It is a political minefield when government takes stands on nutrition issues that will help or harm specific sets of producers. That became very clear 70 years ago when the Iowa legislature forced Iowa State University to fire one of…
We may have overbuilt the railroads, but they spurred U.S. development
Right after the Civil War, our nation embarked on a frenzy of railroad building, spurred by very high levels of government subsidy, albeit often in the form of land grants. Total track miles and tonnage carried burgeoned. But did we…
VW fraud illustrates a loss of principles
Recent disclosures of Volkswagen’s deliberate frauds to foil U.S. emissions standards on its diesel cars may be mind-boggling in their audacity, but they are a gift to econ teachers like me. What better example could one find of the particular…
Economist’s talk underscores lack of voices on the right
The irony couldn’t have been greater. On Thursday, Sept. 10, John Taylor, one of the most experienced and widely respected economists who identifies as Republican, gave an articulate talk at the Economic Club of Minnesota. He holds an endowed chair…