Re: [OPE-L] "The U.S. Economy: What's Next?"

From: Jerry Levy (Gerald_A_Levy@MSN.COM)
Date: Mon Apr 16 2007 - 08:48:07 EDT


> Jerry, thank you. What do you think is next?

Hi Alejandro:

A few weeks ago I heard Robert Brenner talk at a CEPA (Center for 
Economic Policy Analysis) workshop at the New School on "Prosperity 
and Stagnation in the World Economy: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow"
and he was asked exactly the same question.  Bob said that he didn't know,
and I'll give you the same answer.

For a variety of reasons, however, I think that a "crash" or a "meltdown" is 
unlikely for the US economy in the near future.  A more likely scenario  is 
*continued stagnation* but -- following a shake-out after the housing bubble
bursts more completely -- increased centralization of capital and a shift
of wealth away from working-class households as foreclosures increase 
and families are increasingly debt burdened.  I would expect both the
budget deficit and trade deficits to increase over the same time period and 
for capitalists to continue their assault on unions, workers' wages and benefits.

In solidarity, Jerry


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