John Buell
37 results total, viewing 1 - 20
Excess of supervisors dulls firms’ productivity
Remember when the U.S. model of “flexible” labor markets, deregulated transportation and innovative finance was supposed to be an example to the world? Freed from the constraints of minimum … more
By John Buell | 3/16/10 | 594 views
Rewarding failure, at our expense
Many middle-class Americans are outraged by the bonuses Goldman Sachs is paying its top traders. The corporate media treat such outrage as “populist” irrationality or simple envy. CNBC’s … more
By John Buell | 3/2/10 | 885 views
Car culture and global energy conflict
This ad (herein condensed) did not make the Super Bowl roster, but Sarah Palin probably likes it: “My name is Ram and my tank is full. I’m fueled by optimism. Driven by passion and stopped by … more
By John Buell | 2/16/10 | 598 views
State needs a skilled work force
If that first dip in the cold bath of recession wasn’t bracing enough, how about a second dip? Most of the mainstream media along with the financial markets are pronouncing the Great Recession … more
By John Buell | 2/2/10 | 607 views
Our ethical obligations to Haiti
What to say about a disaster as horrific as the earthquake in Haiti? An earthquake that destroyed Lisbon in the 18th century led Voltaire to satirize Leibniz’s claim that “this is the best of all … more
By John Buell | 1/19/10 | 435 views
The best bipartisanship
Will the U.S. Congress finally assert its independence of both the finance industry and party leaders beholden to its goals? This would be bipartisanship of which we could be proud. The Huffington … more
By John Buell | 1/5/10 | 456 views
Division between developed and developing countries
Why did Copenhagen yield meager results? Divisions between the so-called developed and developing worlds have been cited as one of the major causes, with the developed nations — especially the U.S. — being seen as especially more
By John Buell | 12/22/09 | 840 views
Obama and his (virtual) virtuous war
I expected to be disappointed by President Barack Obama’s West Point address. During the campaign he constantly reminded us that this war had been thrust upon us. Like World War II, it would define us. more
By John Buell | 12/8/09 | 942 views
Bad times could get worse for Obama
The Obama administration faces the midterm elections in the vortex of forces that might impale it. Does President Obama recognize the magnitude of the risks? more
By John Buell | 11/24/09 | 1694 views
Capitalism’s incarnations
Is capitalism evil? Is it bound to pass from the scene? I thought such questions were forever relegated to occasional seminars in a few cloistered left academies. Now, compliments of Michael Moore and the Great Recession, such questions are part of our national discourse. more
By John Buell | 11/10/09 | 1374 views
Debating Burns’ thesis on national parks’ value
Living on the doorstep of Acadia National Park, my family hardly needs to be reminded that national parks are a good idea. more
By John Buell | 10/27/09 | 710 views
Justice for the unemployed
With the official unemployment rate nearly 10 percent, now is no time to let talk of recovery deter us from concern for the suffering of the unemployed. more
By John Buell | 10/13/09 | 882 views
Common ground on marriage
Conventional thinking has it that the debate over same-sex marriage is a contest of secular liberals versus religiously motivated conservatives. The issue is admittedly divisive. Boston University … more
By John Buell | 9/29/09 | 2132 views
Reflections on air travel, defining globalization
Labor Day weekend, I flew to Toronto for the annual meeting of the American Political Science Association. Not surprisingly, complexity, globalization and unpredictability were themes of the conference. more
By John Buell | 9/15/09 | 1161 views
U.S. mired in tyranny of minority
Political commentators tell us that the epicenter of health care reform is the Senate Finance Committee, where a “gang of six” reportedly holds decisive influence. Since Olympia Snowe is a member … more
By John Buell | 9/1/09 | 773 views
Weight of government’s hand on capitalism’s scale
To advocate a new, robust stimulus package, as in my last column, invites some predictable comments. Government is inefficient, politically motivated in its choice of winners and losers, and out to … more
By John Buell | 8/18/09 | 940 views
Try holding our leaders accountable
To stimulate or not to stimulate? While the Obama administration debates whether to request another stimulus package most Republicans trot out the familiar line that deficit spending never works. more
By John Buell | 8/4/09 | 1293 views
The U.S. is lurching from one quagmire to another
Robert McNamara’s life may illuminate contemporary tragedy. Just weeks before McNamara died, President Obama pressured reluctant Democrats to approve a strange hybrid coupling of Afghanistan war funds with billions for the International Monetary Fund. more
By John Buell | 7/21/09 | 1071 views
On health care politics, why not demand the best?
Why is Barack Obama dodging a single-payer option? Care would be publicly funded, but privately delivered. People would go to the doctor of their choice. Obama recently answered: “If I were … more
By John Buell | 6/23/09 | 2967 views
Recenter abortion debate on equality of sacrifice
I am sickened by the death of Dr. George Tiller, a physician who displayed lifelong respect for the woman and her body. Operation Rescue condemned his murder, though in language that tacitly … more
By John Buell | 6/9/09 | 1674 views
Signup for BDN Email Updates

Powered by: Creative Circle Advertising Solutions, Inc.