Category: economics

how Google (and myself) avoid taxes

On By Rick McIn economics, ethics, governmentLeave a comment

I’m in Bermuda right now … hiding my vast wealth. 😀

According to the latest available figures, 63 percent of all the profits made outside of the United States by American multinationals are now reported in six low- or zero-tax countries: the Netherlands, Bermuda, Luxembourg, Ireland, Singapore and Switzerland. …

The NY Times has a comparatively simple article with graphics explaining how the stupidly rich hide their money … legally.

How Corporations and the Wealthy Avoid Taxes  (and How to Stop Them)

How do we know?

Much was revealed from the Swiss Leaks (2015), the Panama Papers (2016) and the Paradise Papers (2017).

Only one entity was sued after the Panama Papers.

 

Has the USA already peaked?

On By Rick McIn economics, government, human rights, things getting worse, travelLeave a comment

Some argue that the USA peaked in the 1990s.

Under Trump it certainly seems that the States now have far less world authority and moral influence. Americans consider their politicians corrupt and ineffective.

The Republican / Democrat split solidified by gerrymandering would seem to make gridlock inevitable.

But having toured Washington DC the past 3 days, I’m not so sure the USA is on permanent decline.

My favourite attraction on the mall was the Washington Monument.

Very inspiring.

It’s the world’s tallest stone structure and the world’s tallest obelisk.

George Washington is inspiring too:

If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.

My first wish is to see this plague of mankind, war, banished from the earth.

Like the USA, the Washington Monument has problems. $2-3 million is needed to modernize the elevator.

Has the USA peaked? For some reason I think the best is yet to come.

The nation will have to rally around one leader and Party. A fiscally conservative Democrat. Or moderate Republican.

Dinosaurs like Jeff Sessions will need to go extinct for the nation to move forward. Trump is the worst American leader of all time. By far. The sooner his regime ends, the better.

homeless downtown Montreal

On By Rick McIn anti-smoking, bad news, economics, ethics, government, travelLeave a comment

I spent a few weeks this year near the Berri-UQAM Metro station on Rue Sainte-Catherine, heart of downtown Montreal. There are a LOT of homeless people. It reminds me of a major American city in that way.

One survey (Douglas Mental Health University / 800+ volunteers) counted 3,016 homeless in the city. 10% aboriginal. 10% immigrants. Veterans 6%.

Other guesstimates have been 10 times as high.

I was there during warmer months. During winter these folks need to find someplace heated.

A harsh and boring life, seems to me. They all seem to have cigarettes. Somehow.

IMG_0114

Not sure what can be done to reduce the numbers. A guaranteed minimum income experiment — or new kinds of free housing — could be tried.

 

 

the real damage done by Republicans

On By Rick McIn economics, ethics, governmentLeave a comment

The real goal of the GOP — rich get richer — very successful under Trump. Follow the money.

Noam Chomsky is right:

The United States doesn’t just interfere in elections. It overthrows governments it doesn’t like, institutes military dictatorships. …

What’s going on is a very systematic two-tiered operation. One of them is Trump, Bannon, the effort to try to make sure you capture the headlines, that you’re top of the news, one crazy thing after another just to capture people’s attention. …

Chomsky essentially believes that the contrived pseudo-scandal that is Russiagate, serves as a distraction from the actual scandalous things that take place on a daily basis in Washington, D.C., and only serve to better the “rich and powerful.”

While everything is focusing on that, the Paul Ryan republicans, who are, in my view, the most dangerous and savage group in the country, are busy implementing programs that they have been talking quietly about for years. Very savage programs, which have very simple principles. One, be sure to offer to the rich and powerful gifts beyond the dreams of avarice, and [two], kick everyone else in the face. And it’s going on step by step right behind the bluster. …

“Trump Is A Distraction, Used By The Deep State To ‘Systematically Destroy’ America!” Says Chomsky

the world needs more immigration, not less

On By Rick McIn economics, ethics, governmentLeave a comment

Steve Jobs was the son of a Muslim Syrian immigrant.

The progressive case for immigration

That’s legal immigration with support in place on arrival.

Click PLAY or watch it on Facebook.

the future of the NEWS

On By Rick McIn economics, education, ethics, Facebook, good news, internet, product endorsements, things getting worseLeave a comment

What will the most popular news sources of the future look like?

I’m hopeful for the soon to be launched Wikitribune.

Evidence-based journalism

People today mostly get their news from TV (not bad) and social media (terrible).

My favourite news source right now is Axios, just 6 months old.

Smart brevity.

Axios covers 7 areas: politics, tech, media trends, health, science, energy, and future of work (AI, robotics, etc.).

They want to deliver the cleanest, smartest, most efficient and trust-worthy experience for readers and advertisers alike.

It was founded by Mike Allen, former chief political reporter for Politico. I like Politico too, founded in 2007. And  Jim VandeHei.

John F. Harris and Jim VandeHei left The Washington Post to become The Politico‘s editor-in-chief and executive editor, respectively.

So … Washington Post begat Politico begat Axios.

If interested, start by signing up for any of the Axios email newsletters.

 

 

Immigrants (We Get The Job Done)

On By Rick McIn economics, ethics, government, musicLeave a comment

Immigration is good for the economy.

In Canada I trust immigrants more than I trust non-immigrants.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

That said … every nation needs immigration laws. Illegal immigrants should be quickly and ethically brought to trials. The Canadian legal system is too slow.

via NPR

I’m not celebrating the 4th of July

On By Rick McIn bad news, economics, ethics, government, things getting worseLeave a comment

His approach is not working. Five months into his first term, Mr Trump presides over a political culture that is even more poisonous than when he took office.  …

The Trump presidency has been plagued by poor judgment and missed opportunities. …

Economist

Unethical, immoral, illegal and unconstitutional. If you still support Trump I’d prefer we never speak again.

WHEN will the West Calgary Ring Road be finished?

On By Rick McIn economics, governmentLeave a comment

I’m talking about the orange section …

26 bridges and six interchanges.

The southwest portion (light blue) of the ring road is expected to be open in 2021. But the the “timing and construction details for this nine-kilometre (orange) stretch” is under review.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.