Mark Skidmore is Professor of Economics at Michigan State University where he holds the Morris Chair in State and Local Government Finance and Policy. His research covers topics in public finance, regional economics, and the economics of natural disasters. Mark created the Lighthouse Economics website and blog to share economic research and information relevant for navigating tumultuous times.
As the 2007-2009 Great Recession and financial crisis unfolded, Mark realized he was missing critical information he needed to fully understand what was happening. He came to the conclusion that major media outlets fail to report on critical issues and often provide misinformation, especially with regard to understanding power structures and what and why important decisions are made. He began to understand that while the rule of law applies to most of us, a few of the most powerful act with near complete impunity . This group has considerable control over media, finance, fiscal and monetary policies, geopolitics, health, agriculture, natural resources, and high tech. Though Mark has a Ph.D. in Economics, he was forced to face the fact that there was much about finance and economics that he did not understand. The experience was both humbling and healing. He now views current events from several vantage points in order to triangulate and hopefully gain a better understanding and make better decisions.
With this website, he shares some of his own work as well as other relevant research and news in the hopes it will be useful to those who are trying to improve their understanding of the world around them.
The full range of Mark’s research activity is listed here and you can find his university link here. The views expressed on this website are his own and not that of his employer.
If you have questions, please go to the contact page!
From a long time student at Solari. Thanks, Mark. We appreciate you at the Brajovich household.
Thank you, Ronald! Mark
Thank you for all of the work you have done on the missing money! I’ve really enjoyed listening to your interviews with Catherine Austin Fitts – it’s very eye opening and refreshing to listen to. I was an Economics major in college and worked in finance for over 15 years on Wall Street in NYC. Over that time, I did a lot of public speaking on the stock market and the economy, so your work is fascinating to me. Keep doing the amazing work that you are doing – you will develop a following over time. And thank you so much for all that you do!
Thank you, Susan. I appreciate the encouragement. Mark
Dr. Skidmore,
Just read your latest update on the Solarireport.com and it was fantastic. Sir, as I have mentioned many times on usawatchdog.com and other sites, you are a true patriot. I still believe you are the 21st Century Paul Revere trying to awaken sleeping Americans to the crime of banking and finance in the American economy. Please, persevere and continue your fantastic research.
Shalom,
CC
Thank you, CC. We can each do a pieces…it adds up!
Michigan State MPA graduate here. As I wandered around from rabbit hole to rabbit hole for the past 2 years fighting to maintain my logic and my true blood, I found the Solaris Report and then you. Thank you for your inquiry and rational thought. I’m no longer alone. It is truly Alice’s Wonderland we are experiencing. Hopefully as more time elapses, we can put more dots together.
Today, it is being reported that the Ukraine is implementing a financial digital system. Requires more research on my part to verify, but I would not be surprised.
Sue, yes there is no shortage of rabbit holes to wander into. Thanks for your message and best wishes, Mark