Gasoline prices continue to rise across the United States. Travelers to Denver have reported prices approaching $5 a gallon, while California residents have reported paying between $7 a gallon and $9 a gallon. Consumers are understandably concerned. Statistica, a leading provider for market and consumer data, reported U.S. gas prices were at the lowest annual […]
Few people today remember a time before 1950 when there were no credit cards. As the story goes, the idea originated with Frank McNamara, a businessman who’d forgotten his wallet while out to dinner in New York. He and his business partner, Ralph Schneider, invented the Diners Club card as a way to pay without […]
“As America becomes predominantly made up of people who didn’t have a hand in building the system in the first place, it is producing more and more people who want to destroy the system because they don’t understand it. They don’t appreciate how fragile their freedom is, how precious their system of government, how rare […]
An economic system consists of the institutions and methods by which resources are allocated and distributed. The primary distinction between the different systems is the degree to which governments participate. Alexander Hammond, a researcher with the Foundation for Economic Education wrote, an article titled “Anti-Capitalism: Trendy but Wrong.” He acknowledged the anti-capitalist protestors who periodically […]
“Experience should teach us to be most on our guard to protect liberty when the government’s purposes are beneficial. Men born to freedom are naturally alert to repel invasion of their liberty by evil-minded rulers. The greater dangers to liberty lurk in insidious encroachment by men of zeal, well-meaning but without understanding.” — Supreme Court […]
“It’s income tax time again, Americans: Time to gather up those receipts, get out those tax forms, sharpen up that pencil and stab yourself in the aorta.” — humorist Dave Barry. An income tax is defined as a tax levied by a government directly on personal income. Passed by Congress on July 2, 1909 and […]
The British Broadcasting Corp. produced a documentary series titled “Planet Earth” that in part detailed the changes that have occurred on the planet. In one episode, the narrator began with the mantle shifts dividing land masses into separate continents. Next came the asteroid strike that wiped out prehistoric animals. The narrator mentioned the Medieval Warm […]
At a time when rising food prices cause financial hardship and insecurity for many Americans, burning alcohol made from corn in gasoline engines seems absurd. In its infinite wisdom, Congress enacted a law in 2005 requiring oil companies to blend renewable fuels produced by converting biological material into ethanol, biodiesel or other liquid fuels with […]
Once the gifts have been opened and often exchanged, the Christmas decorations packed up and stored, the last of the holiday goodies consumed and a new year welcomed with celebrations, financial reality sets in. Despite government spokespersons telling them the economy is fine, people know with every purchase the economy isn’t fine. Stacey Vanek Smith, […]
“Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus.” The familiar refrains of Christmas carols herald the holiday season. It’s a magical time of year with special foods prepared, gifts selected and wrapped and the house and perhaps even the yard decorated. It’s especially delightful to watch children eagerly await the arrival of Santa Claus on […]