02/26/07 Social Security: a contrarian view New York actuary David Langer advocates making benefits much more generous, instead of cutting back. 02/12/07 A phony argument on income taxes An assertion by Bush's budget director obscures issues arising from the concentration of income and wealth at the top. 01/08/06 Euro gives dollar a run for the money The dollar's declining foreign-exchange value and the continuing US trade deficit are hurting the reputation of US currency. 12/18/06 Are Americans ready for fiscal sanity? Focus groups indicate that people in the US recognize the need to cure the fiscal problems arising from an aging society and the Iraq war. 12/11/06 US tries to tame the Chinese tiger Congress has become increasingly frustrated by the growing US trade deficit with China. 12/04/06 The Democrats' economic wish list They'd like a minimum wage hike and expanded healthcare and education programs, but need to find funding first. 11/27/06 Milton Friedman's monetary mantle The Nobel Prize winner revived recognition of the role of the nation's money supply in economic growth and inflation. 11/06/06 Healthcare crisis countdown It will take a catastrophe to usher in a single-payer system, whose opponents have deep pockets. 10/30/06 A Halloween mask for Social Security The multitrillion-dollar liability numbers used by privatization enthusiasts are aimed at scaring people, some experts say. Monitor archives You can find more of David R. Francis' articles in the Monitor archive.