George Mason: Protectionism at its Worst

April 17, 2006 7:44 AM by T. Norman Van Cott

Mason labeled the slave trade as "diabolical," "disgraceful," "infamous," and "detestable" immediately prior to arguing that slave owners' rights be strengthened. Obviously, opposing the slave trade was not equivalent to opposing slavery. The lens of economics uncovers an underlying economic consistency between the positions — however morally repugnant they are when juxtaposed. To wit, both positions would, if enacted, advance Mason's economic interests. FULL ARTICLE

The Failure of Government Justice

March 1, 2006 7:28 AM by T. Norman Van Cott

It's often a heartbreaking story, writes T. Norman Van Cott. It's also a repeating story: people on parole and probation committing yet more crimes. Thousands each year. Those foisting these parolees and probationers on us pollute our social environment. The only answer is a complete privization of prison and parole. That would change the incentives. FULL ARTICLE

The Free Market makes a difference

October 20, 2005 9:43 AM by T. Norman Van Cott

Here we go again with "Make a Difference Day"--the 4th Saturday in October, which is tomorrow.

Last year on this site, I made an argument that generated more heat than I expected: "the most important difference making Americans ever encounter, hands down, no questions asked, occurs day in and day out in the marketplace."