Personal thoughts, unpublished articles, and links to media hits

The grass is always greener in an alternate timeline

Over the last couple years, I have been reflecting a lot on the tenth commandment, the admonition not to covet. As a reference point: You...

Supporting Black Lives Matter and Condemning the Capitol Riot is Not Hypocritical

In the aftermath of the Capitol’s siege by a Trump-supporting mob, some on the right have chosen to focus on hypocrisy on the left....

Podcast: Monthly Tracker Results: November 2020

John Kristof joins Michael McShane and Paul DiPerna to discuss the latest trends in EdChoice's monthly public opinion tracker. Are...

Monthly Tracker Podcast - October 2020

Listen to what the EdChoice opinion tracker has to say about perceptions of COVID, “pandemic pods,” and other timely K-12 questions....

The Evil Rich are Doing a Whole Lot of Good

Sanders is assuming that more government dollars translates to more socioeconomic problems solved. History pokes some significant holes...

How Republicans Will Censor Republicans Online

Changing default liability would be one of the most destructive options the Trump administration could pursue.

Underscored Podcast Episode 25: Big Tech on the ropes and the #FightFor15 in Congress

The #FightFor15 has gone totally mainstream in Democratic politics. Would a federal raise be good for all Americans?

First to Tackle Entitlement Reform Wins

Both parties want to avoid spending cuts to areas most important to their voter bases, but they want to minimize money going to the other pa

Indiana GOP could choose coal over free markets

Energy, environmental, and consumer groups see little sense in halting a statewide move toward cheap and clean electricity.

Why Are Zero-Wasters Upset About a Waste-Free Delivery Service?

Making low-waste lifestyles more accessible and cost-effective are important steps for reducing total trash produced in the economy

New Federal Tax Law Will Send More Illinoisans Packing

The GOP’s new cap on SALT deductions makes it harder for Illinois and other high-tax states to solve their migration issues.

Young Voices Podcast #113: John Kristof, Lemonade and Permit Patty

Kristof discusses occupational licensing following an outcry over a woman who who called the cops on a child for selling water bottles.

How to Create a Drug Crisis

How did one of the most aggressive marketing campaigns in pharmaceutical industry become the most attractive strategy?

Propaganda and Illinois' Progressive Income Tax

Who is “rich?” Taxpayers never seem to ask this question.

Entitlement, Shame, and Gratitude : The Case for Reimagining Social Privilege

The left and the right could find more common ground if they returned to the basic understanding of "privilege."

Income Inequality and the Relativity of Success

Such a claim looks only at the number of people below the 25th percentile and not the quality of life of people below that arbitrary line.