I call this the Fundamental Problem of Political Economy. How do we limit the power that idiots have over us? ... [Milton] Friedmans insight is that a market limits the power that others have over us; conversely, limiting the power that others have over us allows us to have markets. Friedman argued that no matter how wise the officials of government may be, market competition does a better job of protecting us from idiots.
Arnold KlingThat eugenics was part of the progressive agenda is one of the most heavily-airbrushed features of history.
Arnold KlingConstitutional provisions are not barriers to government misconduct. At best, they can be speed bumps.
Arnold KlingAfter over half a century of employer-provided health care coverage, the American people have developed a phobia of paying for health insurance themselves.
Arnold KlingI am worried about climate change. In one respect, I may be more worried than other people. I am worried because I have very little confidence that we know what is causing it....One of my fears is that we could reduce carbon emissions by some drastic amount, only to discover that-oops-it turns out that climate change is being caused by something else.
Arnold KlingAnyone who believes that we can afford collectively what we cannot afford individually is delusional.
Arnold KlingYour generosity is reflected in what you do with your own money, not in what you do with other people's money. If I give a lot of money to charity, then I am generous. If you give a smaller fraction of your money to charity, then you are less generous. But if you want to tax me in order to give my money to charity, that does not make you generous.
Arnold Kling