One way to see the influence of federal spending is the benefit it confers to the area around Washington, D.C. THe Washington Examiner reports that Loudoun ranks as the richest county in the United States, immediately followed by Fairfax and Howard counties, while Montgomery, traditionally one of the wealthiest, is now 10th. Forbes magazine ranked…

Private charities sometimes spend money, from wealthy private donors, on fancy parties to celebrate and encourage greater charitable giving. Whatever one thinks of those lavish events, there’s no doubt that the donors earned the money they’re spending. Government bureaucrats can’t say the same – when they hold fancy parties, the fine evening rests not on…