William. J. Watkins, Jr. (The Beacon)

On July 4, 1776 sober Americans sought to conserve the rights of Englishmen; on July 14, 1789 French mobs attempted to tear down everything that went before, in the name of a new utopia that never arrived. This essay, written during our own Summer 2020 time of troubles, remains disturbingly relevant three years later. Time to choose: July 4 or July 14? READ MORE »

Art Carden (American Institute for Economic Research)

So-called “McJobs” aren’t just worth having. They’re vital. They make it easier for the people who have them to accumulate valuable skills and labor market experience, which demonstrably leads to higher future earnings. Enough with the scorn; let’s decriminalize low-wage starter work. READ MORE »

Robert M. Whaples (The American Spectator)

John Steinbeck is known for his iconic anti-capitalist anger, at least in The Grapes of Wrath. But the more mature Steinbeck in Travels With Charley discovered that local small businessmen actually make the world tick…sounding a lot more like Friedrich Hayek than Karl Marx. READ MORE »

Richard K. Vedder (James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal)

Everybody knows it: higher education has become a very risky investment. Its cost has soared, while its perceived benefit has shrunk. The only way to avoid decline and fall is for colleges to regain the confidence of the public, by focusing once again on educational excellence…alone. READ MORE »

David J. Theroux Chair in Political Economy.  Independent welcomes nominations and applications for the David J. Theroux Chair in Political Economy, named in honor of the late founder of Independent. The holder of the chair ensures that all research activities have intrinsic intellectual merit in the service of Independent’s mission. READ MORE »

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