Most people don’t understand the difference between an estate tax and an inheritance tax. The distinction may not seem important but misunderstandings cloud public debate about such “death taxes” in general. Most people believe that such taxes affect far more…
Thievery rises along with metal prices
Thieves are breaking into vacant houses in North Minneapolis and St. Paul to steal copper plumbing and wiring. Similarly, electric lines are disappearing in the Dominican Republic and other developing countries. High metals prices are affecting economies around the world,…
Food stamp stunt obscures broader issues
Hunger is a real problem in our country, but the gimmickry of the “food-stamp challenge” recently undertaken by members of Congress adds little to discussions on how best to help the hungry or poor. Nor does any other argument that…
Decentralized Fed is best
The Federal Reserve is consolidating check-processing operations into a few sites. This is good management, but begs the broader question of whether we really need 12 separate Federal Reserve districts. Check volumes are dropping precipitously as more and more people…