The Natural-Resource Curse Strikes Again by Andres Velasco Exit from comment view mode. Click to hide this space SANTIAGO – Chile today produces one-third of the world’s lithium – used in batteries that power everything from computers to cars – and has great potential to expand that share. President Sebastián Piñera’s government has attempted to auction off the right to expand lithium production to up to 100,000 tons over the next 20 years. Piñera’s center-right administration has been rigidly ideological in its approach. Nor were the auction’s designers concerned about fostering domestic competition. The auction was marred by potential conflicts of interest. This is a good opportunity for a fundamental rethink. So the time is ripe for Chile to do with lithium what it has never done before with its other mineral riches: develop a comprehensive policy aimed at building a local value-added industry. But those making such claims have not done their arithmetic properly.
Talking Points Memo | Breaking News and Analysis | TPM Home - The Globe and Mail CPOST - Chicago Project on Security and Terrorism The Political Lie, From Cicero to Joe McCarthy - Ben W. Heineman Jr. As a core campaign tactic, lying is nothing new. Senator McCarthy in 1954 (Wikimedia Commons) The point-counter point after Paul Ryan's convention speech has raised many questions -- about, for instance, the role of the media and the role of self-appointed "fact-checkers." But none is more important than the question of whether both campaigns have chosen direct lies as a core campaign tactic and whether, if so, this will increase cynicism and foster distrust in the electorate. Let me emphasize that this concern about direct lying applies to both parties. I subscribe to the view that this is a critical election, because the two parties actually have very different views of the role of government. Stepping back for a moment, we can view this issue of "facts" and "falsehoods" from two opposite perspectives. Lies seem destined to become standard operating procedure, perhaps with little embarrassment and little adverse impact -- except to our democracy
Economics and Politics by Paul Krugman - The Conscience of a Liberal