Outside the Beltway

Andrew Exum believes the Army should “get rid of all medals not related to valor or campaign-specific service.”

It would be nice if people in power would be a bit more introspective and thoughtful.

Far from being deterimental, there is a case to be made that SuperPACs have actually expended democracy during this election cycle.

The old have most of the money and power in our society, a trend that is accelerating.

David C. Levy argues college professors at teaching universities are overpaid because they don’t put in enough hours.

The odds are against anyone who challenges an incumbent President. So, how do you do it?

Rising fuel prices are starting to hurt the President in the polls, but it’s unclear what that means for November.

The NYT has an interesting piece on the ongoing limted v. big governemnt debate.

Contrary to myth, the USA is still a major manufacturing power. But the factory has changed radically.

Not surprisingly, Republicans are trying to reverse the automatic cuts to defense spending agreed to in August.

Romney would rank among richest presidents ever

Higher gas prices in the spring could have an impact on the economy, and the election.

Ron Paul has a new explanation for those newsletters of his.

Becoming a Member of Congress can be a very lucrative career.

Where is the economy headed? The signals are mixed at best.

Don’t believe the fear mongering about the coming decreases in the growth of defense spending.

“The debt crisis is burrowing ever deeper, like a worm, and is now reaching Germany.”

With the Super Committee dead, 2012 is likely to see a fight over the defense cuts set to take place starting in 2013.

How did Republicans get in this mess?

Not surprisingly, the Supercommittee is a Super Failure.

Rick Perry is out with a plan to reform Washington. Mostly, it’s just a bunch of gimmicks.

A dwindling proportion of students are majoring in STEM fields. They’re likely making the wise choice.

The Greek referendum could be a disaster for the global economy. And might be the right thing to do.

Banks have more money than they can lend out profitably.

After years of fighting inflation, some are now urging the Fed to instead target GDP growth and jobs.

The prospects for real economic recovery are not good.

American has real economic and social problems. But the solution in on Capitol Hill, not Wall Street.

With the advantage of hindsight, it’s clear that more creative strategies were needed. But they probably couldn’t have been passed.

Damage from starting one’s career during a recession can persist over one’s entire working life.

It’s time to start being concerned about Europe.

In an interview, President Obama says that Americans are worse off than they were four years ago.

Paul Krugman seems to believe that something like the bubble economy we enjoyed until it burst in 2008 could be had again if only our leaders were sufficiently bold.

President Obama is proposing a special tax rate for millionaires.

Whether it’s a “Ponzi Scheme” or not, Social Security has serious systemic problems that must be addressed.

Thank goodness, the July PCE numbers look pretty good compared to recent months. Lets hope it is something that will continue.

Obama’s economic policies are failing because he’s listening to conservatives – not small businesses.

Ben Bernanke didn’t offer many clues in his speech today, but one wonders if he really has any tricks left up his sleeve.

Rubio may be wowing conservatives audience, but is his rhetoric grounded in reality?

Schools of education attract the weakest students and give out the highest grades on campus.

Michele Bachmann is promising $2.00 gas. Not surprisingly, she has no idea how to achieve this seemingly impossible goal.