “Sorry boys, but you cannot do what you want with your business. You cannot go anywhere you please. See those balls and chains on your...
Dissolving Governments in Michigan New measures passed in Michigan will allow the state to dissolve governments, void union contracts, toss aside elected school-board members, close schools and authorize charter schools. Thankfully, those measures are being put to good use. Please consider Using New Emergency Financial Manager Law, They Start Dissolving Governments in Michigan In what...
California Governor Jerry Brown is annoyed at Republicans who have blocked his plan for massive tax hikes to balance the budget. In response, the governor plans to take his case straight to the voters. Please consider Brown Plans California Drive to Keep Taxes as New Cuts Loom California Governor Jerry Brown said he’ll propose a...
In Wisconsin, unions have not yet gotten the message that taxpayers have had enough. In the wake of much needed legislation signed by Governor Walker, Unions Threaten Wisconsin Businesses. Here is a snip of a letter sent to Mr. Tom Ellis, President of Marshall & Ilsley Corporation: Dear Mr. Ellis: As you undoubtedly know, Governor...
Miami-Dade mayor Carlos Alvarez and Commissioner Natacha Seijas were ousted in recall votes. Both voted for huge tax hikes that will saddle county taxpayers for years to come. This should serve as a warning shot to union sympathizers that taxpayers have had enough. Please consider Alvarez, Seijas trounced in Miami-Dade recall election With almost all...
Public unions objecting to Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker’s plan that will save 6,000 jobs flooded the state capitol in protest. 40% of Madison area teachers called in sick. Those teachers should all be fired. Unfortunately they cannot be fired because their union protects them. Time Magazine reports Public Workers Protest in Wisconsin Thousands of Wisconsin’s...
In response to New York Mayor Seeks Pension Overhaul; New Jersey Governor Tells Unions “Sue Me” Over Pension Cuts I received yet another email stating a line I frequently hear, that some occupations are “special” and need protection. Here is the exact statement: “I think that teachers are special and must be separated out in...
Best wishes to Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak who is still justifiably after firefighters over fraudulent sick leave. Please consider Sisolak calls for investigation of firefighter sick leave: In 2009, Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak began looking hard at Fire Department costs. He had received a deluge of angry calls and e-mails from constituents wondering...
a new form will got here