Inflation & Taxes
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The Baseball Tax That Made the Great Depression Worse
Nothing’s more American than baseball and taxes, but combining the two in 1932 cost millions their affordable day out.
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Welcome to Trillionistan. Don’t Get Comfortable.
Not all trillions — debts, valuations, investments — are created equal. Huge nominal numbers often obscure the institutions and incentives that produced them.
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AIER Everyday Price Index Down Slightly After Spring Cost Surge
Our in-house inflation measure fell one percent, though core household expenses continue to climb. Post-surge relief from gasoline prices concealed smaller effects, buying the Fed some time.
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An Evergreen Warning About Social Security
A new book from Cato answers old questions: can Social Security remain solvent as lifetimes lengthen and birth rates fall?
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Social Security Is Not a Generational Contract
The rhetoric of a “generational compact” sounds compelling until you ask who actually agreed to it — and who pays for it.
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Rewarding Good Governance: How Foot-Voters Benefit Society
Governance improves when people and businesses are free to leave high-tax, low-value jurisdictions. Competition can improve public policy just as it improves products and services.
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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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Teachers’ Unions Are Losing One of Their Government Perks
Should taxpayers be required to subsidize unions’ lobbying for more taxpayer subsidies? Three states say “no, spend our money on students.”
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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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Business Conditions Monthly April 2026
Data reveal a mixed but resilient economy: current activity improved, while signals of future growth remain murky.
-
•
The Baseball Tax That Made the Great Depression Worse
Nothing’s more American than baseball and taxes, but combining the two in 1932 cost millions their affordable day out.
-
•
Welcome to Trillionistan. Don’t Get Comfortable.
Not all trillions — debts, valuations, investments — are created equal. Huge nominal numbers often obscure the institutions and incentives that produced them.
-
•
AIER Everyday Price Index Down Slightly After Spring Cost Surge
Our in-house inflation measure fell one percent, though core household expenses continue to climb. Post-surge relief from gasoline prices concealed smaller effects, buying the Fed some time.
-
•
An Evergreen Warning About Social Security
A new book from Cato answers old questions: can Social Security remain solvent as lifetimes lengthen and birth rates fall?
-
•
Social Security Is Not a Generational Contract
The rhetoric of a “generational compact” sounds compelling until you ask who actually agreed to it — and who pays for it.
-
•
Rewarding Good Governance: How Foot-Voters Benefit Society
Governance improves when people and businesses are free to leave high-tax, low-value jurisdictions. Competition can improve public policy just as it improves products and services.
-
•
Hamilton’s Economic Vision Had One Crucial Blind Spot
Hamilton recognized the importance of manufacturing but overlooked the market processes that create lasting prosperity.
-
•
Teachers’ Unions Are Losing One of Their Government Perks
Should taxpayers be required to subsidize unions’ lobbying for more taxpayer subsidies? Three states say “no, spend our money on students.”
-
•
Bastiat Was Right: Tariffs Make The World Poorer
Protectionism promises stronger industries. History shows it delivers higher prices, fewer jobs, and weaker growth.
-
•
Business Conditions Monthly April 2026
Data reveal a mixed but resilient economy: current activity improved, while signals of future growth remain murky.