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 […]
Michigan View
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 […]
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.” […]
Bulb ban defender shows remarkable degree of arrogance
There are several reasons to reverse the ban on incandescent light bulbs, but here’s a good political one: It’s a rebuke to those who act not as public servants, but as arrogant overlords. Secretary of Energy Commerce Steven Chu recently defended the ban. In comments quoted by the Wall Street Journal, he said, We are taking away a choice that continues to let people waste their own money. […]
Upton Sees the Light
Apparently Rep. Fred Upton really has seen the light. The Hill reports that Upton hopes to bring to the floor next week a vote on the repeal of energy efficiency standards (a bill he once co-sponsored) that effectively bans incandescent light bulbs. “The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas), would repeal sections of a 2007 energy law that require traditional incandescent light bulbs to be 30 […]
House will vote on bulb ban
Apparently Rep. Fred Upton really has seen the light. The Hill reports that Upton hopes to bring to the floor next week a vote on the repeal of energy efficiency standards (a bill he once co-sponsored) that effectively bans incandescent light bulbs. “The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas), would repeal sections of a 2007 energy law that require traditional incandescent light bulbs to be 30 […]