Wait: The Government Is Incompetent, So We Want it To Do *More*?
The feds can't pass a budget or do much very well, yet a record level of Americans want it more involved in our lives. That's not as crazy as it seems.
Debt
What About the Debt? Trump's SOTU Ignores a $20 Trillion Time Bomb
If a Republican president can't address a Republican-controlled Congress without paying lip service to the idea of cutting spending, what good are Republicans?
Treasury's Tax Reform Analysis Confirms Republicans Don't Give a Damn About the Deficit
Republicans will regret this the next time a budget-busting Democratic proposal comes along.
The Trump Tax Plan Is Government as Usual
Despite big promises, it fails in its primary mission: paying for the actual cost of government
Republicans Officially Give Up Trying to Cut Spending
After all that fuss from 2009 onward, Rand Paul is the last Republican left objecting to the continued growth of government.
Why We Need To Shrink the National Debt, And Fast!
Too much debt slows economic growth and reduces living standards.
$20,000,000,000,000 in Debt and Rising
Now that Trump's made a deal with Democrats, our national debt is higher than ever.
Our Amazing Debt (Cosmos Parody)
Join us as we explore the enormity of our fiscal black hole, which now surpasses $20 trillion.
Remy: $20 Trillion Reasons (Lady Gaga Parody)
There are 20 trillion reasons we should rein in government spending.
Steve Bannon vs. the Tea Party Libertarians [Reason podcast]
Nick Gillespie, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Matt Welch talk Trump, Ryan, gender-neutral pronouns, DJ Khaled, and more.
The Cost of Carrying Debt
Low interest rates ease the pain of carrying so much debt. But in the long run, somehow, the U.S. will end up paying for it.
Trump's Over-Praised State of the Union: The New Fifth Column
Why Paul Ryan was clapping at policies he's long opposed, how POTUS could be a strong de-regulator, and why the media cares 100x more about presidential theatrics than the war in Yemen
Trump's Economic Illiteracy on Display in Address to Congress
The president takes a reckless stance on free trade, entitlements, and debt reduction.
5 Things Libertarians Should Be Nervous About in 2017
Say goodbye to 2016. But don't let your guard down.
Challenge Grant Time in the Reason Webathon! Because We Still Treat Presidential Politics as if (Bad) Ideas Matter
From Bernie to Hillary, from Trump to the chumps in Congress, we used the spectacle of politics to argue about the substance of policy.
Will Trump Supporters Like What They Get?
Trade wars and debt increases loom on the horizon.
The US Is Already Broke!: Economist (and Presidential Candidate) Laurence Kotlikoff
Says real national debt is north of $200 trillion and screwing younger Americans from now til Doomsday.
Gary Johnson Calls "Horseshit" On Reports That He Doubled Debt As N.M. Governor
During PBS debate with Green Party candidate Jill Stein, the Libertarian candidate shows his fangs.
Nightmare In Deep Ellum: How Pension Obligation Bonds Ruined Dallas Employees' Retirement Dreams
Dallas' pension crisis is another example of why cities and states shouldn't use pension obligation bonds.
'We Have Two Parties Right Now That Have Abandoned All Pretenses at Realism About Our $20 Trillion National Debt and About Our Entitlements'
Matt Welch assesses Hillary Clinton's absurd "I do not add a penny to the national debt" claim on Stossel
Lawsuit Challenges Arkansas City and County Practice of Arresting People Over Court Fines Associated with Bad Checks
An effective policy of debtors prison said to violate the federal constitution and various parts of Arkansas' state constitution.
Hillary Clinton's Free College Promise Won't Be Free—and Won't Help College Students
Political concession to the Sanders crowd that you'll pay $35 billion for
We Were Kidding About Donald Trump Literally Taking the U.S. to Bankruptcy Court, Right?
GOP presumptive nominee discusses renegotiating federal debt, like struggling economies do.
Puerto Rico Has Become America's Version of Greece
Debt relief and privatization are the only ways to fix its fiscal mess.
Who Would Bankrupt America First, Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump?
Lessons from Puerto Rico.
Yet Another Tale of Death in Jail Over a Debt, in a Nation Officially Without Debtors Prisons
Taken from a hospital suffering from gastroenteritis straight to jail, Joyce Curnell died there of likely dehydration. All over an unpaid court debt.
$19 Trillion and Counting: The Dangers of Unlimited Debt
"If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging."
Econopocalypse Looming Again?
Stock market and debt troubles could mean bad news for this presidential election year, giving Trump and Sanders both more traction for their respective bad ideas.
Students Say They Want Cheap (or Free) College, Then Make Demands That Drive Up Costs
Somebody should picket for mandatory economics classes.
Is There Really Any Way to Stop College Students From Wasting Money on Their Edumications?
You can go to college for $60,000 total or $160,000. Is that really a tough decision? And what school should accept you if you pick the latter?
Rand Paul Vows Filibuster of Debt Limit Bill
Senator holds back his desire to use profanity in describing the super-spendy bill.
Generational Swindle: How DC is Screwing over Millennials
Jared Meyer on "Disinherited: How Washington Is Betraying America's Young"
Where Are the Republicans on College Costs?
Democrats have plans that obscure the real problems, but speak to the outrage.
Good News! Ben Carson Is Campaigning Against the Debt. Bad News? Well….
Outsider could wage a Ross Perot-style crusade against the national debt, if only his tongue would get out of the way
Government Debt on the Road to Ruin
Nearly every state has followed the same basic policy of making promises today and letting someone figure out how to pay for them years from now.
Five Libertarian Lessons in HBO's Game of Thrones
For libertarians it may seem like winter is always coming
Obama Announces Executive Order Extending Student Loan Cap, Other "Action"
Wants to extend a 2010 law to older borrowers.
