Official Washington is shocked—shocked!—at the alleged influence peddling by Senator Robert Menendez. But it is the pursuit of empire and attempts by Washington to meddle everywhere that make such peddling so profitable.
Keynesians claim that the source of economic growth is consumer spending. Austrians know that net savings are the key to a growing economy.
If the only antidote offered to prevent a 2008-style contraction is monetary easing, then the risk of stagflation is even higher. Without drastic cuts to deficit spending, or a recession, the likely outcome is stagflation.
In the wake of the Arab Oil Embargo of 50 years ago, Congress banned U.S. export sales of crude oil. The results were different than what government "experts" imagined.
Hans Hoppe theorized that monarchs, as opposed to democratically-elected political authorities, would have lower time preferences and would be less likely to engage in reckless government spending. Unfortunately, at least one Medieval Danish king acted like a modern politician.
Although the percentage of the unionized U.S. workforce has fallen in recent decades, labor unions still are a threat to our economy and our collective wellbeing.
If we read between the lines, it is apparent that the Fed is hoping that price inflation will fall to politically acceptable levels without any additional tightening, and without a recession. But "hope" is all the Fed has.
Not satisfied with the futile and destructive wars it has fought in this century, leaders of the US Armed Forces now want reinstatement of the draft. Instead, perhaps our government should give peace a chance.
Governments are using intimidation to regulate independent journalists on the decentralized internet.
The mission of the Mises Institute is simple. We want to spread ideas that are vital for a free and prosperous civilization. Will you stand behind us?
