I had not planned to comment on the president’s “you didn’t build that” gaffe, but as it echoes in the blogosphere it becomes difficult to avoid. It’s not so much his original statement that has me thinking, but the various ways in which people on both sides have interpreted it—most have it wrong. Let us explore. For the innocent bystanders, here is the section of his speech in question: There are a lot of wealthy, […]
http://youtu.be/h9QEkw6_O6w <p>Is Price Gouging Immoral? Should It Be Illegal? April 30th, 2012 § Leave a Comment http://youtu.be/h9QEkw6_O6w The folks at LearnLiberty.org are creating some excellent and rather entertaining videos on liberty and free markets. This short video shows how price gauging during an emergency—an act commonly viewed as inspired from the devil himself—is merely a function of the market finding a way to deliver goods to the people who need them most. I heard a great EconTalk podcast a while back with Russ Roberts and Mike Munger on this very topic. Paradoxes like these are one reason I enjoy economics. The bigger reason is learning how to actually help people in need instead of making situations worse.</p>
Every so often you run into a piece of news that epitomizes everything that is wrong with leftism. Today’s anecdote: a Chicago school has banned children from bringing their own lunches. The reason is simple—the principal wants to “protect students from their own unhealthful food choices.” Let’s assume that means the parents too. Perhaps banning certain types of food was not far enough; people simply shouldn’t be allowed to make their own choices. It’s far […]
Wesley Gant 