Topic: Government

Art and Culture, Government, Property Rights, Regulation

Historic Designations: Not All Bad

– July 30, 2023

” People can only live in one house at a time, but the enjoyment of living in that house depends in no small part on the other houses in the neighborhood, if they care about the aesthetic vibe.” ~ Janna Lu

Authoritarianism, Energy, Government, Regulation

The New (Old) Threat of “Runaway Bureaucracy”

– July 27, 2023

“The notion of ‘independent’ agencies was a holdover conceit of the Progressive era—the FTC was founded in 1914—based on the idea that citizens were faced with large, concentrated forces they had no hope of dealing with, but which could be managed with the seraphic wisdom of benevolent experts.” ~ Michael Munger

Books, Government, Leadership, Philosophy

If We Live by Lies, We Will Demand Deceitful Politicians

– July 19, 2023

“When we choose to live in an inner world governed by our self-deception, we get a government ruling by deceit and vigorously stifling alternative views. ” ~ Barry Brownstein

Education, Government, Policy

If You Had to Choose Between Affirmative Action and School Choice, Which Would You Choose?

– July 17, 2023

“The opposition to school choice is mostly coming from those who already have more socio-economic success than the kids school choice is intended to help.’ ~ James E. Hanley

Cryptocurrency, Government, Regulation

The SEC’s Illegal War on Crypto

– July 14, 2023

“SEC officials have relied on opaque and discretionary enforcement actions. They have charged companies for not complying with the law without clearly stating what the law is.” ~ Thomas L. Hogan

Art and Culture, Government, Regulation

The Supreme Court’s ‘303 Creative’ Decision – Right Result but Not for the Best Reasons

– July 10, 2023

“Freedom of contract, property rights, and economic liberties in general became disfavored as advocates of big government got their way. That is why cases like 303 Creative have to be litigated under the First Amendment.” ~ George Leef

Authoritarianism, Government, Regulation

Regulatory Alphabet Soup and the Visible Foot of Government

– July 1, 2023

“What is a wonder is that the financial and administrative costs are so invisible in daily life. The juggernaut of federal involvement in the economy is typically hidden behind a corporate veil.” ~ Nikolai Wenzel

Crisis, Education, Government, Media

Artificially Stimulated Stupidity

– June 22, 2023

“For most of its existence, humanity has sought to reduce its innate stupidity and ignorance through education, training, and relatively reliable methods of generating and transmitting new information. Lately, all have broken down.” ~ Robert. E. Wright

Government, Policy, Taxation

Votes For and Votes Against

– June 20, 2023

“If we think of votes as ‘votes for’ candidates, then it would make some sense to declare any candidate who wins only a plurality of votes, but not a majority, as the victor.” ~ Donald J. Boudreaux

Books, Economic History, Government

Announcing New Deal Rebels, edited by Amity Shlaes

– June 18, 2023

“Roosevelt’s ‘New Deal’ administration had a transformative impact on American society and the understanding of the government’s role in it. AIER was similarly founded during the same era and in response to that changing nature of government. ” ~ William Ruger

Free Trade, Government, History

How Trump and Biden Are Blowing Up the Free-Trade System America Worked So Hard to Build

– June 16, 2023

“Globalization has helped generate previously unknown wealth – and health – in rich and poor nations alike. As evidenced by Trump and Biden, a President may use his unilateral tariff authority for ill.” ~ David B. McGarry

Crisis, Government, Regulation

Punishing the Punishers

– June 15, 2023

“If, though, the FBI, NEA, NPR, or the ‘Ministry of Truth’ receives an allocation of, say, only $10, the punishment for incompetence or venality has been fairly meted out, has it not? What could be more democratic than direct dollar democracy?” ~ Robert E. Wright