Like most conservatives, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis claims to support property rights. And, like most conservatives, he carves out exceptions. In doing so, DeSantis and his fellow conservatives are negating the principle of property rights. As an example, DeSantis recently defended the use of eminent domain when it serves a “public purpose”: So sometimes you…
Over the last six months, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has raised $19 million. He has suggested that he will use the money to help primary candidates running against Republicans who voted down school choice legislation. Reform Austin suggests that Abbott funnel that money into government schools. Like most Leftists, the writers at Reform Austin are…
After a fifty-year career in construction, George Sheetz wanted to retire near Lake Tahoe. He planned to build his retirement home on a lot he had bought. However, when Sheetz went to the county to obtain a building permit, he was told that he first had to pay a $23,000 “traffic impact mitigation” fee. When…
Is Property Harmful to Society? A recently published book by Rowan Moore, Property: The Myth That Built the World, argues that, while private property might benefit individuals, it is ultimately harmful to society. The book’s description on Amazon states that the book “offers hope for how things could be better, with reform that might enable…
Unlike California, Texas has a reputation for being a business-friendly state. Unfortunately, Texas is becoming more like California. Whereas California legislators like to dictate what businesses can legally do, Texas legislators are increasingly dictating what businesses can’t do. California requires its pension funds to follow environmental and social governance (ESG) policies. Texas lawmakers are prohibiting…
A federal appeals court recently ended two injunctions that blocked Iowa laws that prevent animal “rights” activists from using deception to gain entrance to agricultural production facilities. Activists have lied on job applications and used other deception in an effort to document alleged abuse of farm animals. The so-called “ag-gag” laws were challenged on free…
After proposing a ban on gas stoves, the disaster known as the Biden Administration is now considering new regulations for other household appliances. In its zeal to eliminate fossil fuels, the administration wants to impose draconian restrictions on dishwashers, washing machines, air conditioners, and furnaces. If the proposed regulations are enacted, consumers will suffer from…
The New York legislature is considering a bill that would require Chick-fil-Ato be open on Sundays. The bill would essentially establish an alleged right to eat fried chicken. The bill’s author said, “Look, if you want to eat fried chicken while traveling over the holidays, then Chick-fil-A should be open on Sundays.” In other words,…
Sen. Mike Lee has introduced legislation that would increase tax exemptions for states adopting school choice programs. When he introduced the bill, Lee said, “It is the fundamental right of parents to choose the educational path that is most suitable for their children.” Lee is correct. However, the carrot and stick approach that he is…
Financial analysts are issuing warnings about the deflation that is occurring in China. In November, consumer prices fell .5 percent, the largest decline in three years. CNN reports that deflation is bad because consumers and businesses may delay purchases in the hope that prices decline further. But is deflation really bad? Deflation means a general…
It is no secret that people are fleeing California’s outrageous taxes and onerous business regulations. U-Haul reports that for the fourth consecutive year, California led the nation in the number of outbound truck rentals. The advocates of school choice should learn a lesson from U-Haul. When individuals have freedom of choice, they make choices that…