On Fridays, we bring you the week’s best from around the web. This week’s round-up includes an argument for why income inequality is good for the poor, an economics lesson from the TV show Portlandia, and more.
“Do What You Love or Do What Needs Doing?” by Bethany Jenkins, The Gospel Coalition
Sometimes it’s not a matter of “doing what you love” or “doing what needs doing” as much as getting new hearts and new perspectives that shape what we love and how we love it.
“AEI Election Watch 2014: A Post-Election Wrap-Up” featuring Karlyn Bowman (AEI), Michael Barone (AEI), John Fortier (Bipartisan Policy Center), Henry Olsen (Ethics and Public Policy Center), and Norman Ornstein (AEI)
“Income Inequality Is Good for the Poor” by Scott Winship, The Federalist
Data from sociologist Lane Kenworthy indicate that the tendency is for countries with larger increases in income concentration within the top 1 percent to have stronger income gains not only within the middle class but among the poor.
“Portlandia’s Lesson on the Economics of Ethical Buying Practices” by Elise Amyx, Institute for Faith, Work & Economics
As consumers today demand more knowledge about the products they buy, ethical buying is a serious question we have to consider from a Christian perspective, without tossing good economic thinking to the curb. If ethical buying is your concern as a consumer, you might be able to do more to help the world by focusing on supply chain transparency instead of just buying local.
“Homes for Those Without a Place” by Zachary Gappa, Humane Pursuits
Having a place where you permanently reside not only benefits you physically, it also provides you with a better connection to those around you. With a chance to shower, shave, get out of the elements, have a permanent address, and meet regularly with social workers, the homeless have a real shot at improving their health and their situation.
