September 3

What you need to know to navigate today’s most critical debates.

How to End the Great Recession (NYTimes)
Robert Reich writes that after the bursting of the debt bubble, the only way forward is through shared prosperity.

White House considers pre-midterm package of business tax breaks to spur hiring (WaPo)
The administration will possibly, maybe, push for a payroll holiday, R&D credit, or some other uncontroversial measure before November. Feel that momentum shift!

The Real Story (NYTimes)
Paul Krugman notes that critics who warned that the stimulus was too small have been vindicated. Will President Obama learn the right lesson? See above.

Why the Stimulus Ran Out of Steam (The Atlantic)
Joshua Green evaluates the administration’s decision to push a series of small measures instead of making a single bold move.

The odd decouple (The Economist)
Countries like Germany and Britain are giving America recovery envy. Is it justified?

House Democrats to Obama: No Cuts to Social Security (TPM)
Rep. Raul Grijalva is leading progressive Democrats in a pledge to oppose the deficit commission’s recommendations unless they leave Social Security intact.

Megabanks Will Shrink, Bernanke Tells Financial Crisis Commission, Yet Doubts Over Too Big To Fail Remain (HuffPo)
The Fed chairman opposed legislative efforts to break up the big banks, but he maintains that natural selection will take care of it. Just like in 2008?

25 percent of employed were jobless during recession, study says (WaPo)
Even after a brush with unemployment, many Americans are unhappy with their current jobs and have had to adjust to a different lifestyle.

The Path to a High-Wage Society (TAP)
Peter Dreier makes the case that for a healthier economy, we need more unions and tougher labor laws.

U.S. employers push increase in cost of healthcare onto workers (LA Times)
Workers face rising medical costs and reduced benefits as employers cut corners.

Sorry, Kids, No Jobs Here (The Nation)
Liz Shuler explains how the unemployment crisis is hobbling young workers right out of the starting gate.

One Dollar, One Vote? (MoJo)
Kevin Drum observes that while most Americans want tax cuts for high earners repealed, lawmakers only care about the views of those who have money to burn.

Comparing the High-Income Tax Cuts and the Social Security Shortfall (Off the Charts)
Megan McArdle: still wrong about Social Security.

Robert Rubin Demands Government Give $250 Billion to Millionaires (FDL)
Reinstating the estate tax at lower rates is a great way to subsidize the wealthy.

The War’s End (TAP)
Matthew Yglesias praises President Obama’s commitment to disengage from Iraq and stop trying to justify an invasion that never had a clear purpose.