Predictably, opportunistic GOP rivals want to attack Mitt Romney’s career at Bain Capital as proof that he’s heartless, greedy, etc. This is unsurprising, as these GOP rivals (except Ron Paul) don’t favor free and voluntary markets, they favor particular businesses (those that contribute to their campaigns, first and foremost). They talk about being pro-business, but…
Free Markets
Free Markets, Presidential race 2012
Desperate GOP Also-Rans Turn on Free Markets
by JOHN ADAMS •
How predictable, really, that struggling GOP candidates are attacking Gov. Romney’s time at Bain. Many of those candidates have talked about economic opportunity, but they’re truly more comfortable with favored businesses than free markets. Denying the truth about capitalism — and trying to make Romney’s success into evidence that he’s Ebeneezer Scrooge — must seem…
Free Markets, Immigration, Laws/Regulations, Politics
The GOP’s Wrong Turn on Immigration
by JOHN ADAMS •
Over at National Review, libertarian Daniel Griswold makes the case for liberalized immigration policies, by reminding Republicans that current GOP Candidates Betray the Spirit of Reagan on Immigration. Commenters at the site will have none of it, and are highly critical of Griswold’s views. Their criticism matters no more than if flat-earthers railed against the…
Business, Free Markets, Uncategorized
The value’s in design: China Makes Almost Nothing Out of Apple’s iPads and iPhones
by JOHN ADAMS •
Free Markets
Three cheers for civilization and free markets this festive season
by JOHN ADAMS •
Happy Christmas: As you open your gifts this festive season, or tuck into your dinner, take a moment to think about the extent to which free markets have made this possible. Probably, people from all over the globe have been involved in helping you enjoy your day; people you don’t know and don’t need to…
Free Markets, Laws/Regulations
Anti-immigrant legislation threatens Alabama’s farms
by JOHN ADAMS •
Of course it does, as any option other than a free market in labor for a need this large is an inferior, inefficient solution. (It’s also an insult to reason that desperate — and dim — officials think that prison labor is an adequate replacement.) Farmers have complained of a lack of field hands since parts of…
Free Markets, Libertarians, Politics
GOP Message-Massager Frank Luntz, in the Wake of Occupy Wall Street
by JOHN ADAMS •
Matt Welch writes about the GOP’s needless fear, and silly response, to the Occupy movement: Did you need a little Monday morning reminder of why GOP politics and libertarian ideals so rarely mix when Republicans hold power? Well check out this piece from last week by Yahoo News Chris Moody, who went inside a recent…
Business, Free Markets, Laws/Regulations
F.L.O.S.S: Protecting You from Low-Cost Teeth-Whitening Services
by JOHN ADAMS •
It’s not health, but favoring some businesses over others (and over consumers) that’s the concern of Connecticut’s regulators: Here’s the description of the Institute for Justice’s video: Teeth-whitening services are popular and increasingly available at spas, salons and shopping malls. This has been a boon for consumers because these businesses offer whitening services at a…
City, Economy, Free Markets, Law, Laws/Regulations, Liberty, Wisconsin
The War on Immigrants
by JOHN ADAMS •
Over at Reason’s blog, libertarian Shikha Dalmia writes on Alabama’s War on Immigrants. The essay is solid from beginning to end. I’d recommend readers to consider her full essay, but I’ll quote now from a few key passages. Overview: Conservatives are resorting to ever more draconian measures to take back the country from “illegal immigrants.”…
Free Markets, Law, Laws/Regulations, Liberty
Good Riddance, Arizona Sen. Russell Pearce
by JOHN ADAMS •
I see that Russell Pearce, the Arizona Senate president who authored that state’s harsh immigration law, met defeat in Tuesday’s recall from another Republican. Although the other candidate, school-executive Jerry Lewis, shares some of the same views, Pearce’s defeat is still a good day for Arizona and America. See, Arizona recall: Why Russell Pearce lost.…
Business, Economy, Free Markets, Laws/Regulations, Planning
How Anti-Dumping Laws are Bad for American Jobs
by JOHN ADAMS •
Here’s a brief video (perfect for classroom use!) on how anti-dumping laws – designed to protect American jobs from foreign competition — actually inhibit American production, raise Americans’ prices for goods, and stymie domestic job creation. Restrictions on importation may not be sensible as economic policy, but they’re a great gain for a few protected…
Business, Food, Free Markets
The Charitable Power of Food Trucks
by JOHN ADAMS •
There’s a story at the Los Angeles Times about schools’ use of food-truck nights as fundraisers. Angel Jennings reports that Outdoor food courts are popping up in the parking lots of at least a dozen high schools across Southern California with more on the way. Financially strapped public schools – hit hard by budget cuts,…
Free Markets, Government Spending, Libertarians, Planning
Pervasive and Pernicious Crony Capitalism
by JOHN ADAMS •
For some in the Tea Party, and for just about everyone with the Occupy Wall Street movement, there’s a problem with capitalism. I’ve not the slightest problem with either of these groups protesting, and doing so in large numbers. (Congressional Majority Leader Eric Cantor’s correct about wanting to cut spending; he’s wrong to worry about…
Free Markets, Libertarians, Poverty
On Poverty Spending
by JOHN ADAMS •
Libertarians believe in ‘limited government, individual liberty, free markets, and peace.” Limited government means less spending (and so fewer taxes, and a lower public debt). That doesn’t mean there should be no spending. People have a right to defend themselves (defense, policing) even if we may spend too much in those areas (influential defense contractors…