The Open Market Blog

• By: Ryan Young
• 12/29/2009

Having solved all the nation’s other problems, the federal government has a National Poultry Improvement Plan.

Regulatory Reform

• By: Ryan Young
• 12/22/2009

Modern innovations such as synthetic dyes, the Minnesota Vikings, and purple M&Ms have taken away purple’s exotic reputation. But no worry. Federal regulators are doing…

Regulatory Reform

• By: Ryan Young
• 12/21/2009

On the other hand, legislators do less harm when they spend their time on college football rather than, say, health care.

Consumer Freedom

• By: Ryan Young
• 12/18/2009

The House passed the Commercial Loudness Act on Wednesday. If it becomes law, the FCC would control the volume level of television commercials.

Consumer Freedom

• By: Ryan Young
• 12/17/2009

If you’re thinking of sending out advertisements for a cockfight through the mail, you should be aware that a new regulation allows the postal service…

Regulatory Reform

• By: Ryan Young
• 12/16/2009

It is illegal to be a peddler in Wisconsin without a license. One of the requirements is five years of residency in Wisconsin. Because clearly,…

Consumer Freedom

• By: Ryan Young
• 12/15/2009

Talk about attention to detail. The federal government regulates the size of hole in Swiss cheese.

Consumer Freedom

• By: Ryan Young
• 12/14/2009

The Code of Federal Regulations contains a regulation on how to cite the Code of Federal Regulations.

Regulatory Reform

• By: Ryan Young
• 12/12/2009

I recently finished reading Swedish economist Johan Norberg's book about the financial crisis, aptly titled Financial Fiasco. It's both short and informative. Six chapters and…

Regulatory Reform

• By: Ryan Young
• 12/10/2009

Did you know that the federal government is in the veterinary accreditation business? It’s true.

Consumer Freedom

• By: Ryan Young
• 12/09/2009

A proposed rule in California would reclassify adult film actors as being subject to certain employment regulations. The unintended consequences are potentially fatal.

Consumer Freedom

• By: Ryan Young
• 12/08/2009

The Code of Federal Regulations contains 12,834 words worth of rules concerning falconry, of all things.

Consumer Freedom

• By: Ryan Young
• 12/08/2009

Over at RealClearMarkets, I explain why the answer is a resounding no. Over 30,000 total new rules passed during the Bush years. Hardly any were…

Labor and Employment

• By: Ryan Young
• 12/07/2009

It is illegal to conduct an auction without a license in Alabama. Violators can be punished with fines of up to $500. Applicants must pay…

Consumer Freedom

• By: Ryan Young
• 12/05/2009

I run an ongoing trade deficit with my local grocery store. I import food from them every week. They have never purchased a thing from…

Regulatory Reform

• By: Ryan Young
• 12/02/2009

Roberto Zabrido, a government official in Spain, is “adamant that the Happy Meal and its ilk pose a risk.” The solution? Legislation!…

Consumer Freedom

• By: Ryan Young
• 11/30/2009

If you put chlortetracycline powder in your farm animals’ drinking water to prevent disease, please be aware that a new federal rule now allows you…

Consumer Freedom

• By: Ryan Young
• 11/27/2009

Non-price costs such as crowds and long lines should be factored into your shopping habits. Otherwise you just might be getting ripped off.

Consumer Freedom

• By: Ryan Young
• 11/23/2009

The Boston Globe’s Jeff Jacoby wrote a wonderful column yesterday that highlights the inconsistent stance of many conservatives when it comes to immigration.

Consumer Freedom

• By: Ryan Young
• 11/20/2009

The Code of Federal Regulations contains 28 sections on food containers. Metal, glass, plastic, flexible, rigid – if you can put food in it, there…

Consumer Freedom