"This study is an attempt to tell them that, not only is the Emperor naked, but his body is hardly a thing of beauty."
William Stanbury in Fraser Forum August 1998 [the actual topic was CanCon regulations, but the statement is apt surprisingly often]
Especially in his speeches and lectures Ludwig von Mises "would emphasize again and again that interventionist policies are 'wrong,' not from the point of view of the economist himself, but from the point of view of those initiating these policies (or at least from the point of view of those whose well-being the policies are supposed to enhance)."
Israel M. Kirzner in Edwin G. Dolan, ed., The Foundations of Modern Austrian Economics
"The Law of Supply and Demand. As inexorable as the Law of Gravity, even governments cannot break it, although they often try."
William Trench in Only You Can Save Canada
In my latest National Post column I ask why, when budget projections are so reliably wrong, including this year's way-off deficit predictions and apparently next year's too, we nod solemnly at each year's pseudo-sophisticated decimal points and econometric analyses.
"The two most important questions in any economic analysis are: (1) What is the alternative? and (2) What happens then, and then, and then?"
Robert Higgs “Allocation of Risks Associated with Medical Goods: Government Regulation versus Market Process”
In my latest National Post column I argue that there's no progress on the East Coast aboriginal fishery, and the rule of law is breaking down, because too many politicians and judges genuinely believe they can give stuff away to some people while keeping it for others.
In my latest National Post column I urge Justin Trudeau and Bill Morneau to get out of hot water on taxes by simplifying the system dramatically because economically smart policy is also politically smart policy here.
The Environment: A True Story is now available on YouTube in shorter chapters as well as the full film. I'm pleased to say the complete documentary has already had over 1200 views in just over a week which for a 160 minute feature is very satisfying.
For those who find it more convenient to watch (or easier to keep track of where you've gotten to in it) in shorter segments it's also now posted as a YouTube playlist.