PBS recently aired a fascinating documentary, “The Commanding Heights: The Battle for the World Economy.” Part of the series focused on the sorry economic performance of countries in the developing world. Instead of blaming the usual suspects, e.g., colonialism and insufficient foreign aid, the series explored more fundamental and subtle barriers to progress. Economic progress […]

All my friends in Bozeman get the Patagonia catalogue and I love their products. For when it comes to design, quality, and satisfaction guaranteed, Patagonia sets the standard. Patagonia displays a strong environmental commitment. Since 1985, it has donated 10 percent of annual profits (or 1 percent of sales, whichever is greater) to hundreds of […]

Since 9/11 there has been an understandable resurgence in support for government. While there are good security reasons for this, there is also a huge potential for damage. Both the steel tariff and the farm bill are excellent examples of the dangers and injustice inherent to activist government. Nearly all environmentalists, conservatives, and libertarians are […]

Economics is ubiquitous, pervasive, and didactic. Baseball, nearly so. While the sport is a form of entertainment, and a religious experience to some, it can teach us a good bit about the economic process. In the mid-20th century America had parallel baseball leagues, the white American and National leagues, and the Negro American and National […]