EDITOR’S NOTE: In the following essay, Dr. Sennholz provides perspective and proposals on the current Social Security debate. Introduction An old English saying perfectly applies to election promises made by presidential candidates: “Vows made in a storm are forgotten in calms.” … Continue reading
Economics & Political Systems
VISION & VALUES CONCISE: Fighting Poverty, Then and Now
A few weeks ago Senate Republicans unveiled a twelve-point poverty alleviation program. Many items on that agenda are controversial, but one of them—a push to reauthorize the welfare reform legislation that was enacted in 1996—won’t be. Although Democrats disagree with … Continue reading
VISION & VALUES CONCISE: 1040 Plunder
In a week I will be a reluctant recipient of plundered property. The modern day Robin Hood purloined the cash last year on my behalf and without my knowledge. Technology comes into play too. Using a piece of sophisticated software, … Continue reading
VISION & VALUES CONCISE: Liberty: The Highest Political End
Editor’s Note: On occasion, we would like to let you know of other important organizations doing good work on behalf of the principles that we support in Vision & Values Concise. Please see the piece below from the president of The … Continue reading
VISION & VALUES CONCISE: Benedict Arnold?
In a speech during the primaries, John Kerry called companies that outsource “Benedict Arnold” companies. If Benedict Arnold would have had his way, he would have denied Americans what they, and all of mankind throughout history, have sought—freedom—the unalienable rights … Continue reading
VISION & VALUES CONCISE: The Age of Liberty
Over the last week, something enormously important has happened — something deserving of much more than the routine news-cycle coverage. To put it bluntly, the presidential election in Afghanistan is a seminal event, and those who don’t understand how or … Continue reading
Kerry, Command and Control?
With the economy improving, hurricane winds blowing, and discussions about national health care on sick leave, it is fair to suggest that the coming debates between President Bush and Senator Kerry will focus on leadership. Bush can run on his … Continue reading
VISION & VALUES CONCISE: The WTO Punching Bag
The World Trade Organization, a favorite punching bag of some conservatives, is at it again. But hold on conservatives, the WTO is right on this one! For pocketbook reasons, the U.S. would be wise to heed their ruling. For the … Continue reading
VISION & VALUES CONCISE: Give Lower-Skilled Workers a Chance
Election years are the times that try economists’ souls. Practically everyone with his hat in the ring will promise us this and promise us that and promise us everything under the sun, more often than not implying that, by the … Continue reading
Kerry in Full Bloom
The bankruptcy of the activist view of government is in full bloom again, thanks to the John Kerry campaign. For starters, Kerry promised to raise the minimum wage. Even if Kerry is an Economics 101 dropout, one would think that … Continue reading
Lotteries and Their Defenders
I was channel surfing on my car radio when I encountered the latest ad for the Pennsylvania lottery. These ads tend to be clever. This is true in many states. For instance, the ads for the Virginia state lottery are … Continue reading
Privatization of Liquor Stores May be Answer to Sunday Sales Squawk
When he became governor a few weeks ago, Ed Rendell announced that he was suddenly surprised by the unanticipated size of the state budget deficit. His administration insists that that gap must be closed. Now, in a likely related matter, … Continue reading
VISION & VALUES: Economic Liberties: The Lost Civil Right
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following lecture was presented at Grove City College on February 6, 2001. Introduction A course in Constitutional Law helped me decide that I wanted to become a lawyer. I had no previous interest in being a lawyer whatsoever. … Continue reading