A new economy in the new millennium? A new year, a new decade, a new century, a new millennium—take your pick—started yesterday. Just what will this new period hold for the economy of the United States and the world? I’m…
Taxation of milk raises vexing questions about role of government in a democracy
Should dairy farmers get a higher price for their milk? Here in the Midwest, where a lot of people have ties to farms, many would answer yes. Should government force consumers to pay more for milk so that farmers can…
In examining Social Security, fairness is in eye of beholder
What is the fairest way to take care of the elderly and disabled? Should Social Security pay every retiree the same amount, or should benefits vary somewhat with individuals’ prior earnings? Or, should benefits vary according to need, so that…
19th century activist could provide lesson to misguided trade protesters
It is unfortunate that British social activist Richard Cobden wasn’t able to make it to Seattle earlier this month to join the protestors who said they were concerned about justice and treatment of the poor. He might have enlightened them…