I observed the April 15th Tea Party by accident from a barbershop window. My second viewing, however, was intentional. I rode in from Gateway, met Ramona, and we walked my bike through the large and civil crowd. I was indeed pleased to be there. Many letters have commented on the Tea Party phenomenon. I’ll provide […]

The economic crisis has accomplished something that many nations have been trying, and failing, to do for years—reduce CO2 emissions. This reality highlights the enormous social and technical challenges we face. Is a continuing recession and reduction in prosperity the best way to deal with climate change or any environmental problem? No. Economic growth and […]

“The four most dangerous words in investing are ‘This time it’s different.’” —Sir John Templeton Every decade or so since 1900, there has been a run of prosperity that detaches people’s common sense from financial realities. This generates widespread faith in a “new era” of ever-escalating wealth. If we’ll be richer next year, why not […]

Last month FREE brought a group of social entrepreneurs to Bozeman. Participants included investors who understand that economic progress is a decentralized process of discovery. It depends on the imagination and talents of individuals anticipating and responding to changing conditions and preferences. In particular, investors see long-term benefits in companies offering products that promise to […]

Last Saturday, while preparing to celebrate Independence Eve, I received two letters requesting political support. One was from Dan Choi, an Army Lieutenant who was standing trial for speaking three truthful words, “I am gay.” He is an infantry officer, an Iraq combat veteran, and a West Point graduate with a degree in Arabic. He […]