Thomas Sowell: Entitlement Reform

The young, not the elderly, should be alarmed.  For those of us who like to believe that human beings are rational, trying to explain what happens in politics can be a real challenge. For example, that segment of the population that has the least to fear from a reform of Medicare or Social Security is the most fearful — namely, those already receiving    ... MORE

Stephen Mauzy: Why Free Markets

The best political economy imaginable.    To exchange for greater benefit is as natural to humans as any innate bodily function.  Exchange needn't be taught or explicated.  No inculcation need occur.  It just happens.  A kindergartener exchanges his juice box for another kindergartener's cupcake.  Because of inequality of wants --      ... MORE

VIDEO: Introduction to the CAFR

Jennifer Alexander: Why The Feds Won't Reschedule Pot

International treaty trumps national self-interest.   Activists have been working for years to reform state and local marijuana laws throughout the nation through decriminalization, implementation of medical marijuana laws and, most recently, attempts at legalizing marijuana. Many opponents, and even some activists, argue      ... MORE

Russell Hasan: Prostitution And Coercion

Economic pressure is not coercion. I was recently thinking about why prostitution is illegal. As a libertarian I think that it should be legal, as an extension of people’s absolute right to own their own bodies. But many Americans disagree. If there is a rational, persuasive argument against the legalization of prostitutes (or “sex workers,” as they should be   ... MORE

Omar Ghate: Ayn Rand's Appeal

The real question is why her appeal isn't greater.   Paul Ryan is Romney’s pick for Vice President and now Ayn Rand’s name is on everyone’s lips. Many on the left are pillorying Ryan as an unrealistic “ideologue” because of his Rand connection. Many on the right accede, quickly trying to set aside Ryan’s admiration for "Atlas Shrugged" as youthful     ... MORE

Walter E Williams: The Rich Don't Pay Enough?

Obama exploits ignorance on taxes.    If you listen to America's political hacks, mainstream media talking heads and their socialist allies, you can't help but reach the conclusion that the nation's tax burden is borne by the poor and middleclass while the rich get off scot-free. Stephen Moore, senior economics writer for The Wall     ... MORE

VIDEO: Murray Rothbard On The Origins Of Regulation

Steve Chapman: Truth About Obama & Welfare Reform

Detaching work mandates from welfare checks. The old line is that there's a simple way to know a politician is lying: His lips are moving. Odds are good that any lurid charge leveled against a candidate is largely fraudulent. So it was no surprise that when Mitt Romney accused Barack Obama of gutting welfare work requirements, fact checkers   ... MORE

Barry Farber: Who Can Blame Democratic Defectors?

Party faithful jump off a sinking ship.  The deli restaurant in Miami Beach where I busboyed one college summer was Dubrow’s, on the south side of Lincoln Road. Our competitor, Wolfie’s, across the street leapt into the lead. About the only customers we ever got were when Wolfie’s was full. One night the boss came in and caught Jimmy,     ... MORE

VIDEO: When I Grow Up, I Want To Be A Crony