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Free Trade Agreements: Issues and Outlook
by Frances B. Smith
Trade has surfaced over the past decade as one of the most contentious political issues—both internationally and domestically. The increased divisiveness of trade policy was evident at the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Seattle meeting in December of 1999, where anti-globalization took over the streets and helped cause a breakdown of those negotiations...
Privatizing Profits, Socializing Losses
by Fred L. Smith, Jr.
I have previously argued that if we wish to have a future, the creative destruction described by the great economist Joseph Schumpeter is unavoidable. But society must recognize that with the additional economic freedom to homestead the economic frontier, it is important to ensure the evolution of institutions that encourage responsible use of that freedom...
The Ratings Game
by Cord Blomquist & Eli Lehrer
When they select video games, comic books, movies, music, radio programs, and television shows for their children, parents have a wealth of information available to them. Through government content codes, private ratings systems, and a variety of other measures, parents have a broad universe of choices between ratings systems...
Bali Follies: The Benefits of Failure
by William Yeatman
International negotiations for a treaty to fight climate change always end in gridlock because individual nations are a selfish lot. They can never agree on who should foot the gigantic bill to stop global warming...
Taxing Water: What will Nanny State Politicians Think of Next?
by Angela Logomasini
The Chicago City Council has taken the idea of “sin taxes” to a whole new level of stupidity. Regulators began by going after cigarettes, alcohol, and firearms, and moved on to SUVs, fast food, and even toilets! Starting in 2008, the city of Chicago is going to tax water—when it comes packaged in a plastic bottle...
The Good, the Bad & the Urgy
THE GOOD: Mortality Falling Despite Extreme Weather
Climate doomsayers routinely warn that global warming will lead to more weather-related disasters. Yet a recent study by economist indur Golklany found that mortality and mortality rates are falling despite an upsurge in severe weather events.
THE BAD: Misunderstanding the Problem of Poverty
The Census Bureau estimates the number of poor americans at 37 million as of 2005. So politicians denounce uncaring government policies. activists demand new programs...
THE UGLY American Politicians Call for UK-Style Health Care Reform
Politicians are clamoring to “do something” about climbing health care costs. a federal takeover is no solution, however. Just look at Britain’s National health Service...
Media Mentions
Compiled by Richard Morrison
Energy Policy Analyst William Yeatman debunks claims of California’s commitment to fighting global warming:
"U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon says that California “leads the world” on climate change. He’s right, but not the way he thinks. In fact, the Golden State leads the world in unfulfilled romises to fight global warming..."
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