A. Barton Hinkle is senior editorial writer and a columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
How to Help on Housing
Reversing policies that restrict housing is far more effective than grants
A. Barton Hinkle
Latest from A. Barton Hinkle
States Play Gambling Monopoly
Governments want to ban FanDuel and DraftKings, yet the lotteries they operate are among the worst ripoffs in gambling.
Candidates Court the Fringe
Yes, the Republican Party base includes a large share of conservative Christians. But there is a grim double meaning to the word "base."
Crybaby Nation
Hysteria over hurt feelings and safe spaces exists on the left, and right.
The Parties Turn It Up to 11
Republicans are moving rightward while Democrats are moving leftward.
At a Small Virginia School, Big Strides Forward
The Elijah House Academy as success story.
Consumers Need More Options, Not Fewer
Efforts in Virginia to outlaw payday lenders may salve consciences but they won't do anyone else any good.
In Virginia Firing Case, Principles Collide
St. Francis Home, an assisted-living facility, recently fired its director for being a gay man in a gay marriage.
How Much Charity Care Do Hospitals Really Provide?
If the public is being asked to pay more for charity care, and it is, then it's reasonable to ask exactly what it's getting for its money.
Today's Big News Won't Be Known for Years
There's a lot of great news happening right now. We just won't know about it for a while.
The Maddening World of Hospital Pricing
"How much does this cost?" shouldn't be a stumper.
Virginia Education Report's Mission Unaccomplished
Spending review became spending advocacy.
An Honest Talk About Guns
The most popular gun-control proposals would have little effect, while the most effective measures would be immensely unpopular.
Unauthorized Discussion of Politicians Strictly Prohibited
Office-holders want to control what people can say about them, who can say it, when they can say it, and whom they can say it with.
How the Federal Government Is Ruining College Education
Federal financial aid programs hurt graduation rates and encourage colleges and universities to jack up tuition.
How to Balance the Budget in One Easy Step
It's like a real life easy button no one who can wants to use.
For Progressives, First Amendment Comes in Second
Many see it as merely a means to certain ends.
Richmond Strangles the Poor With Red Tape
Mayor says he wants to "promote economic parity and social justice," then sends code enforcers to evict the poor from their homes.
Virginia Redistricting Drama Gets Three Out of Four Stars
The partisan fight over how to redistrict resembles a play in one act, starring deliciously wicked Republicans and Democrats.
D.C. Running Out of Other People's Money If It Doesn't Change Its Ways
Advocates of unlimited spending like to portray their proposals as a boon to the American people. But they are helping some by hurting others.
Stomping on Free Speech in Virginia
Local officials in Buchanan, and elsewhere, use regulations to shut their critics, and victims, up.
Saving Our Way into the Poorhouse
Government claims its spending programs save money, but it keeps spending more money
The Gay Marriage Case Against the Minimum Wage
Why should voters have a say in consensual relations between people?
Government Incentives to Business Distort Free Market Forces
Policies like Virginia's new corporate welfare for a local brewery are three sheets to the wind.
Republicans Have Waded Into the Fever Swamps
There's never been a greater need to keep America safe from current and aspiring Americans.
Here's How Regulators Create Problems, Not Solve Them
Government means never having to say you're sorry
Phonies Dominate Presidential Race
Don't hurl yet, you've got more than a year of this left.
Virginia Makes the Right Call on Confederate Flag License Plates
The government should be able to control what its own documents say.
The Case for Religious Liberty
The case of Iknoor Singh highlights the importance of protecting religious freedom.
What Marco Rubio's Driving Record Tells Us About Social Conservatism
The individual is the building block of society, not the family.
The Blatant Hypocrisy of Campaign-Finance Regulations
If Citizens United is a problem, so is The New York Times.
The Foolish Socialism of Bernie Sanders
Let the presidential candidate have his way and watch the U.S. economy implode.
How Virginia Lawmakers Are Harassing Short-Term Renters
The sharing economy faces big government obstacles.
Anti-Immigration Conservatives Hit a New Low
What's wrong with letting undocumented immigrants serve in the U.S. military?
Respected Virginia Prison Worker Fired for Accidently Hitting an Inmate
Yet plenty of cops who have gunned down innocent, unarmed citizens are still walking a beat.
Big Government Continues Eroding the Constitution
Lawmakers and the courts keep chipping away at our liberty.
