To the Point
Is the US Becoming a Banana Republic?
As the US economy continues to struggle, it turns out that what was good for Wall Street wasn't good for the country after all. We talk with a former chief economist for the International Monetary Fund who says America's "financial oligarchs” stand in the way of economic recovery. Also, Chicago's Sun-Times files for Chapter 11, and America's President goes overseas…with a staff of 500.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenAs the US economy continues to struggle, it turns out that what was good for Wall Street wasn't good for the country after all. We talk with a former chief economist for the International Monetary Fund who says America's "financial oligarchs” stand in the way of economic recovery. Also, Chicago's Sun-Times files for Chapter 11, and the President goes abroad and the whole White House goes with him—including the cooks.
In this episode
3 storiesChicago Sun-Times Files for Chapter 11
Chicago's major newspaper, the Chicago Tribune, declared bankruptcy some months ago. Now, the second city's second paper, the Sun-Times , has filed for Chapter 11. Michael Smith is Professor of Journalism and Executive Director of the Media Management Center at Northwestern University's Medill School.
Read the story6 minIs the US Becoming a Banana Republic?
An article in the Atlantic magazine is drawing a lot of attention from Wall Street to Washington. It's about cozy relations between financial and political institutions that make the US look like Argentina, Russia, Indonesia and other “emerging markets.”
Read the story36 minObama Takes Entourage of 500 on Trip to London
President Obama is traveling abroad with an entourage of no less than 500 people, not to mention a fleet of decoy helicopters and a limousine called “The Beast.”
Read the story7 min
