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Signs and Printing Presses
ByjbpThis was originally posted on Live Oaks on July 12, 2009. Comments have not been migrated. In keeping with its unstated policy of supporting any idea or policy that increases government control, on Saturday the Chronicle editorial supported the city’s new restrictions on signs: Houston brings out the nagging mother in us: She’d be such…
Cronyism is Fascism
Cronyism is the practice of dispensing political favors to some at the expense of others. Those with the proper political connections are the beneficiaries. Those who provide electoral support through donations or votes are rewarded with favorable legislation. Fascism is a form of collectivism, as are socialism and communism. In each of these systems, the…
Givings vs. Takings
It is rare that an opinion piece provides me with three distinct issues to address in separate posts. A piece at Capegazette.com, which “covers Delaware’s Cape Region” does just that. The first issue is “givings” vs. takings. The article claims that those who object to government regulations as a “taking” ignore the fact that they…
Harvey’s Aftermath
This week, Harris County approved new development regulations intended to reduce flooding. New homes in unincorporated areas of the county will have to be built to higher standards, including elevations that may be 8 feet higher than previously required. The new regulations will increase building costs by thousands of dollars, and come at a time…
The Pen is Mightier than the Storm Surge
ByjbpThis was originally posted on Live Oaks on September 20, 2008. Comments have not been migrated. If you have seen photos of the Texas coast after Hurricane Ike, you are aware of the the destruction caused by the storm. Thousands of homes were seriously damaged or destroyed, and many will be prohibited from rebuilding. And…
Property Rights and the “Little Guy,” Part 1
We often think of property rights in regard to the wealthy and big corporations. In a certain sense, this is understandable. They have a lot of property. But property rights are important to everyone, including the “little guy” who has little property. The right to property means the freedom to create, use, keep, trade, and…