American history is a story of non-stop efforts by governments to intervene in the marketplace through regulations, monopolies, and subsidies. Most surprisingly, these market interventions appear to place a central role in causing economic crises over the years.
When used properly, and when restrained by the prevalence of a relatively laissez-faire ideology, democracy can indeed work as a brake on government power.
The 20th century was the progressive century, marked by the rise of war and socialism as entrenched features of American life. But perhaps the most lasting effects will be felt in the entitlement mindset woven into the American psyche via decades of successful incrementalism.
Cesar Chavez wanted immigration controls to hep him prop up union-labor wages.
Secretary of the Treasury, Jack Lew, released the government's audited financial statement and it make Bernie Madoff's books look like Warren Buffet's financial statements!
Some NATO members are hinting that they're not really willing to fight wars for the sake of other NATO members.
For the IRS and the federal government in general, the Drug War is just the gift that keeps on giving since the high tax rates can be traced back to a 1980s-era anti-drug law.
It’s laudable when we give gifts that are truly ours to give. This should not be confused with giving away the property of others. In either case, if we want more wealth to give away, we have to produce wealth first.
If our "representatives" in Washington cared anything for fiscal responsibility or keeping costs under control, the US would leave NATO immediately, or at least take a small step in the right direction by expelling Turkey from NATO, ASAP.
In a private market, households bear the costs of their own unhealthy habits. In a socialized economy, everyone bears these costs, and governments know it pays to emphasize this fact, even if the stats turn out to be wrong.
