Foreword by John Baden We can learn a great deal from the recent standoff in the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Clear and agreed upon property rights are critical to civility and productivity. It is nearly impossible to have peace and prosperity when property rights are seriously contested. This is as true in Oregon as in […]

During the post-Civil War period, from 1865 to 1910, America resembled a rapidly developing Third World nation. Life expectancy was just over 40 years and average income was less than one twentieth of today’s. Corrupt big city machines and corporate cronyism marked our political economy. Plunder, pollution, and predation were common. Property rights to natural […]

The U. S. Park Service in the Department of Interior celebrates its centennial this year. It manages over 400 national parks and monument units. The creation of these protected areas is often labeled as “America’s best idea”.*  America’s first national park, Yellowstone, was established in 1872. It has become the world’s model for park management.** […]