by Dan Mitchell | Dec 31, 2014 | Big Government, Blogs, Economics, Government Spending, Health Care, Tax Competition, Taxation
Exactly one year ago, we looked at the best and worst policy developments of 2013. Now it’s time for a look back at 2014 to see what’s worth celebrating and what are reasons for despair. Here’s the good news for 2014. 1. Gridlock – I’ve been arguing for nearly...
by Dan Mitchell | Jul 22, 2014 | Blogs, Taxation
In some sense, there’s nothing remotely funny about the IRS’s targeting of Tea Party organizations. It is disgusting that a powerful arm of the government became a corrupt vehiclefor illegal partisan politics. But it’s better to laugh rather than cry, so let’s enjoy...
by Dan Mitchell | Jul 7, 2014 | Blogs, Free Market
Over the past several years, I’ve repeatedly argued that you get more unemployment when the government pays people to be unemployed. But I’m not just relying on theory. I’ve cited both anecdotes and empirical research to bolster my case. You won’t be...
by Dan Mitchell | May 30, 2014 | Big Government, Blogs, Economics
On many occasions, I’ve explained that economic output is a function of how much labor and capital are productively utilized. This is why I relentlessly criticize policies that undermine GDP growth by hindering the use of these “factors of production.” That’s a bit of...
by Dan Mitchell | May 19, 2014 | Big Government, Blogs, Economics, Minimum Wage
I’m beginning to think that people from some nations are smarter and more rational than others. That may explain, for instance, why voters in Estonia support fiscal restraintwhile voters in France foolishly think the gravy train can continue forever. But I’m not...