Van Cott: Doing Good by Doing Well
by Norman Van Cott, Ph.D. Among economists’ insights over the last almost 250 years, one of the keenest is that one can do good while doing well. The idea traces to Adam Smith. It means capitalists’ and entrepreneurs’ pursuit of profit can have favorable consequences for the community at large — and not just for Read the full article…

Outstater: The Holcomb Model
“(Gov. Eric Holcomb) isn’t too concerned heading into a re-election year, saying that maintaining momentum is just as important as starting it. ‘Here in Indiana, whether it’s bold or not or controversial or shiny, I’m fine not being part of the food fight,’ he said.” — “Holcomb Confident in Bid for Second Term,” Niki Kelly Read the full article…

Morris: Advice for a New Superintendent
by Leo Morris I’m such a cynic sometimes. The superintendent of our school district is retiring, and local education officials are making a big deal about considering public input in the naming of her replacement. I hate myself for it, but I find myself doubting their sincerity. For one thing, they’re using a prestigious firm Read the full article…

Schansberg: The Grateful Santa
by Eric Schansberg, Ph.D. My wife and I have a friend who has worked at a large retail store as an elf with Santa. She has told us some great stories about the wide variety of Santas and customers she has experienced. She has nicknamed some of the Santas she encountered. I had heard of Read the full article…

Half Past the Month
WHY WOULD ANYONE spend an estimated $100,000 to win a district council election, especially when the incumbent was heavily outvoted at the council table? Yes, that’s a district council race in a midsized Indiana city, and that $100,000 is said to be a state record. Clearly, it was important to keep the incumbent from using Read the full article…

Help Us Get a ‘Foothold’
WE WERE CHALLENGED recently to name one Indiana city council with a majority of members committed to smaller government. We could not. Indeed, we couldn’t remember one — ever. It is attestation that we’re losing the battle and the war. It’s time to change the strategy For starters, we have to stop . . . doing what we’re Read the full article…

