Capitalism breathes through those loopholes . ~Ludwig von Mises1

Public service broadcasting should be removed from the public policy lexicon and the BBC should be privatised — though not necessarily fully commercialised.

The concept of “public service broadcasting” might have been justifiable at one time: it is no longer. The vested interests that want to protect the current funding model of public service broadcasting have subtly changed the meaning of the term as earlier meanings have become irrelevant. This is clearly a process of ex-post rationalisation designed to protect those vested interests.

President Trump’s trade approach seems to be telling foreign producers and countries, “Do what I demand or I will punish you with higher tariffs that will make you wish you had.” The fact that such tariffs would largely burden American importers, rather than foreign producers, as he repeatedly claims in his errant focus on trade imbalances, however, makes this a highly questionable strategy for helping Americans.

Every July 4, Americans throw themselves a party to celebrate our Independence Day. But while the date is heavy on flags, fireworks, and red, white and blue-themed BBQ, understanding the reasons why America’s founding is uniquely worthy of celebration often gets little attention. However, rather than bypassing the principles and ideals involved in order to move directly to celebrations, we would be well-served by giving June 12 a little more thought, as well.

In consecutive issues of The Freeman, Richard Timberlake has contributed an interesting trilogy of articles advancing a monetarist critique of the conduct of U.S.

I have a right to end my own life, because it is my life. It therefore follows that I also have a right to ask another person if they are willing to perform this task for me, just as I have hired other willing agents (barbers, lawyers, contractors, etc.) to perform various tasks for me throughout my life. But I do not have a right to force anyone to help me end my life.