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The Tragedy of the “Commons,” Part 1
In 1968, Garrett Hardin wrote a highly influential article titled “The Tragedy of the Commons,” in which he examined the problems that inherently arise when property is owned “in common.” Hardin tells the story of a pasture shared by a number of herdsmen: As a rational being, each herdsman seeks to maximize his gain. Explicitly…
Purple Lines and Property Rights
States cross the nation have enacted laws that allow property owners to designate their property lines by painting purple lines on trees, fence posts, and various other things. The purple lines are intended to take the place of “No Trespassing” signs. While I have no problem with a property owner explicitly stating that others are…
Property Rights in Space: A Unilateral Declaration
Contrary to the claims of most individuals who comment on property rights in space, an international agreement is not necessary to establish those rights. Neither a treaty nor an international body to oversee space is appropriate. What is needed is a unilateral declaration regarding property rights in space. What is needed is a statement that…
A “Fairness Doctrine” for Big Tech?
In 1949, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued the Fairness Doctrine. This policy required broadcasters to present controversial issues of interest to the public, and to present both sides of the issue in a manner that was fair and equitable. The policy was rescinded in 1987, and it ushered in conservative talk radio. Radio station owners…
The Black Sheep of the Family
Most rights—such as the right to free speech and the right to practice one’s religion—enjoy widespread support among politicians and the citizenry. Few explicitly call for measures to restrict free speech or freedom of religion. The right to property, however, comes under widespread attacks from both Progressives and conservatives. As an example, Sen. Elizabeth Warren…
Resolving Social Conflicts with Property Rights: Discrimination
For decades, legislative bodies have enacted laws that prohibit businesses and landlords from discriminating against an ever-growing list of individuals, such as ethnic and racial minorities, women, gays, the handicapped, and more recently, transgender individuals. Like many other issues involving the violation of property rights, anti-discrimination legislation is founded on fuzzy and imprecise thinking. It…