Latest Posts

The importance of institutions

Note: This is post #77 in a weekly video series on basic economics. When it comes to understanding economic growth, says Tyler Cowen of Marginal Revolution University, institutions are often critically important. Continue Reading...

FAQ: New Karl Marx statue cheered by EU and China

On the 200th anniversary of Karl Marx’s birth, his hometown unveiled a new statue donated by the Chinese government. The event drew praise from EU and German politicians, as well as outrage from pro-liberty thought leaders across Europe and around the world – especially those who had lived under Communist regimes. Continue Reading...

Don’t save Barnes & Noble!

First it happened to Toys ‘R’ Us, but we did nothing (except complain). Now it may be happening to Barnes & Noble, and we will do nothing again. (Nothing except complain, that is. Continue Reading...

Bernie Sanders, jobs, and what work really is

Last month the Washington Post reported, “Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) will announce a plan for the federal government to guarantee a job paying $15 an hour and health-care benefits to every American worker “who wants or needs one,”…” These jobs would be the product of hundreds of government projects initiated in, “…infrastructure, care giving, the environment, education and other goals.” Continue Reading...

President Trump Creates a New White House Faith-Based Initiative

On Thursday, President Trump signed an Executive Order establishing the “White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative” within the Executive Office of the President. The order states the purpose is to ensure faith-based and community organizations “have strong advocates in the White House and throughout the Federal Government.” Continue Reading...

Remembering the prophet of violence and terror

On the bicentennial of Karl Marx’s birth, says Acton research director Samuel Gregg, the world should be excoriating his ideas and the terrorism they spawned, not excusing or celebrating them. It’s always a risky exercise to draw a straight line between particular ideas and human events. Continue Reading...

Another take on ‘Pope Francis and the Caring Society’

ICYMI: Over at The Federalist this past Friday, Ethics and Public Policy Center Fellow Luma Simms reviews Pope Francis and the Caring Society. As noted in my April 18 review, the collection of essays includes perceptive and educational insights from Acton’s own Samuel Gregg as well as many others, including Phillip Booth. Continue Reading...