A week ago, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin sent a letter to Speaker of the House Paul Ryan. The letter said we will have maxed out our borrowing at midnight tonight. Having reached its “statutory limit,” the outstanding debt of the U.S.…
The Decline of Laissez-Faire
Perhaps it all began when President Lyndon Johnson called Wilbur Mills, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. “Wilbur, I’ve just been looking through the polls here, and I’ve only got a few weaknesses, and the worst of them…
What We Need To Know About Federal Spending
Talking about foreign aid and the defense budget is like comparing a blueberry to a watermelon. Foreign aid spending is tiny while defense dollars are massive. With federal spending on foreign aid, defense, Medicare and Medicaid in the headlines, let’s…
Why There is No Such Thing as Free Parking
Even in North Dakota where there is a ban on parking meters along town and city streets, there is no such thing as free parking.
The Downside of a Greek Bailout
The Greek response to new bailout talks and more fiscal austerity ranged from a Scrooge Christmas card to a larger underground economy.
The Best and Worst Federal Budget Solutions
Not really surprising, our politicians’ suggestions for cutting the federal deficit are different from a Congressional Budget Office list.
How Much Healthcare?
When the Netherlands pays for a mother’s first week at home after child birth, we get a message about their healthcare coverage.
Why One Town Likes a Traffic Jam
The story of a Breezewood, Pennsylvania traffic jam is really about the mysteries created by federal infrastructure spending.
Should Everyone Get a Basic Income?
For different reasons, a guaranteed basic income appeals to liberals and conservatives but few people appear ready to vote for it.
The Healthcare Incentives We Cannot Avoid
The healthcare incentives that shape patient demand and physician supply do not necessarily cut cost and improve well-being.