Counterpoints #1: Trump Comments, Insider Trading, Twitter Whistleblower, Afghan Funds, & More!

In 'No Good Men Among the Living', Anand Gopal provides a gripping narrative of the Afghan war by focusing on the lives of a Taliban commander, a U.S.-backed warlord, and a village housewife. The book challenges conventional perceptions of the conflict, highlighting the complexities and tragic outcomes of U.S. involvement in Afghanistan. Gopal's storytelling offers a richly detailed exploration of the war's impact on ordinary Afghans.

In 'The Affluent Society,' John Kenneth Galbraith examines the economic and social landscape of post–World War II America. He argues that while the private sector has become incredibly wealthy, the public sector remains underfunded and neglected, leading to significant social and economic disparities. Galbraith critiques the 'conventional wisdom' that prioritizes economic growth and consumer spending over public investment in essential services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure. He introduces concepts such as the 'dependence effect,' where consumer demands are created by the process of satisfying them, and advocates for policies to eliminate poverty, invest in public schools, and enhance public amenities. The book is a seminal work in the field of public policy and political economy, offering a prescient and insightful analysis of the contradictions of affluent societies[2][3][5].