We are fortunate that Sens. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, understand the importance of good measurement. As the 19th-century British scientist Lord Kelvin pointed out, “When you can measure what you are speaking about, and express it in…
Consumers don’t need a nanny
There are few ideas as bad as the conviction – common in the DFL – that government should act as nanny, preventing the kiddies from hurting themselves by running with scissors. Two of this week’s legislative actions reflect that view.…
Consumer prices aren’t whole story
Just because the general price level goes up by some proportion it does not mean that every category of spending should change by the same proportion. Keep that in mind when evaluating private and public budget proposals. Most people know…
Gas prices defy easy explanation
Gasoline prices are up again. That frustrates people and leads them to wonder just what is going on. I’m no expert on the oil industry, but a few economic explanations are possible. Which you find most convincing will depend greatly…