A legislative session really confirms the Old Testament assertion that “there is nothing new under the sun.” Stadium funding, tax gimmickry and property developers’ shameless raids on the public purse resurface each session just like the Capistrano swallows return to…
Big projects like light rail can enhance property value
The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution requires paying just compensation when any private property is taken for public use. Some property-rights militants argue that any government action that diminishes the value of private property constitutes a “taking” for which…
U.S. can’t control oil prices
President Bush’s speech on gasoline prices Tuesday danced around peripheral issues but failed to address the underlying problems. Congressional responses were about as irrelevant. The measures these officials proposed were largely symbolic. They might give the general public some impression…
Average rates tell true story about taxes
With tax deadlines fresh in our minds, it is a good time to reflect on how our income tax returns lend insights on policy questions. Start by calculating your own average tax rate. Then compare it to your marginal rate.…