Big Government

Despite the fact that the CDC’s formal name includes the word “Prevention” and that its stated goals include various planning buzzwords, its managing of the COVID-19 response has been an unmitigated disaster.

The state has used this virus scare to demand that politicians and bureaucrats be given near-total control over every aspect of life, including virtually every business and employer in America. Will this now be a permanent feature of American life?

Why are governments so enthusiastic about shutting down businesses when other less draconian measures are available and prudent? The answer lies in the fact that governments can act with near impunity and want to maximize their power.

There is a reason to panic. But the panic should be over how governments—who know so very little about the virus that they have decided warrants destroying the global economy—will create many new threats to health and well-being through their policies.

Philipp Bagus reports from Spain: when people are frightened enough, they'll let the state do pretty much anything.

You are not even allowed to ask: "Is the price we’re paying worth it?" or "Is this an abundance of caution, or an overdose?" The "serious people" attack anyone who urges calm and encourages others to adopt a "don’t panic" approach. The new party line is: panic = virtue.

Larry Reed makes the case for optimism in the face of oppression.

Ludwig von Mises begins by recounting the origin and semantics of the term welfare state.

If government scientists claim that they have discovered a vaccine for the coronavirus, can the government force us to take it? Can they force us into quarantines? These are the sort of problems we can solve if we look to Murray for help.

The Swiss constitution wisely puts a "date of expiration" on the central government's taxing power every 10-15 years. Voters have to vote "yes" to extend this power. Americans should demand something similar, both for taxes and for much more.