Oct 11
Shortly after the development of electricity as a viable means of household energy, governments sought to regulate it. Soon every state required electricity providers to get permission from “public utility” commissions. Then came government control over pricing, profits and implementation. Today’s electrical companies are essentially monopolies—with government licenses. Later studies debunked the government arguments—too late. …
Nov 11
The Omnipotent State Strikes Again New York City’s government imposes so many taxes and regulations on short-term lodging entrepreneurs that the City recently sent dozens of armed agents to raid a condo complex. The accusation? That several of the condo owners were making a few bucks by lending out their condos to NYC tourists. See …
Oct 02
The requirement that people must obtain a government license before working in a given profession is often promoted as a public safety device. But the strongest proponents of licensing rules are often the entrenched good ol’ boys who already occupy the industry. In many licensing schemes, one must apply to ONE’S OWN COMPETITORS who sit …
Nov 12
Michael DiFrancesco, a 22-year-old man from Bozeman, Montana, never had a chance. In 2009, DiFrancesco was convicted of being a minor in possession of alcohol and fined $185. He was ordered to pay for and complete a substance abuse course, neither of which he could afford. DiFrancesco’s driver license was later suspended due to the …
Oct 27
An astounding story was published by Reuters reporters last week. In most countries, “the internet” is a multidimensional thing emanating and maintained by thousands of different businesses, people and institutions. But in some African countries, “the internet” may depend on a single cable system. “Since the start of 2016, governments in 13 African nations have …
Jun 09
Governments everywhere demand that people get government licenses before engaging in certain businesses. Most States require that those who cut hair, perform manicures or help others with makeup must first go through hundreds of hours of government-approved ‘training’ before doing so. Such licensing laws keep poor people down by preventing them from starting businesses or …
Mar 06
Years of government impositions which punish savers and entrepreneurs have taken their toll on Americans. Social Security, Medicare, and other programs disincentivize people from saving and investing. Near-zero interest rates incentivize debt. Government licensing laws prevent the poor from entering rewarding careers. Minimum-wage laws prevent employers from offering entry-level positions to people needing jobs and …
Jan 01
American history has been defined by innovation and mobility. But increasingly, government regulations, licenses and “benefits” are forcing Americans to stay put. See here. “The percentage of Americans moving every year is less than half that of a half-century ago and down significantly since the early 1990s.”
Nov 08
An unemployed Stockton, California woman mentioned on her Facebook page that she would sell a sample of her homemade ceviche (a South American dish of marinated raw fish) for $12. An overpaid, underworked, undercover government investigator responded to the Facebook ad, purchased his meal and left. Now the woman faces prison time for selling food …
Aug 19
The taxicab industry has been so overregulated for so long that it cannot survive any exposure to real-world, market forces. Many states grant monopoly jurisdictions to cab companies and control prices, fares, numbers of drivers, and numbers of cabs. Poor people who want to start a cab company are simply not allowed. In fact, many …
