The Politics of Corn

The Politics of Corn

Take a look at almost any prepackaged food product you buy at the store. You will be surprised how many products contain High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), a sweetener derived from corn sugar. HFCS is not better tasting than sugar, nor is it healthier, as studies have shown a link between HFCS and increased rates…

A Voter’s Guide: 10 Facts about Midterm Elections

A Voter’s Guide: 10 Facts about Midterm Elections

Midterm elections are fast approaching. Here’s what makes midterms unique and what you can expect to see as November nears.  1. Low Turnout Voter turnout during non-presidential election years is traditionally low. The presidential election usually brings out between 55-65% of registered voters. Midterms, however, generally see only 40% of registered voters. This is not…

A Voters Guide – 10 Facts about campaign finance

A Voters Guide – 10 Facts about campaign finance

Election season is approaching and as it nears you will hear more talk of campaign finance and the need to reform it. Here are 10 facts that cut through the rhetoric. Photo by Vince Alongi 1. Free Speech and Campaigning If political speech and the printing press are protected under the First Amendment, by extension…

The FDA’s Monopoly Kills Consumers

The FDA’s Monopoly Kills Consumers

When government assumes the role of certifying or approving products it limits consumer protection and increases the probability of corruption. The Federal Food and Drug Administration, for example, is charged with the protection of consumers, and all food and drug products require their stamp of approval before hitting shelves. But is this the best way…

10 Outrageous But Forgotten Political Scandals

10 Outrageous But Forgotten Political Scandals

1. Profumo Affair Politics and extra-marital affairs are familiar bedfellows. However, when you’re the Secretary of State for War and your mistress is the girlfriend of an intelligence officer of your country’s primary adversary, it makes things worse. That’s exactly what happened to John Profumo of Britain in 1961, when a brief affair with 19…

The 10 Biggest US Bailout Losses

The 10 Biggest US Bailout Losses

Bailout? More like throwing money into sinking ships Repayments from institutions which received federal funds during the bailouts of 2008 and 2009 have lessened the total of the programs cost to taxpayers. In total the federal government injected cash into more than 700 institutions. While proponents of central planning point to the repayments as success, it’s…