Okay, we’ve had an ongoing discussion here at the Liberty Papers about monopolies, markets and Microsoft. The position presented on one side, a position taken by many libertarians and libertarian-conservatives, is that monopolies that are not directly created by government fiat are okay and we shouldn’t see them as bad. They are, in this line [...]

Dr. Fred Foldvary advocates a variant of ananchism, “geoanarchism, in which people would live in contractual communities whose public goods are financed from land rent” […] “The members would share the belief that the land rent should be collected and distributed to all members equally or else used for public goods.” Geoanarchism also solves the [...]

I heard this on the radio this morning. I’d still rather go on a hunting trip with Dick Cheney than a car ride with Teddy Kennedy Heh!

Another point, in keeping with our ongoing discussion of economics and monopolies, that I have made is that government intrusion into, and distortion of, the market creates monopolies. I have argued that folks of a libertarian or classic liberal mindset should not accept these “private monopolies” as okay becuase they are not directly created by [...]

Two years ago, for a brief period, I tried my hand at my first blog, which I called “Kayz In”. Hurricanes and other life experiences happened, and I gave it up – just had too many other stressors in my life at the time. But there was one post I made highlighting an interview documented [...]

In the course of our exchanges yesterday about markets, monopoly, and morality, Eric made this comment on the impact that scarcity and monopoly power have on individual liberty: Monopolies do impact Life, Liberty and Property. Specifically liberty and property. You argue that you can always choose not to buy from Microsoft. I argue that you [...]

The concept of public smoking bans, in my opinion, really gives you an insight into the psyche of a person. This is one of those issues that really separates those who believe in smaller-government-enforcing-their-own-biases from those who truly believe in smaller government and private property rights. I see a true protector of private property rights [...]

Eric, Brad and I have been having quite a lively exchange (see here and here and here) over the issue of monopolies, the market economy, and morality. While we’ve covered several topics, one that keeps recurring is the question of whether it is appropriate to think in terms of “right” and “wrong” when it comes [...]

I’m reading The Undercover Economist by Tim Harford, as I mentioned over at Eric’s Grumbles yesterday. The interesting thing, and Harford makes a compelling case for it, is that scarcity is the driving factor in all markets. If the cost of a product is high, yet it seems like the cost to produce it is [...]

“It is a general popular error to suppose the loudest complainers for the public to be the most anxious for its welfare.” – Edmund Burke (1729-1797) British statesman, parliamentary orator, and political thinker

Once again, the great Walter E. Williams tells is like it is as he devastatingly destroys the assertions from the collectivists among us that we have a right to steal from our neighbors. Do people have a right to medical treatment whether or not they can pay? What about a right to food or decent [...]

Writing in today’s Washington Post, Philip Longman reports that New York City has begun requiring doctors and laboratories to reveal even more confidential medical information in the name of “public health.” On Jan. 15, New York City began requiring local clinical laboratories to report to the city health department the results of blood sugar tests [...]

I got in a nice email debate today, and I’ll post below the email exchange between myself and a friend. Of all my friends, she is one of the two that I truly enjoy debating. She’s a lawyer, and did her undergrad as an in economics & poli sci (I think poli sci) dual major. [...]

“The bigger the information media, the less courage and information they allow. Bigness means weakness.” – Eric Sevareid (1912-1992) American newsman, journalist, author This is right in line with the libertarian line of thought on small, competitive entities being better, all around, than larger, non-competitive ones. Your thoughts?

Its that time again. Carnival of Liberty XXXII is up at New World Man. Since its Valentine’s Day, Matt has done an especially creative job this time around. So if you love liberty, and if you don’t then I’m not sure why you’re reading this blog to begin with, go check it out. Technorati Tags: [...]

Rogel, at It Looks Obvious (newly added to the blogroll as well), followed up on my previous article about tax reform in Rhode Island. He did some research on migration related to taxes at the state level and that resulted in this article on his blog. The interesting part is, of course, this: From 2000 [...]

“If newsmen do not tell the truth as they see it because it might make waves, or if their bosses decide something should or should not be broadcast because of Washington or Main Street consequences, we have dishonored ourselves and we have lost the First Amendment by default.” – Richard Salant (1914-1993) former President of [...]

WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 /U.S. Newswire/ — James and Sarah Brady made comments today related to Vice President Cheney’s reportedly accidental shooting yesterday in Texas. “Now I understand why Dick Cheney keeps asking me to go hunting with him,” said Jim Brady. “I had a friend once who accidentally shot pellets into his dog – and [...]

New LLP member Lone Pony pointed me towards this article, Victor Davis Hanson on the War on Terror on National Review Online, which included the following: …the bogus notion of multiculturalism has blinded us to a simple truth: we in the West can live according to our own values and should not allow those radicals [...]

Wulf, of Atlas Blogged, points out something interesting in The Cartoons are Symptom of a Problem, not the Cause. It is an interesting perspective, and one that should be developed further. Jyllands-Posten’s publication of the cartoons [ed: the cartoons of Mohammed] is repeatedly called offensive. It should instead be seen as defensive. It would be [...]