Topic: Government

Government, International, War and Peace

US Militarism Abroad is Hypocritical and Counterproductive

– July 26, 2021

“Much like big government activism fails here at home, overconfidence in military intervention has only promised failure abroad. A pivot towards a more humble foreign policy based on cooperation as well as shared leadership, much like it would for domestic policy, will yield a much safer world for freedom and democracy.” ~ Ethan Yang

Crisis, Economic Education, Government

Prices Have Work To Do, Even in Pandemics

– July 26, 2021

“It has been the government’s failure to not let market prices work at all and instead address the pandemic with command-and-control policies that have created shortages, thwarted innovation, and distributed vaccines based not on what will most internalize the spillover benefits of vaccination but based on political considerations about who should enjoy the private benefits of vaccination.” ~ Art Carden

Art and Culture, Government, History

What About “Whataboutism?”

– July 26, 2021

“When the cry of ‘Well… what about X?’ arises in argumentation, it is a good time to step back and evaluate the claim through the eyes of others. It may be that the claim holds no merit. Alternatively, it may open our eyes to bigger problems that we’ve failed to notice.” ~ Anthony Gill

Authoritarianism, Fiscal Policy, Government

When the President Does It, It’s Not Illegal

– July 24, 2021

“Governments can find ways to serve their constituents (i.e. the taxpayers) better for the price they charge, they can lower their prices, or they can collude with others in the industry to keep prices high and quality low. Unlike businesses, however, when governments choose the third option, they are celebrated as heroes.” ~ David Hebert

Authoritarianism, Crisis, Government

Why Government Lockdowns Mostly Harm the Poor

– July 23, 2021

“These irresponsible government actions are especially acute and more harmful in developing countries and among the poor because most workers can’t afford to sacrifice weeks or perhaps months of income, only to be confined to what is effectively house arrest.” ~ Michael N. Peterson

Art and Culture, Government, History

A Different Perspective on Cancel Culture

– July 23, 2021

“Cancel culture may be such a controversial phrase that cannot be salvaged, but the idea that we should ostracize those who unjustly challenge the public order is necessary for a civil society.” ~ David Crego

Currency, Economic Education, Government

Will Cash Soon Be Obsolete?

– July 23, 2021

“Perhaps these trends will reverse. But it seems more likely that the reports of the forthcoming death of cash have been greatly exaggerated––that is, so long as the government doesn’t kill it.” ~ William J. Luther

Crisis, Government, History

Owl Creek Bridge Redux?

– July 23, 2021

“Sometimes I feel like the entire world is in its final throes as humanity’s storyline becomes increasingly surreal. Judging by how often I hear other people say ‘unbelievable,’ ‘beyond belief,’ or ‘incredible,’ many others seem to feel likewise.” ~ Robert E. Wright

Economic Education, Government, History

Leveling Down to Utopia

– July 22, 2021

“In such a ‘Utopia’ without love or art or individuality, what is left? Certainly not choice. The State manages all activities, from the propagation of the species (every spring, like cattle) to bathing, since unequal habits led to ‘two distinct classes, the Clean and the Dirty.'” ~ Caroline Breashears

Economic Education, Government, Regulation

Can Antitrust Action Against Tech Giants Make the World Better Off?

– July 21, 2021

“In passing judgment on the antitrust legislation that bears his name, Senator John Sherman might have done to American businesses and consumers what his elder brother General William T. Sherman did for the immediate well-being of Atlanta.” ~ Christopher Lingle

Authoritarianism, Crisis, Government

Why “Good” People Enable Totalitarians

– July 21, 2021

“Forces are acting to paralyze the human spirit. We should deceive ourselves no longer. Without the consent and assistance of good people, totalitarians have no power. Governments, Mises warned, ‘become liberal only when forced to by the citizens.'” ~ Barry Brownstein

Authoritarianism, Economic Education, Government

Under Biden Free Enterprise Means Government Control

– July 20, 2021

“If Joe Biden’s Executive Order is fully implemented we will be that much closer to a comprehensively managed economy, with nothing done by any private enterprise free from the intrusive hand of government. Welcome to President Biden’s Orwellian newspeak – ‘freedom of enterprise’ really means ‘government control of business.'” ~ Richard M. Ebeling