Tag Archives | paternalism

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Political Economy vs. Federal Fairy Tales

American Institute for Economic Research, March 29, 2021 Political Economy vs. Federal Fairy Tales by James Bovard “Build Back Better” is the motto for President Biden’s ambitious plans to remake much of the American economy and society. On Wednesday in Pittsburgh, Biden will reveal his plans for trillions of dollars of new spending for infrastructure […]

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Ten Thousand Czars (1999)

Here’s a piece spun off from my 1999 book, Freedom in Chains.  In 2007, New York Times reporter Mark Leibovich was writing a piece on czars, called me up and asked if I was still a libertarian.  I burst out laughing – but his question was understandable inside the Beltway.  From his article: “‘I don’t […]

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The Folly of Fantasy-Based Political Philosophy

It’s a coin toss which is more damnably confounding – contemporary journalism or contemporary philosophy. Reminded of this conundrum by the latest New Yorker article whooping up Elizabeth Anderson, a University of Michigan philosophy professor, as the great hope for American equality. The 8000-word profile was an exercise in faith building which failed to sway […]

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Freedom-in-Chains

Political Accounting Makes Paternalism a Mirage

The following essay is excerpted from Freedom in Chains (1999) and was also published in The Freeman in September 1999.  I tweaked a few sentences but have otherwise not corrected glaring flaws. * Many federal agents have zero curiosity about the impact of their actions on private citizens. Collateral damage voids no pensions. Political Accounting  […]

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FFF: Obamacare Reform and Paternalism’s Pratfalls

Future of Freedom Foundation Obamacare Reform and Paternalism’s Pratfalls by James Bovard One of Donald Trump’s first actions as president was to issue an executive order to reduce the regulatory burden of the Affordable Care Act. Obamacare has been intensely controversial since it was enacted in 2010. The battle over its reform or replacement will […]

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Hillary Clinton’s Acceptance Speech at DNC

Hillary tribute video: "How many ways will she light up the world?" Blowing the hell out of Libya, Syria, Iraq is a start #DemsInPhilly — James Bovard (@JimBovard) July 29, 2016 Hillary tribute video – Bill Clinton refers to the "golden years of our lives" – They haven't snared enough millions yet? #DemsInPhilly — James […]

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