The New Ideas Blog

A common belief is that we need to tax imports, especially in key industries, in order to protect our own economy. But is there any evidence for this idea? Not much. The real world examples, such as South versus North Korea or Austria versus Hungary show that those countries with the markets more open to outside products actually do far better. Is it possible that we damage our economy with such taxes?

In fact, in 1936 (more…)

I don’t even want to vote. I get a choice between the most socialist president we will have ever had, and an erratic warrior who likes to gamble and fight. You can figure out which is which.

But I do have to say this about the idea of “big spending” liberals: It isn’t as bad as it sounds. First of all, it is not really that clear that Obama can get half of what he wants, so he may not be the big government candidate McCain makes him out to be. Secondly, McCain has spending plans of his own. (more…)