Recent news about the Obama Administration’s divestitures from AIG and GM—in some cases at a loss of billions of dollars—stands as a reminder of the privilege and cronyism that permeates our economy. As favoritism grows with the size of the government, economic freedom continues to be eroded by policies like …
President Obama recently said, “The most important lesson I’ve learned is you can’t change Washington from the inside.” That’s demoralizing to hear when a recession is bearing down on the economy—and it’s an inside job. The Congressional Budget Office has forecasted a fresh recession to hit next year if Taxmageddon, …
For those old enough to remember 1980, the current campaign can seem mighty familiar. Back then, for example, the presidency of Jimmy Carter was besieged by an ongoing recession and soaring energy costs. Carter’s reaction was to retreat to Camp David for 10 days of talks with political leaders and …
The Tax Policy Center (TPC) made headlines with its analysis of Governor Mitt Romney’s tax reform plan. The authors of the TPC report found, incorrectly as it turns out, that Romney’s plan would “necessitate” a tax increase on middle- and low-income taxpayers. Their conclusion is wrong and the report flawed …
President Obama’s and Governor Romney’s appearances on “60 Minutes” Sunday revealed an interesting contrast. The President punted on a serious question about the nation’s concern over spending—blaming everything on President George W. Bush. Right. Obama’s been in office how many years now? At what point does he take responsibility for …
The Wall Street Journal recently highlighted another Washington regulation that is holding back the economy. But this one can’t be blamed on President Obama, because it was enacted over 90 years ago. The protectionist Jones Act requires shippers transporting goods between two points in the United States to use vessels …
A new article published yesterday in The Wall Street Journal, featuring new research by The Heritage Foundation, tries to slice through the rhetoric on trade policy during a week when the Obama Administration announced a new trade suit against China. The article reaffirms the basic benefits that free trade brings …
In a new Backgrounder, “How Contagious Is Europe’s Economic Crisis?”, we discuss several channels through which a European crisis could be transmitted to the U.S. economy and note the key policy responses needed in the U.S. and in Europe. Current effects. The U.S. is already affected by lower demand for …
