Tag Archives: Draine on Society
Inside JVP: An Interview with Alex Draine by Ben Kharakh
In this edition of Inside JVP, I turn the tables on Alex and “Draine” him of some of his Draineness as I learn more about one of the Johnsonville’s more prolific contributors.
JVP Speaks: Are you going to vote?
Hello and welcome to JVP Speaks! In this soon-to-be-a-recurring-feature, contributors will kick-off a discussion on a particular topic by writing on a single prompt. This week the JVP asked itself: are you voting? Why or why not? Feel free to answer the question yourself, comment on any of our answers, and to generally get the ball rolling on this important topic! Here’s what we had to say:
On Debt and Deficits – Alexander Draine
Draine on Society
Recently, several pieces of legislation crafted by Congress have come under fire from politicians for their effect on the national debt. Typically these critics have been dubbed “deficit hawks” due to their conservative, or hawkish, viewpoints on the subject. But this type of behavior is not limited to one side of the political aisle. Indeed, all sound-minded and forward-looking individuals ought to agree that we must ultimately reduce the size of the national debt. Thus, a closer look into the nature of debt and deficits is warranted.
On Government Economic Policy – Alexander Draine
Draine on Society
There are two forms of government economic policy: monetary and fiscal. Monetary policy is conducted by a central bank, or the Federal Reserve Bank in the United States, while fiscal policy is conducted by the Department of the Treasury and the Legislative Branch. This article will examine both forms and evaluate their relative effectiveness in promoting economic activity and growth in times of recession.
Straight Talk on Climate Change – Alexander Draine
Draine on Society The global warming debate has become infantile in practice as both sides stick to their approved platitudes and mantras and each side accuses the other of lies,… Read more
A Surge in Nation Building – Alexander Draine
Draine on Society On Tuesday December 1st, 2009, President Barack Obama made public his intention to send an additional 30,000 American soldiers to the combat theater of Afghanistan. Though expected,… Read more
Silence is Golden, and so are Central Banks – Alexander Draine
Draine on Society
Money is a fascinating human invention that has facilitated economic activity for thousands for years. The decision to introduce currency allowed humans to shift away from a barter exchange economy which had the burdensome requirement of what economists refer to as coincidence of wants. That is, if we operated in a barter economy and I raised chickens for a living, I could only purchase goods and services from individuals who wanted chickens.
Jobless Recoveries – Alexander Draine
Draine on Society A “recession” is defined as two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth. Thus, by the time a contraction is officially labeled a recession, it may seem painfully… Read more
All is Fair in Health Care and War – Alexander Draine
Draine On Society The national discussion on health care reform has recently taken a dangerous turn. What should have been a meaningful discussion on goals and feasibility has been transformed… Read more
Carbon-Based Lifestyle – Alexander Draine
Draine on Society Hydrocarbon consumption is the American way of life. Every facet of our society is supported by the generation of energy through combustion of hydrocarbons, otherwise known as… Read more
