More Washington Control over the Fed?

In Forbes Magazine's Current Events section, economic historian Amity Schlaes discusses Congressman Barney Frank's attempt to include all regional Fed presidents as Washington appointments.  Currently they are chosen independently by their regional bank boards.  Do we need more Washington oversight, or is this just another power grab by Frank?

http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2011/1024/opinions-amity-shlaes-current-events-policy-financial.html

Well Worth Reading!

Too often in economics we focus on the negative, or what's wrong with our economy.  In his latest issue of The Tea Leaf, local economist Jeff Thredgold presents his semi-annual "Happy Talk", the good news we sometimes ignore.

http://www.thredgold.com/tealeaf/111004.pdf

Is Wall Street to Blame?

Protesters descend on Wall Street claiming "corporate fat cats"  responsible for bad economy.  See this article from the Associated Press.
Do you agree, and is the the proper forum for protest?

http://xfinity.comcast.net/articles/news-national/20111001/US.Wall.Street.Protest/?cid=hero_media

Proud to be an American!

No folks, it wasn't Photoshopped!

New Patent Law

President Obama signed a new patent bill into law today.  Will it improve the process and spur economic growth?  Here are two articles, one from USA Today regarding signing of the bill, the other from Entrepreneur Magazine regarding how to navigate the new law.  Does the new law unfairly favor large companies over individuals and small businesses?

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2011/09/obama-signs-patent-law-sells-jobs-bill/1?csp=34news

http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/220301

Jobs, Tax Reform, or More of the Same?

President Obama unveiled his plan for creating jobs following his speech to Congress last week.  Will it create jobs, or is it more stimulus spending to pay for another government program?  Read the article from the Wall Street Journal and you decide.

Obama Jobs Bill

Economic Humor

Some cartoons to lighten your mood.