We've seen how unions negotiated contracts that ultimately helped bring down giants like GM & Chrysler...but at least they negotiated with private sector managers who theoretically have to make sure those contracts don't bankrupt their companies. (Of course, now we know that government -- Republicans and/or Democrats -- may bail them out with taxpayer money, but that’s not the usual assumption.) In my syndicated column this week, I take another look at public sector unions... continue reading »

Ira Stoll used to write a blog called Smartertimes.com.  I miss it.  It skewered the nonsense that my colleagues worshiped. Then he wrote for the NY Sun.  I miss that too.   Today he blogs about a foolish and self-serving Op-Ed in today’s Times. Roger C. Altman writes:

“‘corporate America should remember the president's actual record....the president made the courageous decision to put General Motors and Chrysler through bankruptcy... continue reading »

One year ago, our “leaders” made grand promises for the Cash-for-Clunkers program. Senator Harry Reid claimed 

“this program will stimulate other sectors of the auto supply chain like mechanics and auto parts manufacturers without adding to the deficit. By increasing sales we are bringing more revenue to the state and creating jobs for those who build and sell them... continue reading »

Every time something goes wrong in America, Obama and Congress use it as an excuse for more government. Is the economy failing? Spend $800 billion on government make-work. Are the automakers failing? The government takes them over. An oil well breaks?... continue reading »

Weeks away from defaulting on their debt, Greek politicians promised the International Monetary Fund and the European Union that they would cut spending in exchange for a bailout. But politicians are politicians. They can’t stop spending... continue reading »

In Today's WSJ, teacher’s union boss Randi Weingarten claims that public schools need a bailout.

"The federal government didn't let Wall Street fail. Why would we do less for our public schools, which undeniably are too important to fail?... continue reading »

The NYTimes’ new “conservative” columnist, Ross Douthat, has been slow to win me over.  He writes like he is trying to appeal to liberals.  Maybe he is.  Maybe that’s just being smart--serving his market.    But I like his column today, in which he points out that amidst all the talk of rebellion against the incumbent political class, government actually has increased:

“concentration of power in the hands of the same elite that presided over the disasters in the first p... continue reading »

In his column today, Nobel laureate Paul Krugman claims its wrong to compare the US to Greece: e’re not Greece... continue reading »

Politicians are stirring up hatred of Wall Street to pass their latest plans for big-government intrusion... continue reading »

As Congressmen assign blame for deficits to everyone but themselves, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac continue to bleed away your money... continue reading »