The 2000 Census is under way, and the issue of whether the “long-form” version, received by about one-sixth of the population, is too intrusive has become a political issue. Local media have reported many Census-related stories, two of which caught…
Those who think Greenspan rules are mistaking influence for power
Is Alan Greenspan the most powerful man in the world? Statements to that effect are increasingly common in the media and in casual conversations. Such comments make for dramatic reading, but they betray a misunderstanding of the difference between influence…
Real estate taxes troublesome, but they’re part of who we are
The Minnesota Legislature, like that in several other states with budget surpluses and looming elections, is grappling with changes in the taxes over which the state has authority. Minnesota, like many other states, levies a tax on sales and use…
Sign of a creative, thriving economy: Many high-tech firms are sure to fail
The Nasdaq rode a roller coaster this past week, but is still the star of the stock market boom. People are pouring money into new dot-com businesses and other high-tech firms that have yet to show any profit. Anyone with…