The hypocrisy of Washington elites is nothing new, as we’ve covered here and here, just to give two recent examples. Yet another example of hypocrisy is that of insider trading, which is disallowed for the peasants, but perfectly acceptable for members of Congress and…
Daily Analysis
Taxpayers vs Bureaucrats, Part XLII: United Kingdom to Get Rid of 500,000 Government Jobs?
I want to believe. No, I’m not talking about the X-Files movie from 2008. I’m referring to the BBC’s report that the U.K. government will cut spending and eliminate 500,000 government positions. Unfortunately, I can’t accept this story at face value. As I’ve noted…
The False Choice Between a VAT and Impossible Spending Cuts
Governor Mitch Daniels of Indiana has triggered a spat among policy wonks with his recent comments expressing sympathy for a value-added tax (VAT). Kevin Williamson of National Review is arguing that a VAT will probably be necessary because there is no hope of restraini…
Why Is It Okay for Rich Democrats to Use Tax Havens, but It’s Not Okay for the Little People?
Senator John Kerry is enriched by tax havens. Former Democratic Senator (and professional slug) John Edwards got to use tax havens. Former President Bill Clinton got to benefit from tax havens. Connecticut’s Attorney General (and Senate candidate), Richard Blumenthal,…
Taxpayers vs Bureaucrats, Part XLII: The Serfs Are Getting Angry
Time for some much-needed positive news. Ordinary taxpayers are slowly but surely figuring out that federal workers are overpaid and underworked. Here are some of the details from the story in the Washington Post. More than half of Americans say they think that…
The Alaska Version of Big Government Means Big Corruption
Tim Carney of the Washington Examiner is an expert on corruption and sleaze inside the beltway, and his column this morning is a perfect example. He shows how corrupt insiders in Alaska use something known as the “Rent-an-Eskimo” scam to pull in hundreds of millions…
Australia: A Great Country with a Bad Government
I’m finally back in Washington after a week in Australia for the Mont Pelerin Society general meeting. Aussies are great people, but their government is just as misguided as the one we’re burdened with here in America. A friend took this pic of me on a visit to Manly…
What’s the Real Difference Between Conservatives and Libertarians?
Conservatives and libertarians supposedly agree with each other on economic issues, but disagree to some extent on social issues and foreign policy. This is generally accurate. Principled conservatives (as opposed to the Bush/Rove variety) believe in limited…
We Should Copy the Clever British Campaign against Higher Capital Gains Tax Rates
Here are a handful of the posters being used in the United Kingdom to fight the perversely-destructive proposal to increase tax rates on capital gains. (for an explanation of why the tax should be abolished, see here) Which one is your favorite? I’m partial to the…
More TSA Stupidity?
Regular readers know I’m not a big fan of the Transportation Security Administration, though I confess I don’t know whether the inane policies are the result of dumb laws, foolish political appointees, or home-grown bureaucratic stupidity. Regardless, I mock the TSA…