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Local Control Needs to be Controlled
In November 2015, the Austin City Council passed a temporary moratorium on new licenses for Type 2, non-owner-occupied short-term rentals (STRs). A few months later, the moratorium was made permanent. At the same time, the city prohibited “assemblies” of more than six people between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., effectively banning backyard cookouts and birthday…
Principles and Property Rights
ByjbpWith the exception of those who have taken a vow of poverty, human beings desire “stuff.” We want more than the basic necessities that life requires. We want a safe place to live and dependable transportation. We want to attend concerts, movies, and sporting events. We want gadgets, such as smart phones, computers, and flat…
The War on the Republic
Regressives (they call themselves “Progressives”) have long opposed the system of limited government established by the drafters of the Constitution. As one example, the Seventeenth Amendment, which established direct elections of United States Senators, was ratified in 1913 at the height of the first “Progressive” movement. Prior to that time, Senators were selected by each…
Property Rights in Space: Introduction
Last July, both Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson launched private rockets into space carrying human passengers. In September, Elon Musk’s SpaceX sent four civilians into space to orbit the Earth for three days. Musk has talked of colonizing Mars, and several companies are looking at mining asteroids and other celestial bodies. These efforts have provoked…
Local Control Means Local Tyranny
In the 2017 legislative session, Texas lawmakers sought to restrict the ability of local governments to violate property rights. Not surprisingly, local governments and the supporters of regulations pertaining to plastic bags, trees, short-term rentals, and more were upset. They argued that local governments should be allowed to enact the laws that their citizens want….
Exposing the Unspoken Premises in Policy Debates
On Christmas Eve 2017, a property owner in Victoria had two large oak trees removed. Victorians immediately protested and sought to stop the tree removal. One Victorian, Doris Santiago, said, “These oak trees are an integral part of our history. And for them to do this the morning before Christmas, it’s morally wrong.” Such moral…