Topic: Government

The Diversity Dodge

– February 12, 2023

“Denying colleges and universities the right to base admission and hiring decisions on race, religion, sex, and ethnicity is not some fundamental moral requirement, but a necessary prophylactic against the temptation to advance the interests of socially favored groups over those of others.” ~ John Hasnas

Crisis, Fiscal Policy, Government

Will Federal Spending Be Brought Under Control?

– February 10, 2023

“Will Congress actually cut spending? History suggests not. Economic historian Robert Higgs invented the term ‘ratchet effect’ to describe the way that government growth after a crisis tends to be locked in: the size of government never retreats to what it was before the crisis.” ~ Jason Sorens

Art and Culture, Classical Liberalism, Free Markets, Government

Reimagining Fusionism

– February 9, 2023

“The primary significance for any revitalization of fusionism in our time may well be that of reminding classical liberals and conservatives what is at stake by pointing to principles that many in both camps consider to be important truths that matter if America’s experiment in ordered liberty is to endure.” ~ Samuel Gregg

Crisis, Environmentalism, Government

Lust for Power is More Dangerous Than Climate Claims

– February 9, 2023

“In the face of growing regulatory risks to our preferred ways of life, the least we can do is see the perpetual crisis narratives for what they are: a tool to legitimize dangerous increases in the size and scope of government.” ~ David Waugh

Financial Markets, Government, Regulation

Government Siphon Targets Corporate Stock Buybacks

– February 8, 2023

“This particular increase in the corporate repurchase excise tax seems unlikely to pass, but some form of it probably will in the future. When it does, another market function will have fallen prey to the unslakable thirst of the insatiable American state.” ~ Peter C. Earle

Economic Education, Fiscal Policy, Government

Is the Debt Ceiling Lunacy?

– February 8, 2023

“Unconstrained politicians are likely to authorize more borrowing than they should. The debt ceiling might provide a useful—if somewhat limited—constraint against excessive borrowing.” ~ William J. Luther

Economic Education, Free Markets, Government

Be Grateful that First Responders and Teachers Earn Far Lower Incomes Than Sports Stars and Hollywood Actors

– February 7, 2023

“The fact that first responders and teachers are paid so little relative to professional athletes and Hollywood stars is a feature of our world and economy; it’s not a bug. This reality deserves our gratitude.” ~ Donald J. Boudreaux

Art and Culture, Government, History

The Not-So-Great Depression Diet

– February 6, 2023

“It’s a stretch to blame today’s obesity crisis on America’s second Great Reset – the vast legal and socioeconomic changes ushered in by the Depression, New Deal, and World War II – but it certainly started Americans down the wrong dietary path.” ~ Robert E. Wright

Free Markets, Government, History

The Age of Decline

– February 6, 2023

“We enter the Age of Decline and find ourselves victims of our own success. History tells us that impoverished societies die by war and famine. Now we are learning that prosperous societies die by attrition.” ~ Antony Davies

Government, Inflation, Monetary Policy

Supply Constraints and Inflation, Revisited

– February 3, 2023

“The Fed was late to realize nominal spending was surging and failed to correct course promptly when it realized it had made a mistake. Prices are higher today—and will remain permanently higher—as a consequence.” ~ William J. Luther

Government, Monetary Policy, Regulation

Efforts to Depoliticize the Fed Will Likely Make Matters Worse

– February 3, 2023

“These efforts to increase Congressional oversight are unlikely to depoliticize the Fed. Indeed, they are likely to make matters even worse.” ~ Nicolás Cachanosky

Government, Inflation, Monetary Policy

Should the Fed Stop Tightening?

– February 2, 2023

“The Fed should stay the course. Putting the nail in the inflationary coffin is more important than hyper-calibrating a ‘soft landing.’ But it likely won’t be long before we’re done.” ~ Alexander William Salter