Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

TexasTowelie

(120,153 posts)
Fri Apr 18, 2025, 05:00 AM Yesterday

US Economic Future - Structural Recession Fundraiser - Econ Lessons



Hi, my name is Mark, and I am an economist. My claim is that the future of the US economy could be a long-term structural recession or unemployment. In this video, I explore the future of the U.S. economy through the lens of structural unemployment, arguing that a long-term jobs crisis is emerging from poor policy decisions. Drawing on Milton Friedman's advocacy for freedom and free markets, I highlight his lesser-known support for a negative income tax to reduce inequality and poverty, principles increasingly relevant today.

Not exactly in the same way but similar, I examine how Scandinavian countries have combined economic freedom with substantial investments in human capital, particularly education and workforce development. This human-centered model has fostered resilience and high labor participation. Meanwhile, the United States appears to be shifting away from free trade while simultaneously dismantling its educational infrastructure without substantially supporting students or displaced workers.

This combination—protectionism without investment in people—risks deepening structural unemployment and setting the stage for a prolonged recession or even depression. I argue that the U.S. economy is at a crossroads: either it embraces inclusive growth through human capital development or faces systemic decline.

If we want to improve the world, we need to invest in human capital and all free markets.
1 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
US Economic Future - Structural Recession Fundraiser - Econ Lessons (Original Post) TexasTowelie Yesterday OP
OK lonely bird 17 hrs ago #1

lonely bird

(2,242 posts)
1. OK
Fri Apr 18, 2025, 04:20 PM
17 hrs ago

Two things…

Minsky said that welfare was not the way to go. Rather the government should be the employer of last resort.

There is no such thing as a free market. Markets require structure in the form of laws and regulations to function.

Besides that I do agree with what he said regarding human capital. Unfortunately, the RW in this country would not stand for that because Libs might be helped. They will literally destroy themselves just to “own the Libs”.

Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Economy»US Economic Future - Stru...