Reflections

Hey Barry:

This time of year is a reflection time for me with lots of family and friends gathering. I hope it is the same for you.

So, this is a reflective note about the background for my comments in this space.

I have read about economic theory and current events since 1960 with a focus on the interaction of national government policies and economic growth. In the early 1990's I created a set of 34 national economic policies which affect growth in just about any political structure. Beginning in 1995 I have published student analyses of how well various national government policies promote economic growth. Each study is written under my direction by a native student of the country about which she or he writes.

Clicking on the link above takes you to MIEPA's home page which contains links to each of about 40 country analyses as well as some other studies published there.

LIST OF 34 ECONOMIC POLICIES

The link titled 'INTRODUCTION AND POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS' [http://www.mkeever.com/intro.html] presents a description of all the policies and some background on the site.

INDIVIDUAL COUNTRY STUDIES

Each economic analysis of a country is linked to the country name. For example the study of the USA written in May of 2010 is titled UNITED STATES OF AMERICA [http://www.mkeever.com/usa.html]

Some of the studies were written a few years ago; they remain on the site until another student writes an update. Some students fear for their lives and families and so choose to remain anonymous.

MANUAL ON WRITING COUNTRY ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

Some folks may be interested in exactly how the policy studies are written. This link gives a complete methodology: 'POLICY ANALYST APPLICATION - JOBS GROWTH THEORY' [http://www.mkeever.com/apply.html]

ECONOMIC SYSTEM ALTERNATIVES

I sponsored an essay contest in 2000 for expositions of alternative economic systems. The market based, capitalistic system which is widely used is not the only effective method of organizing economic behavior.

Several very interesting ideas and case studies were submitted and the winning essays are published under the link titled: 'THERE ARE ALTERNATIVES (T.A.A.) PROJECT' [http://www.mkeever.com/taa.html].

BALANCED TRADE

I wrote an essay on an alternative international trade theory titled: 'BALANCED TRADE: TOWARD THE FUTURE OF ECONOMICS' which is published at this link: [http://www.mkeever.com/essay.html]

It is worth considering for the United States. Since publishing that essay, I have provided some limited assistance to Ian Fletcher in his efforts to suggest alternative trade theories as published in 'FREE TRADE DOESN'T WORK: WHAT SHOULD REPLACE IT AND WHY' [www.freetradedoesntwork.com]

MORAL ECONOMICS

Sadly, economic theory does not address the social implications of market actions. Under economic theory, you as a consumer do not know or care who produced the products you use. They may have been produced by unionized workers with health insurance and a pension or they may have been produced by tubercular children working 10 hours per day for starvation wages.

The essay titled 'MORAL ECONOMICS' is an attempt to reconcile economic theory with morality: [http://www.mkeever.com/moral.html]

BANK REGULATIONS

Here's my take on the subject: 'BANK REGULATION IN THE UNITED STATES' February 2009 [www.mkeever.com/bank_regulation_usa.doc]

PREDICTING DISASTERS

Lastly, I am concerned that there appears to be no systematic attempt to predict future economic booms and busts. I made a video about a method to create such a mechanism and the scripts and links are in the site: 'ECONOMICS 2.0, DODGING DISASTERS, PART 1 AND PART 2' [http://www.mkeever.com/dodgingdisasters.html]

Thank you for your attention.

Happy New Year!

Your pal,