Applying Piketty

Five things we can do in Massachusetts to address the concentration of wealth and capital documented by author Thomas Piketty

By Dan Wolf 0 Comments Jul 15, 2014

Thomas Piketty’s Capital in the Twenty-First Century must be taken as a profound challenge. Piketty’s big thesis is that wealth and capital must accumulate and concentrate—it’s the inherent nature of our economic system. It’s happened before, it’s happening right now, and he proves it. Overwhelming events like world wars, or a great depression, can reverse(...)

Politics

Not exactly party time in Massachusetts

The number of unenrolled voters is climbing to historic highs

By Steve Koczela Elections 0 Comments Jul 15, 2014

political parties in Massachusetts are approaching a crossroads, as fewer new registrants choose to affiliate with either party and the number of unenrolled voters climbs to historic highs. Since 1978, the number of unenrolled voters in Massachusetts has soared by 97 percent, while the two major parties each added just 9 percent to their rolls.(...)

Economy

Mr. Sunshine

Bringing an ad man’s optimism to the cynical world of journalism, the Boston Globe’s new CEO sees bright days ahead.

By Bruce Mohl Media and Journalism 1 Comment Jul 15, 2014

FOR SOMEONE RUNNING what many consider a dead-end business, Mike Sheehan is incredibly optimistic. The former Hill Holliday ad executive, who took over as the Boston Globe’s first-ever CEO in January, believes the newspaper can invest more in its journalism and come out ahead financially. He laid out his sunny philosophy at the unveiling of(...)

Education

Inching along in the market: The genesis of this story

By Jack Sullivan 0 Comments Jul 15, 2014

Few stories start in a vacuum. At some point, quite often outside of work, a reporter or editor will come across information that is worth examining. That’s how I began this look at the endowment fund run by the University of Massachusetts Foundation. I am on the board of a small, South Shore charity, the(...)

Education

Inching along in the market

The UMass endowment has shown impressive growth, but its conservative investment approach may be hurting it in today’s market

By Jack Sullivan 1 Comment Jul 15, 2014

in 1996, when William Bulger took over as president of the University of Massachusetts, the school system was an afterthought in many ways on the college scene, both regionally and nationally. A disparate collection of five campuses with varying curricula and missions, the system was often overshadowed in academics, sports, and, especially, endowments by its(...)

Politics

Caught in a time warp

The NAACP’s Will Singleton says Pittsfield’s municipal government doesn’t reflect the community’s changing demographics

By Gabrielle Gurley City and Town Profiles 0 Comments Jul 15, 2014

Members of the Berkshire County NAACP, with Will Singleton in center in drawstring pants. Will singleton didn’t know what to make of it. The retired Pittsfield native had been back in town for years, and he never saw any African Americans working in City Hall. People of color account for nearly 15 percent of the(...)

Education

Back to school on the American Dream

Congress needs lessons in bipartisan cooperation to get US higher education policy back on track

By John Schneider 0 Comments Apr 15, 2014

Degrees of Inequality: How the Politics of Higher Education Sabotaged the American Dream By Suzanne Mettler New York: Basic Books 261 pages the american dream is in trouble. As our economy has become more globalized and competitive, it has become harder to achieve what was once available to most Americans—a good job with a good(...)