Some people confuse being libertarian with being libertine. I’m sometimes asked, for instance, if I’m a libertarian because I want to smoke pot or do other drugs. I respond that I’ve never done drugs and have no desire to use drugs. Then I’m asked if I’m a…
Daily Analysis
The Trans-Atlantic Version of Great Moments in Government-Run Healthcare
When government suppresses the free market and takes over the healthcare sector, you get some really odd results. Consider these stories from Sweden: A man sewing up his own leg after getting frustrated with a long wait. The government denying a wheelchair to a…
Should American Taxpayers Subsidize Israel’s Defense?
I rarely delve into foreign policy and defense issues. And when I do, such as my post about the conflict in Ukraine, it’s usually because it gives me an opportunity to draw attention to a topic that is in my bailiwick (in the case of Ukraine, it gave me an excuse to…
America’s Built-In Greek Fiscal Future
I had a very bad lunch today. But not because of what I ate. My lunch was unpleasant because I moderated anoontime panel on Capitol Hill featuring Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and my Cato colleague Chris Edwards. And I should hasten to add that they were splendid…
Great Moments in Government, from Banning Bake Sales to Limiting Mistresses
Michelle Obama wants the federal government to tell us what kind of food to eat. I actually wouldn’t object if she merely used a bully pulpit to encourage healthier eating. But the busy-body crowd in Washington has a hard time distinguishing between giving advice…
Great Moments in Government
You won’t know whether to laugh or cry after perusing these stories that will be added to our “great moments in government” collection. For instance, did you realize that American taxpayers were saddled with the responsibility to micro-manage agriculture in…
Deconstructing the Initiative-Sapping, Taxpayer-Abusing Welfare State
I’ve written many times about America’s looming fiscal collapse, and I’ve also pontificated about America’s costly and failed welfare state. I even have speculated about when America reaches a tipping point, with too many people riding in the wagon of government…
A Simple Solution to the Highway Trust Fund Deficit
I’m a big believer in federalism, both as a matter of policy and politics. So you won’t be surprised that I’ve called for the abolition of the Department of Transportation. On more than one occasion. But when you’re trying to convince politicians to give up power and…
An Under-Appreciated Victory over Obamacare
Let’s enjoy some semi-good news today. We’ve discussed many times why Obamacare is bad news, whether we’re looking at it from the perspective of the healthcare system, taxpayers, or workers. But it could be worse. Writing in the Washington Post, Robert Samuelson…
Great Moments in Government Waste and Inefficiency
It’s difficult being a libertarian. In addition to all the other challenges (such as trying to convince peoplestealing doesn’t become okay simply because the government is the middleman), I get conflicted about government waste. You’re probably thinking I’m wandering…