On the IP Question

My article here elicited more correspondence than any in memory. Many people are just shocked at the idea that IP is contrary to market economics. The idea strikes people as obviously nuts and yet once people start thinking about it, wondering why precisely they support IP, it becomes more difficult because the rationales don’t actually hold up under scrutiny.

The Financial Apocalyptics Are Back

Gloom and doomers have often been wrong, but not always. Crises do happen, writes Rober Blumen. In recent years, a number of countries have had their currency collapse or have defaulted on foreign debt. Recall the Asian contagion, the Mexican peso crisis, the Russian ruble crisis in 1998, and the Argentine banking crisis. America is not inherently immune from such a crisis. Perhaps we have one unfolding now in the sub-prime sector, though there is still debate about whether it will remain contained there or will spread. Either way, the laws of economics apply to America as well anyplace else.

Vices, values, and arbitrary standards

I picked up a new vice a month ago: homemade espresso. Of course, to enjoy this delight, I first had to purchase an espresso machine. Like almost every product on the market, a wide range of espresso machines is available. A simple online search reveals prices ranging from $29.99 to well over $1000. As a certified cheapo, I spent just a little over 30 bucks and began pouring cups of foamy sunshine.

Ambrose Bierce on Politics

Ambrose Bierce was once described as “the forgotten brother of Mark Twain,” perhaps because he echoed Twain’s view that “Irreverence is the champion of liberty and its one sure defense.” Because of his way with words, “Public figures quaked in fear of his satirical pen.” 

Emasculated by the Political Class

Politicians can proudly proclaim their gifts to the world, and never worry about the source of funds, nor weigh the gifts against alternate choices. They simply get to give, smile, and sit back to receive the accolades that fall at the feet of the political don. What a life — though a life devoid of reason and reality. We are continually emasculated by DC thugs who steal our dollars and then hand them out as their own, leaving us to distribute whatever change is left in our pockets.

Barber Anarchy in Alabama

The Anniston Star reports a flood of letters to its offices about its editorial that blamed the Mises Institute for the lack of barber regulation in Alabama. But the paper isn’t backing down. It says that “regulation and private business aren’t incompatible.” Ironically, the paper cites a case a regulated industry, funeral homes, and how those regulations aren’t working — and proposes a solution of ever more regulation.

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