One hundred and twenty years ago the American West was a vast, open area brimming with natural resources and opportunity. Cow towns and mining camps sprung up across the landscape. From around the world, millions of people flocked to the Western territories with the hope of making a better life for themselves. Many came to…
The following talk was delivered at a luncheon hosted by the Houston Property Rights Association on May 14, 1993. The warning was not heeded. During the debate over zoning, its proponents have made many claims about zoning: it will encourage economic growth, it will improve our “quality of life,” it will prevent “undesirable” land…
This article was published in the September 1990 issue of The Freeman. In recent years, growing health awareness has led to a rising demand for fish and other seafood. Despite this, American fishermen are finding it difficult to earn a living. As is often the case, the industry has become increasingly politicized. The free market…
In 1989, nations in Eastern Europe rebelled against the communist dictatorships that controlled their lives. In Self Defense, an organization that promoted individual rights, sent my article, “New Democracies Need Ideas More Than Money,” in response to calls for American financial aid to the budding democracies. Click here to read the article.
This article was published in the February 1990 issue of The Freeman. $ $ $ During the Progressive Era of the early 20th century the nation’s first zoning ordinances began to appear. Public control of private property was a popular cause at the time, and land-use restrictions were frequently used to achieve this end. During…
Readers have long been entertained by Sherlock Holmes’ ability to unravel unusual mysteries. The fact that Holmes was also a successful businessman is often overlooked. My article in Kiwanis Magazine, “Sherlock Holmes, entrepreneur,” showed how the traits that made the detective famous can also lead to success in business. Click here to read the article.
Environmental groups are infamous for using litigation and political pressure to achieve their goals. They believe that restrictions and regulations are the proper course of action. However, an alternative approach is embraced by many organizations and businesses concerned about protecting natural resources. My article in Kiwanis Magazine, “Zoned natural,” explores this alternative. Click here to…
This article was published in the April 1989 issue of The Freeman. $ $ $ Advocates of freedom often despair at the political inertia that must be overcome to achieve their goals. At times, it seems as if the freedom movement is progressing too slowly to reverse current political trends. In this regard, the American…
This article was published in the March 1989 issue of The Freeman. $ $ $ In recent years, the benefits of the free market have been demonstrated as governments around the world have turned to the private sector to provide services more efficiently. However, critics of the free market argue that these benefits are isolated…
While visitors often marvel at the skyscrapers that dominate downtown Houston, many are unaware of one of the city’s hidden gems. More than six miles of pedestrian tunnels run throughout the central business district. The tunnel system is filled with restaurants, banks, retail shops, and a host of other businesses. Perhaps most amazing is the…