The US Federal Government's War Against Healthy Food

What does the FTC have against organic grocery stores? by Fred E. Foldvary I previously wrote on the government’s crazy attempt to prevent the merger of organic food sellers Whole Foods and Wild Oats (“Whole Phooey on Antimonopoly Action,” http://www.progress.org/2007/fold513.htm).... | Comments (0)

To the Dumpsters, Go

by Paul Jacob We have all heard of “dumpster babies,” abandoned newborns left to die by unfit parents. And now, courtesy of Nebraska’s not-too-careful legislature, we have “dumpster teens” — near-adult youngsters left with the state of Nebraska by their... | Comments (2)

Transition and Hope

by Ron Paul As another year draws to a close, there are some important transitions ahead of us. Not just transitions to a new administration, but also economically, politically and culturally. Many hoped that the changes would signify overwhelming positive... | Comments (0)

The Bush Legacy: The Reincarnation of Imperialist Socialism?

by Micah Tillman Because of term limits, we all get to watch Presidents end their lives twice. As they become lame ducks, they shift into "legacy building mode." They do crazy things, launch large projects, talk to reporters about "how... | Comments (1)

How to Make the New Year Better

May the promised change be true and enough by Fred E. Foldvary Many economists and financial analysts are making conjectures about when the recession will bottom out and how strong the recovery will be. The speed of recovery depends on... | Comments (0)

Capitalism vs. Caste

by Paul Jacob An “Untouchable” in India’s caste system has changed his mind. Chandra Bhan Prasad, an Indian writer and activist, was once the worst kind of socialist. According to a profile in the New York Times, he had been... | Comments (0)

The Role of Christmas in the History of Freedom

by Micah Tillman It’s a(n) historical thing, more than a religious thing. Or, rather, because it’s a religious thing, it became a(n) historical thing. Either way, liberalism (I speak of the classical version) owes a lot to Christmas. Dare I... | Comments (5)

Save a Life, Get Punished

California lawyers make helping one in danger risky by Fred E. Foldvary It is common knowledge that in the U.S., lawyers have an enormous influence on government. The “American Association for Justice,” which used to be more honestly called the... | Comments (1)

Putting Principles First

by Paul Jacob Some people have this idea that if the end is good then whatever means they choose must be good, too. But no. Principles matter — they exist to help us choose the right means and oppose the... | Comments (0)

Economic Freedom or Socialist Intervention?

by Ron Paul The freedom to fail is an essential part of freedom. Government- provided financial security necessitates relinquishing the very essence of freedom. Last week, the big 3 American automakers came back to Capitol Hill with their hands out... | Comments (1)

This Is What Capitalism Gets You

by Micah Tillman Bernard Madoff is a capitalist, if the charges are true. And Madoff shows you what capitalism gets you: misery. Most people, however, aren’t capitalists. Even most libertarians — whom Brian Doherty calls “Radicals for Capitalism” — aren’t... | Comments (1)

The Threat of an Electromagnetic Bomb

The only defense is mutual tolerance by Fred E. Foldvary The current economic crash is a disaster, but we can recover from it. Maybe we can feel better, or maybe even worse, if we contemplate catastrophes which thankfully have not... | Comments (0)

Transparency versus Stupidity

by Paul Jacob The Sunshine Review newsletter from the Sam Adams Alliance reports an amazing instance of bureaucratic dimwittery. It seems that the county clerk in the county I grew up in — Pulaski County, Arkansas — also likes the... | Comments (1)

Gun Control: Protecting Terrorists and Despots

by Ron Paul Tragically, over the Thanksgiving holiday, the world was reminded how evil and cruel people can be. According to emerging accounts of the events in India, about a dozen well-armed and devastatingly well-trained terrorists laid siege on the... | Comments (4)

Let’s Work a Little Harder on Our Self-Censorship, Shall We?

by Micah Tillman The most amusing part of the Blagojevich/Obama Scandal is how terrible everyone is at censoring themselves. Take Patrick Fitzgerald, for instance. It would seem from his press conference Tuesday, that “bleep” is his favorite new word. “‘If... | Comments (0)

The Great Inflation of 2009

Once the bailout trillions trickle down ... by Fred E. Foldvary The late deflation of 2008 will turn into the great inflation of 2009. In the last months of 2008, the US economy experienced deflation, falling prices. House prices had... | Comments (2)

Light Rail, Too Heavy for Developers

by Paul Jacob American city planners tend to obsess over trains. Though not nearly as economical as buses, light rail trains are regarded as the gold standard in public transportation. But ten years after Portland established its westside line, just... | Comments (0)