Topic: Policy

Beware of Panic Policymaking

– March 20, 2020

Precisely because we are now more willing to let our guard down we must keep a vigilant eye on all these politicians who are now hyperactively working to “protect” us.

Economic Trends, Policy

Maybe It Will Be the Battle of the Billionaires

– January 27, 2020

After many decades of trying to get payola out of politics, there is still no stopping the reality that a big state creates big stakes for which people are willing to pay.

Policy

A Path Toward Getting Rid of Social Security

– December 20, 2019

No, UBA for liberty isn’t another fun holiday idea, it is a call to consider a Universal Basic Asset (UBA) program designed to protect Americans’ liberty and transition away from Social Security. It is nice to see classical liberal thinkers like Mike M …

Policy

Five Things No One Asked About the Impeachment — but Should Have

– December 5, 2019

The impeachment proceedings against President Trump have fueled all manner of conjecture regarding the proper discharge of foreign policy, hidden motives behind both Trump’s phone call and the ensuing investigation, and everything from the dead-cat bou …

Economic Theory, Policy

We Thrive Thanks to Many Andrew Yangs, Not One

– October 31, 2019

Entrepreneurs, it turns out, don’t need to understand entrepreneurship. The same creativity that led Yang to create value in our economy now leads him astray.

Policy

Supply Siders Losing Ground in the White House

– August 26, 2019

If the economy falters, supply side policies will be blamed. That would be unfortunate. Supply side hasn’t been tried yet.

Policy

The Hidden Reason the Primary Debates Seem Extra Crazy This Year

– August 3, 2019

This is a remarkable case of how a hastily drafted voting rule unintentionally drove the whole Democratic field to a wacky level of ideological extremism that nearly guarantees they will lose a national election. Everyone knows it, most everyone is against it, but no one can stop it.

International, Policy

Trade Wars: A Real-Life Game of Thrones

– May 30, 2019

Unlike marvelously created made-for-television episodes where someone usually emerges victorious, in trade wars, everyone loses.

Policy

Are Financial Crises Driven By Supply Or Demand Shocks?

– May 30, 2019

In a new NBER working paper, Felipe Benguria and Alan M. Taylor consider whether financial crises usually stem from the demand or supply side of the market.

Policy, Sound Money

The Fed Wants to Close the Window on Narrow Banks

– May 28, 2019

A new type of financial institution could take root in the U.S. But the Federal Reserve seems determined to prevent this from happening.

Policy

How to Claim a Paid-Leave Victory That Isn’t

– April 23, 2019

In the debate over creating a new federal paid-leave program, conservatives think they have found the ultimate free lunch.

Policy, Regulation

More Guns, Less Crime?

– February 7, 2018

What makes More Guns, Less Crime special is Lott’s uncanny ability to weave economic concepts with gun policy. The power of this text lies in its ability to make any economist or casual observer of economics feel at home.