By Rachel Goldfarb, originally posted on Next New Deal
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Econ 101 is Killing America (Salon)
Robert Atkinson and Michael Lind examine and debunk the myths of simplified neoclassical economics that are accepted as fact in Intro to Econ classes. Policymakers, they say, need to stop thinking this is the only economic model available.
Government–Not Business–Has Been the Source of Breakthrough Innovation (Working Economics)
Ross Eisenbrey uses Douglas C. Englebart's invention of the mouse as an example of government's great tech innovations. If every major piece of the iPhone had research support from the government and the military, why is Apple getting all the credit?
Spitzer is Dead Wrong on Public Financing (Policy Shop)
Mijin Cha argues in favor of public financing, which has increased the power of small donors in New York City. The candidates who take public financing will be spending taxpayer dollars, but they also have to listen to a much more diverse donor base.
Political Inflationistas (NYT)
Paul Krugman suggests that the economists who keep warning that the Fed's expansionary monetary policies will cause inflation are doing so because of severe partisanship. They're all Republicans, and he thinks they just won't support anything from the Obama administration.
After Outcry, McDonald’s Franchise Drops Compulsory ‘Payroll Debit Cards’ (In These Times)
Sarah Jaffe follows up on a recent story about the use of payroll cards in low-wage industries, where fees could bring real wages below the minimum. After general public outcry, a filed lawsuit, and a pending investigation, the outlook is sunnier.
The State of the Unions (TAP)
Harold Meyerson has a call to action for the labor movement because of new highs in union approval ratings. With that public support, unions are his first choice to push living wage ordinances and lobby for the needs of working-class Americans.
Is this the end of health insurers? (WaPo)
Sarah Kliff examines a new model in which health providers, such as hospitals, also provide insurance. The hospitals think they can provide care at a better price for patients, as long as the patients stay in the hospital network.