Florida legislators are considering a bill that would prohibit government schools from providing education regarding sex and reproduction before the sixth grade. The noteworthy aspect of this story isn’t whether such topics should or shouldn’t ‘t be taught in schools. The important point is that politicians are involved in deciding school curriculum. The politicalization of…
When the United States House of Representatives debated the “Parents Bill of Rights Act,” Democrats made a series of strange claims. One of the more curious statements came from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), who declared that she values “freedom over fascism.” It has become fashionable among Leftists to call conservatives fascist. While this is often an…
Today, political debates are almost always dominated by a lack of conceptual clarity. Equivocation and “package dealing” are perhaps the most common forms. An example can be found in an article about Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s push for a voucher program. The article quotes Abbott from an appearance he made at a Christian school. Abbott…
Last week, the United States House of Representatives passed the “Parents Bill of Rights Act.” When the bill was first introduced, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said, We want the parents to be empowered. And that’s what we’re doing today – that you have a say in your kids’ education, not government. If McCarthy and other…
A Georgia legislator has publicly stated what is often implied by those defending paternalistic government policies. The short version is that some people are too stupid to make decisions about their own lives. Government officials know what is best for you, and they will force you to act accordingly. During a hearing regarding a school…
In February, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu unveiled a rent control plan. Wu’s proposal quickly drew criticism. Real estate interests oppose the plan, while Leftists argue that it isn’t strong enough. This is shaping up to be a classic example of how the Left shifts the debate. Wu’s proposal allows for rent increases of 6 percent…
Politicians, pundits, and housing activists have offered a variety of policies for making housing more affordable. While many admit that building affordable housing for low-income households isn’t profitable, virtually nobody recognizes the fact that the profit motive is the solution to the housing crisis. A statement from the president of the National Multifamily Housing Council…
Unhappy with what is being taught to their children in government schools, parents across the country are calling on legislators to enact or expand programs that give them more education choices. Interestingly, a growing number of black families are opting out of government schools because of what isn’t being taught. In 2020, the number of…
Imagine for a moment the reaction if the State of Texas decided to open government grocery stores. What if the Texas Grocery Agency determined what products would be on the shelves? What if the cost of groceries purchased at those stores was subsidized by imposing a tax on property owners? What if Texans were assigned…
In defending her rent control proposal, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said, “The status quo is not working.” She is correct. However, her solution to the problems caused by forcing individuals to act contrary to their own judgment is to force individuals to act contrary to their own judgment. Zoning laws serve as one example. In…
Altruism can raise its ugly head in myriad, and often surprising, ways. An example comes from, Desiree Lim, an assistant professor of philosophy at Penn State. In an article titled “The ethics of home ownership in an age of growing inequality,” she asserts that “[h]omebuyers also have ethical obligations to others.” Lim goes on to…
An interesting story comes from Sugar Land, Texas, a suburb of Houston. Last May, the city council voted to deny permission for a mixed-use development. At the time, the city’s mayor claimed that the project did not comply with Sugar Land’s comprehensive plan (i.e., zoning laws). Now, the city wants to spend taxpayer money to…