Though economists want coherent tax systems, this is a lost cause. The general framework of any tax may have logic but in the details, political clout and economic power always trump coherence and fairness. Take recent initiatives to reduce excessive…
Bungalow bubble buildup
Recent news reports reawakened discussion of whether there is a housing price bubble in the United States. Anecdotal evidence of widespread home price increases is easy to find. In March, the median home price in Los Angeles County was 29…
Fair, calculated look at the next election
Politicians have long recognized that economic prosperity — or the lack thereof — is a powerful factor in politics. Four centuries ago, Henry IV promised “a chicken in every peasant’s pot.” He still is revered as France’s most popular king.…
Crash course in disparities
Are traffic deaths a major economic problem? The World Health Organization and World Bank think so. They just published a report detailing the human and economic effects of traffic accidents around the world. About 1.2 million people die each year…