Mises Wire

Why, with interest rates historically low, are businesses not investing in the much predicted boom? Could it be business owners know more than the central bankers?

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.

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.

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.

Dissatisfaction with the Fed appears to have gone mainstream, and this may increase if the Fed descends into negative interest rate policies. But, as always, a sound understanding of economics is key.

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!

Cesar Chavez wanted immigration controls to hep him prop up union-labor wages.

Bernie Sanders says he wants to reform the Fed, but Bernie's wrongheaded views on Fed policy demonstrate why it's important to oppose the Fed for the right reasons.

Central banks worldwide are putting their faith in negative interest rates. Unfortunately, these central bankers do not understand what interest rates are supposed to do, or how manipulating them will lead to a bust.

This incident is one more example that demonstrates the contempt with which the US government holds private companies. Private companies are literally being conscripted to serve the state.