Latest Entries
The Government is Making Money Off Students; Is that a Good Thing?
Economy / U.S. Domestic Policy

The Government is Making Money Off Students; Is that a Good Thing?

The last thing anyone expects the government to do is make money. Every day congressional lawmakers lament budget deficits, and the inability of the federal government to cover its spending with tax revenue is a perennial issue. But while Washington continues to struggle with the debt, there are a few government-affiliated organizations that are actually … Continue reading

Lack of Peace in the Afghan-Taliban “Peace” Talks
Foreign Policy / Middle East / Politics

Lack of Peace in the Afghan-Taliban “Peace” Talks

On Tuesday, the United States, Afghanistan, and the Taliban agreed to participate in peace talks in Doha, Qatar.  But by Wednesday the Afghan government had pulled out of the talks and the American government remained confused and stung by the broken promise of discussion.  The already rocky-road to peace represents what is to come, and how … Continue reading

Absinthe and Our Obsession with “Scary” Chemicals
America / Environment / Environmental Regulation / Regulation

Absinthe and Our Obsession with “Scary” Chemicals

For those who don’t know, absinthe is a grain alcohol of Swiss origin which is made by macerating herbs and spices, the most important of which are fennel, anise and wormwood. The first two give absinthe its characteristic licorice flavor. Wormwood imparts a bitter flavor and is the source of absinthe’s famed mystique and jade-green … Continue reading

The Farm Bill: Convenient Coalition or Market Manipulation?
America / Fiscal policy / Tax / U.S. Senate

The Farm Bill: Convenient Coalition or Market Manipulation?

In early June, a coalition of urban and rural politicians in the Senate banded together to pass the Farm bill, a legislative piece that distributes welfare benefits to an unlikely pair: wealthy agro-businesses and the inner-city poor. Although widely popular among constituents, a common sense look at the bill reveals serious flaws. The Senate’s version … Continue reading

Top 5 Most Ridiculous Government Spending Programs: Energy and Environment Edition
Energy / Environment

Top 5 Most Ridiculous Government Spending Programs: Energy and Environment Edition

5. Overlapping Renewable Energy Subsidies. Senator Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) estimates that redundancies in government spending alone amount to roughly $250 billion.  That’s three times the cost of sequester cuts.  Right now 23 agencies and 130 sub-agencies are in charge of some 679 renewable energy initiatives, according to the Government Accountability Office.  One would think with … Continue reading