BEING IN THE AGE GROUP shown in daily charts and graphs as the most vulnerable to the Wuhan virus, a wordsmith friend is trying to decide whether he is the flotsam of this pandemic or the jetsam. Whichever, he is coming to realize that his group is that which the other age categories are content to cut loose, to leave to their own devices, letting the COVID-19 chips fall where they may so they can return to…

by John Pickerill U.S. government bureaucracy prevented the private sector from containing the coronavirus in America. And now, governments in the U.S. are attempting to clean up the mistake by violating our civil rights and economic freedom. South Korea has proven a pandemic can be contained without these totalitarian measures. According to World Health Organization data, South Korea and the U.S. both reported their first case of coronavirus about the same time, Jan. 20 and Jan.…

by Eric Schansberg, Ph.D. In his book, “Profiles in Corruption,” Peter Schweizer documents abuses of power among key national Democratic politicians. He calls them “progressives,” but the targets also include those who are generally considered “moderate” among those on the Left. Even so, his focus is motivated by their common desire to greatly expand the size and scope of government. Of course, all of this is meant to improve the world, at least as long as…

by Leo Morris Finally, I understand why Thoreau was such a contented man in his little cabin at Walden Pond. He had made himself safe from the deadly scourge of a virus attack. I do wonder how Henry David would handle COVID-19 and the resulting social distancing and near-mandatory self-quarantining. Would he still be delighted in the hypnotic tap dancing of a rainstorm, the skittering of woodland creatures in the night, the soft moan of…

Editor’s Note: Although Indiana’s price-gouging law refers only to the price of gas during a state of emergency, Gov. Eric Holcomb, reacting to reports of high prices for certain items in high demand during the Chinese coronavirus epidemic, is urging citizens to file a complaint with the attorney general about unexpected price increases. We think the author has a more informed perspective. by Norman Van Cott, Ph.D. Buyers and sellers have conflicting objectives. Buyers want low…

by Jason Arp Recently, our city council had its first somewhat regular meeting since the beginning of the great coronavirus panic. Something that night struck me as odd. The schools have been closed. Restaurants, bars and entertainment venues have been shuttered. All “non-essential” businesses such as hair salons and music shops have been closed. Landlords are being told they can’t evict for non-payment of rent. These draconian actions are and will continue to have drastic…

by Eric Schansberg, Ph.D. COVID-19 is causing all kinds of trouble — for physical, mental and economic health. Policy-makers are trying to limit the pandemic’s spread while dealing with its implications for individuals, companies, and the economy.  For individuals, Congress and President Trump have chosen a dual approach. They’re mailing checks to everybody, and there’s assistance for those who have lost their jobs — an expanded form of unemployment insurance.  With assistance, there is a general…

A FRIEND PASSES ALONG a heartfelt plea from the editor of my city’s corporate newspaper. The editor is asking us, with information on the Wuhan flu being so critical, to pay for a digital subscription and thereby help “save journalism.” The friend was inclined to respond favorably. First, though, he wanted to think a bit about what sort of “journalism” he might be saving. It would be the sort described by Dr. Marvin Olasky in…

by Leo Morris It is worth noting, in the thick of our great national quarantine, that we have gone in a heartbeat from an ordinary civil society to a step short of martial law. That’s something worth thinking about. And worrying about just a little. As the War on Terror was being rolled out – Lord, has it been nearly two decades? – I wrote an editorial for the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel warning that we…

by Norman Van Cott, Ph.D. The Black Death ravaged Europe, starting in Italy, in the middle of the 14th century. Substantial percentages of entire populations died — estimates range between 30 and 60 percent. Maybe 75 to 200 million people. Would it have made any difference for overall living standards if Spain could have tapped on its subsequent influx of gold from Central and South America? That is, would the substantial increase in the money…