Free Republic

Some of the most enduring images of the great depression of 1929-1939 are those of long lines of obviously beaten-down men in soup lines… hungry women and children with haunted eyes. Shantytowns sprang up all over the country, called Hoovervilles in mocking derision of the disastrous policies that engendered the crash and the even worse schemes which perpetuated the depression until 1939 and the advent of the Second World War. Twenty five per cent unemployment… some eleven million three hundred thousand people lost their jobs, homes and farms, out of a pre-depression population of 120 million. Contrast that to today,...

The Idea of Europe by John Mauldin June 24, 2005 The Idea of Europe The French Social Model? The Possibility of German Reform? The British Are Coming! Austin, Paris, London and moving! This week we return to Europe, as what is happening there is one of the most important questions of the day. It is every bit as critical to our long-term world economic future as the valuation of the Chinese currency or US trade deficits or Fed policy. Let me set the stage with this note. I am not happy about and take no pleasure in what is happening...

MUNICH - Andreas Sammereier never dreamed it could be so easy to get a job. The 34-year-old electrical technician had been laid off, joining the ranks of the more than 10 percent unemployed in Germany. But one hour after showing up - unannounced - at a company that presses CDs and DVDs and having an impromptu interview, he walked out with an offer for a job he'll be starting next month. The catch: The job, working for Dex Audio Pty. Ltd., is in Australia. Germany's new wave Mr. Sammereier is part of what observers in Germany are calling a new...