September 2016 Archives

September 08, 2016

Explainer: What you should know about the Constitution Party platform

Note: This is the fifth in a series examining the positions of several minor party and independent presidential candidates on issues covered by the Acton Institute. A previous series covered the Democratic Party platform (see here and here) and the Republican Party Platform (see here and here). Continue Reading...

September 08, 2016

Mike Rowe interviews Charles Koch on work, cronyism, and criminal justice reform

Mike Rowe was recently criticized for his new partnership with Charles Koch, CEO of Koch Industries, whose philanthropy for conservative and libertarian causes routinely garners controversy, despite its tremendous fruits. Rowe, himself an increasingly provocative figure, recently interviewed Koch on their core areas of collaboration, including work, the trades, cronyism, higher education, and criminal justice reform. Continue Reading...

September 07, 2016

Rise of the ‘super-neo-reverse Malthusians’

The doom delusions of central planners and population “experts” are well documented and refuted, ranging from the early pessimism of the Rev. Thomas Robert Malthus to the more fanatical predictions of Paul Ehrlich. Continue Reading...

September 07, 2016

When will the whole world have universal access to basic education?

Education—even at the most basic levels—not only makes poor countries richer, it also saves lives. For example, if sub-Saharan Africa were achieving universal lower secondary education for women by 2030, it would prevent up to 3.5 million child deaths from 2050-2060. Continue Reading...

September 07, 2016

Justice, Torah and the Minimum Wage

This question of whether government should mandate a higher minimum wage is not a new one, says Curt Biren in this week’s Acton Commentary. In fact, it comes up in ancient Jewish texts — related to property rights, labor law and charity law: Economists have studied the idea, but they often disagree on its impact. Continue Reading...

September 06, 2016

Differing views on economic growth

Economic Growth in the U.S. has slowed down compared to historical averages according to recent reports from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Some are claiming that this is okay and that it is “normal” while there are others who disagree and understand that economic growth is essential to a prospering society. Continue Reading...

September 06, 2016

Audio: Paul Bonicelli on WOOD Radio

Acton Institute Director of Programs Paul Bonicelli walked a few blocks down the road here in Grand Rapids, Michigan this morning for an in-studio interview with host Justin Barclay on WOOD Radio’s West Michigan Live. Continue Reading...

September 06, 2016

Interview: The Christian case for libertarianism

Is it possible to be both a Christian and a libertarian? In a forthcoming book, Called to Freedom: Why You Can Be Christian & Libertarian, six Christian libertarians offer an emphatic, “yes,” exploring key tensions and challenging a range common critiques (whether from conservative Christians or secular libertarians). Continue Reading...

September 06, 2016

The economics of sainthood

On Sunday, Mother Teresa of Calcutta became St. Teresa (though Pope Francis said, “We will continue to call her Mother Teresa.”). Mother Teresa was the 29th saint canonized by Pope Francis during his three-year pontificate. Continue Reading...

September 05, 2016

‘The historical heritage of human labour’

Many view Labor Day as a celebration of all forms of work. The origins of the holiday come from the labor union movement, which for some is not so laudable. This leads some free-market advocates to refer instead to “Capital Day.” Continue Reading...