….[the] administration’s wanton disregard for both taxpayers and the company shows just how desperate it is getting to deliver some sliver of economic good news to angry voters ahead of the November elections. But its actions only bespeak of the dangers of government bailouts. GM has a long way to go before it is truly…
Free Markets
Free Markets
Markets and (Bathroom) Scales
by JOHN ADAMS •
Free Markets, Freedom of Speech
Dr. Laura Schlessinger: Confused Whiner
by JOHN ADAMS •
I’ve never listened to Dr. Laura Schlessinger on the radio, but I’ve read that she’s quitting radio because, by her account, her “First Amendment rights have been usurped” because she used the “n-word” on the air. (I know who she is, and know of her manner; I’m not, however, a listener.) Schlessinger’s claim in nonsense,…
Free Markets
Poll: Most Americans Pick Free Market Over Government-Run Economy
by JOHN ADAMS •
Free Markets
William Watson: Free Market Winning Fans
by JOHN ADAMS •
Canadian blogger William Watson, writing at the Financial Post, notes that throughout the world, majorities support free markets: Despite anti-market views in the media, polls show an eye-opening level of support for free markets around the world How do you feel about the following statement? “Most people are better off in a free market economy,…
Free Markets
Stossel Asks: “Immigrants – Good or Bad?”
by JOHN ADAMS •
Libertarians believe in free markets in capital and labor. How does that apply to immigration? In a post on the subject, Stossel considers the views of conservative Heather Mac Donald [thus] and libertarian Jason Riley. Stossel concludes in favor of fewer restrictions on labor: Black markets make problems worse. America should let more people come…
Free Markets
A CEO on Speaking Up for American Capitalism
by JOHN ADAMS •
In Speaking Up for American Capitalism CEO Gregg Sherrill discusses the torrent of calumnies directed against free markets, but notes that most Americans see through this rhetoric: Because the financial crisis and resulting recession caused so much pain, a bashing of our entire free enterprise system may have been inevitable. My fear is that by…
Free Markets, Libertarians, Planning
Reason.tv: Lessons From LeBron – What Clevelanders Should Really Be Pissed About
by JOHN ADAMS •
I’ve posted before about libertarian Drew Carey’s series for Reason.tv on ways to revitalize Cleveland (“the mistake on the lake.”) Those ways did not, and never will, include demonizing LeBron James for taking a job in Miami. Here’s a follow-up to the Reason Saves Saves Cleveland with Drew Carey series, entitled, Lessons From LeBron: Link:…
Economy, Free Markets, Law, Laws/Regulations, Politics
Milk, Wisconsin Dairies, Competition, and Anti-Trust
by JOHN ADAMS •
Jessica Vanegeren of the Capital Times has a thorough story online about the dairy industry in Wisconsin and beyond, entitled, Does Dean Foods Have Unfair Advantage? Hers is thorough description of the Wisconsin dairy scene, emphasizing the influence of Dean Foods. I would only add that our outgoing governor has shown himself susceptible of pressure…
Free Markets
The Foolishness of Demonizing Productive, Private Enterprise
by JOHN ADAMS •
I don’t know of anyone who doubts that the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is an environmental disaster. After that people’s reactions differ — sadness, frustration, anger, etc. There’s more than enough grandstanding among America’s politicians, often along the lines of how heads must roll, etc. (That’s heads of those at British…
Economy, Free Markets, Government Spending
Martin Borgs on Preventing the Next Financial Disaster
by JOHN ADAMS •
Market advocates are optimists. We warn against government intervention and spending because we know that common people — as we are — can do uncommon things when able to associate freely without interference or regulation. We reject the contrived and manipulative schemes of politicians and bureaucrats, ad welcome the dynamism and productivity of private citizens…
Economy, Free Markets, Planning
N. Korea Lifts Ban on Private Markets to Prevent Famine
by JOHN ADAMS •
From one of the most oppressive regimes on earth, having brought the people it rules to the brink of death, a belated, desperate effort to save itself through private markets: Bowing to reality, the North Korean government has lifted all restrictions on private markets — a last-resort option for a leadership desperate to prevent its…
Economy, Free Markets
Can Capitalism Save the World from Poverty? Actually, it’s already doing just that…
by JOHN ADAMS •
There’s a new PBS documentary that you may have seen, called “The New Recruits,” about efforts of free-market advocates to bring capitalism to the developing world. It’s not easy, but the documentary shows how a few dedicated market proponents can make a difference even in dire conditions. No economic system has produced greater prosperity for…
City, Economy, Free Markets, Government Spending
Why is America So Successful?
by JOHN ADAMS •
John Stossel asks, “Why is America So Successful?” Stossel concludes, following Friedman, that it’s not natural resources that gave America “a standard of living that’s the envy of most of the world.” Instead, it’s limited government and free market choices that make America prosperous: More than any other American, Friedman, who won the Nobel Prize…