The (Private Sector) Hoover Dam of the 21st Century

I couldn't resist sharing this post to see what others think. Apparently on of the <a href= http://www.slate.com/articles/business/moneybox/2014/10/renewable_energy_projects_the_private_sector_not_the_government_is_funding.html>most ambitious</a> wind energy projects in history is going to be privately funded without any sort of government loan program and little expectation of continuing tax breaks on the federal or state level.

This is a good example of how renewable energy can start out as a project needing public subsidies, but then once it takes advantage of better technology and economies of scale, become an efficiently private venture. Then again, can we take public pride in a great infrastructure project that's completely privatized? It's worth remembering the truth of that great 2012 campaign line, "you didn't build that" even as publicly funded projects move into the private sector.

More pictures: consider externalities from global warming

US reroutes flights to avoid walrus stampede on Alaska beach | Environment | theguardian.com

Should we care about inequality?

This is a good and easily understood article about inequality and economic theory.  In neoclassical theory, inequality is not a problem that needs some sort of regulatory or subsidized solution.  But in the real world, is this true?



What's Wrong With Ignoring Inequality - Bloomberg View

Pictures from the protests in Hong Kong

Would you fight for democracy like this?





In Pictures: Hong Kong's Democracy Standoff: Beacon of Hope - Bloomberg

Affordable Care Act

Continuing our conversation from yesterday, an article from WSJ states that efforts to attract new consumers to enroll under the ACA is more complicated than it was in the first year, in conjunction with trying to have current customers keep their health plans for 2015.  

It appears that the priorities of getting new customers as well as retaining current ones are about equal, however this year advocates have to work harder to target new enrollees.  Continuing our conversation and based on this article, what do you project for 2015 and the ACA?  What problems, if any, do you foresee for 2015?

http://online.wsj.com/articles/health-law-coverage-expansion-gets-tougher-1411944893

Democracy matters

The protests in Hong Kong show no sign of abating.  The students, identifying themselves as Hong Kongers, want China to allow Hong Kong more freedom.  Note that older people are not protesting. 



Occupy Hong Kong Protesters Is Getting Serious — Meaning It Could Get Ugly - Business Insider

Tech and the criminalization of poverty

Technology is great as long as it is working for you.  But what about the times it tracks and punishes low income people for being poor?



Tech gives the rich new toys while perpetuating the criminalization of poverty | PandoDaily