Economic History
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‘Guns Versus Butter’: Tracing the Dark Origins of a Classic Economic Model
The phrase’s apparent origins in Nazi Germany — and its grim use during the 1930s and 1940s — highlight a basic truth: prioritizing guns over butter ultimately imposes the cost of lower living standards on ordinary citizens.
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The American Revolution Redefined Freedom Itself
Since 1776, at least 120 peoples have declared independence, echoing Jefferson’s universal claim about natural rights, self-government, and political legitimacy.
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Hamilton’s Economic Vision Had One Crucial Blind Spot
Hamilton recognized the importance of manufacturing but overlooked the market processes that create lasting prosperity.
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Bastiat Was Right: Tariffs Make The World Poorer
Protectionism promises stronger industries. History shows it delivers higher prices, fewer jobs, and weaker growth.
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Thomas Paine’s Challenge to a Complacent America
Paine warned that complacency endangers liberty, and that only when freedom is threatened do people discover whether they are willing to defend it.
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Why Much of Manhattan Would Be Illegal to Build Today
Zoning laws drive up housing costs and freeze cities in the past. New York City is a clear example.
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The Central Banker Who Defied Hitler
If we must tolerate government control of currency, we should emulate Hans Luther’s fearless defiance of political pressure.
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America Doesn’t Need a New East India Company
From semiconductors to artificial intelligence, modern proposals for public ownership risk repeating the mistakes Smith identified 250 years ago.
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Tariff Math Doesn’t Work, and the White House Already Admitted It
Trump’s new USMCA proposal acknowledges the limits of onshoring. Tariffs can’t undo global supply chains; they’re a consumption tax paid by American families.
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Sabotaging the Invisible Hand: Adam Smith Predicted Modern Policy Failures
Smith observed that significant economic inequalities arise not from voluntary exchange but from distortions that restrict competition, channel resources toward favored interests, and limit economic mobility.
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•
‘Guns Versus Butter’: Tracing the Dark Origins of a Classic Economic Model
The phrase’s apparent origins in Nazi Germany — and its grim use during the 1930s and 1940s — highlight a basic truth: prioritizing guns over butter ultimately imposes the cost of lower living standards on ordinary citizens.
-
•
The American Revolution Redefined Freedom Itself
Since 1776, at least 120 peoples have declared independence, echoing Jefferson’s universal claim about natural rights, self-government, and political legitimacy.
-
•
Hamilton’s Economic Vision Had One Crucial Blind Spot
Hamilton recognized the importance of manufacturing but overlooked the market processes that create lasting prosperity.
-
•
Bastiat Was Right: Tariffs Make The World Poorer
Protectionism promises stronger industries. History shows it delivers higher prices, fewer jobs, and weaker growth.
-
•
Thomas Paine’s Challenge to a Complacent America
Paine warned that complacency endangers liberty, and that only when freedom is threatened do people discover whether they are willing to defend it.
-
•
Why Much of Manhattan Would Be Illegal to Build Today
Zoning laws drive up housing costs and freeze cities in the past. New York City is a clear example.
-
•
The Central Banker Who Defied Hitler
If we must tolerate government control of currency, we should emulate Hans Luther’s fearless defiance of political pressure.
-
•
America Doesn’t Need a New East India Company
From semiconductors to artificial intelligence, modern proposals for public ownership risk repeating the mistakes Smith identified 250 years ago.
-
•
Tariff Math Doesn’t Work, and the White House Already Admitted It
Trump’s new USMCA proposal acknowledges the limits of onshoring. Tariffs can’t undo global supply chains; they’re a consumption tax paid by American families.
-
•
Sabotaging the Invisible Hand: Adam Smith Predicted Modern Policy Failures
Smith observed that significant economic inequalities arise not from voluntary exchange but from distortions that restrict competition, channel resources toward favored interests, and limit economic mobility.