While North Carolina's current and next Governors were in Philadelphia begging for federal bailout money, South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford has been taking the opposite position. He has been urging Congress to reject the increasing financial paternalism of throwing taxpayers' money at various problems. Sanford's main objection is the use of borrowed money. In [...]
Monthly Archives: December 2008
- Dec04
Yo Quiero Powerball
With lottery sales slumping, officials are looking at new ways to boost sales… And what can do that, you ask? More advertising — this time, in Spanish. But it looks like they may have a little problem: "State lottery officials want to start advertising lottery tickets in Spanish, but first they'll have to maneuver around [...]
- Dec03
So That’s What They Mean…
With so much talk lately coming from politicians about stimulating the economy by investing in "infrastructure," many may be wondering just what our elected representatives mean by the term infrastructure. The Foundation of Economic Education provides this easy to understand, and BS-free definition: in·fra·struc·ture [in-fruh-struhk-cher]: 1. the basic, underlying framework or features of a system or organization [...]
- Dec03
Booze it up for Obama!
Going to DC to celebrate Obama's inauguration? Well, if so, you can visit your favorite DC watering hole until 5 am during inauguration week! "The D.C. Council approved emergency legislation this evening that will allow District bars, nightclubs and restaurants to serve alcohol until 5 a.m. — three hours later than usual — and remain [...]
- Dec02
That 70′s Show
In this TCS article, economist Jerry Bowyer explains how the currently prevailing economic policies remind him of the days of disco balls and bell bottoms. Ronald Reagan summed up the economic philosophy of the 1970s in one brilliant sentence: "If it moves, tax it; if it keeps moving, regulate it; and if it stops moving, subsidize it." [...]
- Dec01
Easley Fails Econ 101
Like most elitist politicians, outgoing Governor Mike Easley feels it is his duty to try and "stimulate" the economy. The arrogance of politicians who believe the economy is something they can control and manipulate better than the millions of producers and consumers freely engaging in mutually beneficial exchanges never ceases to amaze – and depress [...]
- Dec01
NC Jobs: Fantasy and the Facts
“North Carolina is holding her own in job creation but we are not immune from national economic trends, which means we have to take aggressive steps to minimize any hardships.” Governor Easley to Fast Track Capital Improvement Projects to Stimulate State Economy November 26 Press release from Office of the Governor "North Carolina ranked 42nd among [...]
- Dec01
Central Planning 101
Beijing? Shanghai? Fill in the blank here: "Twenty years from now, the era of unchecked urban sprawl in _______ could be a distant memory. New homes would be smaller and built close together in urban centers and along major roads. Getting around on foot, bike or mass transit would be not only possible, but preferable [...]
- Dec01
Easley’s Debt Stimulus Package
What a Thanksgiving treat from lame duck Gov. Mike Easley to the rest of us — more debt! In case you missed it, last Wednesday, Gov. Easley announced he was going to recommend that the state move forward with over $700 million in government construction projects in order to "stimulate the economy." What he doesn't [...]