The Argument Over Free Trade Continues

Read Mankiw's latest regarding the ongoing debate over free trade. Economists and the public are at polar opposites on this issue. Now it is bleeding over into the presidential race.

Candy Sales Going Underground

"Sugar Pushers" roaming our halls. Teachers confiscating candy from students. What is happening in our schools. In Connecticut, an eigth grader and vice president of his class was forced to step down when he was apprehended with an illict bag of skittles. Any thoughts?

Financial Mess

Want a good explanation of the current financial mess the economy is facing, check out Paul Krugman's NY Times editorial. I usually don't agree with Krugman, but this is a very clear and concise explanation of today's banking crisis.

High Price of a Gallon of Gas

The national average is $3.20 per gallon. It will only go higher. At what point do we start making changes in our lifestyles? Will you continue to drive as much as ever, and just cut back elsewhere? Is the demand for gas totally inelastic? Surely, at some point we will start driving less. What are your thoughts?

How Government Makes Things Worse

I know we just had an article on the law of unintended consequences, but I couldn't pass this one up. Ethanol and Sub-prime have more in common than what we would think.

Price of gold soars

The price of gold has reached historic highs. As young economists, can you predict some of the consequences of this? Go beyond the obvious of just more expensive jewelery.

The Scarlet Letter for Drunk Drivers

What do you think of this plan being proposed in the state of Washington? Get convicted of drunk driving and your car is affixed with a bright yellow license plate for a year. Will this serve as a deterrent? The bill's author seems to think it will prevent repeat offenses, and warn the rest of us to give these cars a wide berth. What do you think?

Free Cell Phones for Achievement in School

Obviously, doing well in school should be its own reward. However, in todays society that doesn't seem to be the case. What do you think of this program being tried out in a few Brooklyn middle schools? Free cell phones and minutes for good grades.