The political world that has brought us more highway deaths through CAFE rules (mandating econoboxes) and the TSA (prompting more people to drive, a more dangerous means of transportation than flying) may also be bringing us more cancer deaths, in the name of saving the earth from global warming, climate change, or whatever it is called these days. From Scientific American comes word that CFL […]
Michigan View
Automotive piety has it price
Looking through the latest issue of Consumers Reports, I notice that the magazine includes the Toyota Prius as on eof the “five popular cars to avoid.” It knocks the car’s ride, interior, and “slow acceleration” (go figure!). But the thing that stands out? “All-around quality.” Some people buy a Prius because it makes them feel good; “I’m doing something for the environment.” This, in turns, […]
New York Times catches up with concerns on TSA “fried passenger” scanners
The “newspaper of record” announces “X-Ray Scans at Airports Leave Lingering Worries.” Welcome to the club! The article, which is all about health risks of the scanners, is not exactly encouraging. For one thing, who guards the guardians? Check out this quote: “Independent scientists say limited access has hampered their ability to evaluate the systems.” Yes the TSA says, in effect, trust us. Oh yeah, […]
The TSA is not following the law
Federal agencies are supposed to go through a process by which members of the public can go on record with their thoughts on proposed changes to regulations and agency actions. When the TSA introduced “full body scanners,” it was supposed to go through this comment period. It didn’t. After that, it ignored a court’s ruling, and the TSA remains a scofflaw, still. It hasn’t yet […]
Tax the Olympic champions–just like anyone else
Nationalism may be the first mover of stupid policy ideas, including trade protectionism and more recently, the call to exempt Olympic medal-winners from income taxes. A few minutes ago, Mike Huckabee, a Republican and former candidate for president, chatted with Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-Calif.) on his Fox News TV show. The two discussed how horrible it was that American athletes were subject to the […]
West Michigan Diary: Shake up education
Recently, I spent a few weeks in western Michigan where I spent the first 30 years of my life. My commentary on Michigan residents’ obesity drew some interesting comments. To paraphrase two of the responses: “If you hate Michigan so much, why don’t you stay in Minnesota?” Ah yes. Making a critical observation about something is an expression of hate. I see. But some miss the lesson […]
West Michigan Diary: Would you let a politician plan your life?
For centuries, people have pursued “something out of nothing” dreams such as alchemy and perpetual motion machines. The latest example may be on exhibit in a remote part of western Michigan. Mason County, better known as the home of Ludington State Park, is one of the latest parts of the country to get a wind farm. The 56-turbine project will cost $235 million, or roughly […]
West Michigan Diary: Swim at your own risk, adults
One thing I appreciate the most about Michigan is the fact that it really is the Great Lakes State. It touches on four of the five Great Lakes, though I have to say that my favorites are Superior and Michigan. When it comes to its beaches, Michigan treats adults like adults. The various parks may offer lifeguards at various times, but the rule (as far […]
West Michigan Diary: Badgering the Badger
The business of regulators is to regulate, even when it makes little sense. After all, there are jobs to protect. As a result, regulations often neglect the principle of diminishing marginal utility. (Here’s a quick illustration: The first doughnut you eat may be very enjoyable. The second, less so, and by the fourth, you may be sick.) Air and water quality in the United States […]
West Michigan Diary: A tale of two airports
I’ve flown into or through about 50 airports over the years, including the one in ultra-chic Aspen, Colorado. But I don’t think I have seen a terminal as beautiful as that possessed by the Cherry Capital Airport, in Traverse City. It helps that I’m a sucker for the design schools used in the building, but still, I’m impressed. Stained glass windows abound. Need to talk […]