Category Archives: Uncategorized

Liberal lawmakers and activists want banks to lend to favored groups and deny the ‘undesirables.’ By Phil Gramm and Michael Solon Jan. 14, 2020 6:59 pm ET To resist President Trump’s campaign of economic reform and deregulation, his critics usually attempt to portray long-overdue, common-sense policies as assaults on the poor. A good...

The world owes its wealth to the likes of the thrifty lender, but today’s youth are tempted to give it all up. By Phil Gramm and Mike Solon Dec. 23, 2019 6:47 pm ET Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” rose from commercial failure after its 1946 release to Christmas fixture starting in...

The census fails to account for taxes and most welfare payments, painting a distorted picture. By Phil Gramm and John F. Early Nov. 3, 2019 3:43 pm ET Never in American history has the debate over income inequality so dominated the public square, with Democratic presidential candidates and congressional leaders calling...

Today’s tech titans, like yesterday’s industrial giants, will diminish in time thanks to competition. By Phil Gramm and Jerry Ellig Oct. 2, 2019 6:49 pm ET The resurgence of progressivism in America has brought growing support for a return to Progressive-era trustbusting. Sen. Elizabeth Warren has a plan to break up...

Her vision of ‘accountable capitalism’ would destroy savings built over a lifetime—and sink the economy. By Phil Gramm and Mike Solon Sept. 10, 2019 6:41 pm ET Who owns the vast wealth of America? Old folks. According to the Federal Reserve, households headed by people over the age of 55 own 73% of...

Our flawed measures of inflation understate wealth and improvements in consumer well-being. By Phil Gramm and John F. Early Aug. 21, 2019 6:59 pm ET What’s the best way to measure economic well-being in a country as large and diverse as America? One crucial tool is price indexes, which allow us to take...

The central bank has less control over market interest rates today than at any time in its history. By Phil Gramm and Thomas R. Saving June 17, 2019 7:17 pm ET When the Federal Open Market Committee’s meeting concluded last month, reporters focused on the federal-funds rate, announcing that it would be held...

Usual measures of inflation don’t count the benefits of better products and more consumer choice. By Phil Gramm and John Early May 17, 2019 4:49 pm ET Perhaps the most common indictment of America’s legendary prosperity is wage stagnation. Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that average hourly earnings of production and nonsupervisory...

Elizabeth Warren and others seek corporate ‘reforms’ that resemble medieval royal charters. By Phil Gramm and Michael Solon April 15, 2019 6:19 pm ET The 18th-century Enlightenment liberated mind, soul and property, empowering people to think their own thoughts, worship their own gods, and benefit from the fruits of their own labor and...

The surge in private investment has brought big returns for households as well as the government. By Phil Gramm and Michael Solon March 4, 2019 6:07 pm ET For a midterm report card on the economy under President Trump, take a look at two recent government reports. The Commerce Department reported Thursday that...