Default is not in our stars, but in ourselves.

The trouble with poverty, as an issue, is that it has basically exhausted the patience of the general public.

[I]n America, at least, we have a pretty good record for behaving in a fiscally responsible fashion, with one exception - namely, the fiscal irresponsibility that prevails when, and only when, hard-line conservatives are in power.

Middle-class societies don't emerge automatically as an economy matures, they have to be CREATED through political action.

The French, unfortunately, actually believe what they say, and that has been very destructive.

Are you, or is someone you know, a gadget freak? If so, you doubtless know that Wednesday was iPhone 5 day, the day Apple unveiled its latest way for people to avoid actually speaking to or even looking at whoever they're with.

The real danger with debt is what happens if lots of people decide, or are forced, to pay it off at the same time.