When government is involved, it may be worthwhile to rework a law of physics: For every action there is, in response, an over-reaction. Such was the case in the actions the federal government took after 9-11. Rep. John Mica (R. -Fla.) lays the wood on the TSA, saying it has “failed to actually detect any threat in 10 years.” He added that it has been […]
John LaPlante
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What’s Good for ObamaCare is Bad for Minnesota Jobs
When industry trade groups and companies talk about public policy, they often engage in special pleading, asking for special tax breaks or regulatory preferences. But sometimes their claims do in fact serve the public interest–especially when they call attention to unusual taxes or onerous regulations. Such is the case with the medical hardware industry and its beef against a tax levied on it as part […]
Hillary Clinton and Smoking Bans
Our recent discussions on the smoking ban in Michigan reminds me of Hillary Clinton’s remarks during the health care debate in 1993. Her health care ideas–Hillarycare–called for a significant financial burden on businesses, especially small ones. In response to the criticism that she would drive small businesses out of work, she said, “I can’t be responsible for every undercapitalized entrepreneur in America.” In other words, […]
No Shame? Shame on you!
So the U.S. government thinks that in an age of obesity and a soaring federal debt, the thing we need is to … give “free” food to children with high-income parents. (Of course it’s free only at the point of delivery; the government must extract money from the economy to pay for it.) The reason, we are told, is that we must eliminate the shame some […]
Fear the Federal Debt? Blame the Progressive Income Tax
Is the tea party to blame for the downgrade of U.S. credit? Or perhaps President Obama? Try “the increasingly progressive nature of the federal income tax system.” A new working paper from two economists has the details. Jody Lipford (Presbyterian College) and Bruce Yandle (Clemson University) take a look at several related topics: the thoughts of some of our early political leaders, the tragedy of the commons […]
Do the Wisconsin Elections Mark the End of the Government Bubble? Far From It
Ever since the tulip bulb mania of the 16th century, if not earlier, people have fallen for various “bubbles.” Right now, I think we’re in the midst of a “government bubble.” The Wisconsin elections may–may–signal that we’re coming to an end of that mania, and a realization that fundamental reform of government is not just a matter of ideology, but of math. In the tulip-bulb […]
The Daily Grope – diabetic harassment
There are plenty of indignities that people face when they confront the TSA at the airport. But lately the agency has hit a new low by endangering the life or at least the health of a pregnant, diabetic woman. According to a news report from a Denver TV station, TSA employees seized a woman’s insulin, syringe, and needles. (Note that if you don’t have enough insulin […]
Consumer choice is … controversial
Will the U.S. House vote to repeal the ban-that’s-not-a-ban on incandescent bulbs? Henry Payne is optimistic, but as last night, The Hill had a different opinion: “House Democrats on Monday indicated strong opposition to a controversial bill to repeal federal lightbulb standards, which could lead to the defeat of the measure in an expected Tuesday vote.” Read that sentence again. The idea that Americans are competent to decide which […]
Bulb ban means more spending on bulbs, less on other items
Writing on the “it’s not a ban (wink, wink) on incandescent bulbs, Jacob Sullum points out some other problems with the arbitrary law: the higher prices on replacement bulbs mean “people will have to spend more money on light bulbs and less on other things they value more.” To be sure, light bulbs are not a large expense for most households–at least for now. But […]
Bulb ban defender is smart in physics, but flunked kindergarten social skills
David Boaz reminds us that Steven Chu, the secretary of energy, has won a Nobel Prize in physics. In other words, he’s a super-duper smart guy. I am impressed by Chu’s knowledge of physics. But of anything else? That’s another story. Chu, remember, is the guy who said of the ban, “We are taking away a choice that continues to let people waste their own money.” […]