Selections from Reason‘s Vaults
5 years ago
November 2021
“The PATRIOT Act grew from a corrupted foundation, and its lingering influence was still visible in 2021 as the Biden administration channels its own fears about domestic terrorism into anything connected with Trumpism after the January 6 events. In June, the administration released a fresh strategy report on domestic extremism. Although it does not propose new legislative powers at this time, the document troublingly contends that ‘it is equally important that the Federal Government engage in efforts to prevent individuals from being drawn into the grip of domestic terrorism in the first instance. That means diminishing both the supply and the demand for recruitment materials by restricting widespread online availability and boosting resilience in those who encounter it, among other measures.’ Such language hints at attempts to surveil and pressure people who have merely exercised First Amendment rights.’
Brian Doherty
“The Poisoned Tree of the PATRIOT Act”
The Poisoned Tree of the PATRIOT Act
“Across the nation, mayors, municipal councils, governors, and judges enacted eviction suspensions in the early stages of the COVID-19 crisis. The immediate aim was to protect financially strained renters—who had lost work due to the pandemic—from losing their homes and thereby enabling safer social distancing. These moratoriums were put in place with almost no public discussion about the limits of bureaucratic authority, the property rights of owners, potential unintended consequences, or any other ramifications. Governments simply asserted they possessed such powers and then exercised them.”
Christian Britschgi
“How the CDC Became America’s Landlord”
How the CDC Became America’s Landlord
40 years ago
November 1986
“The United States has probably expended excessive time and resources trying to suppress communism, while giving too little attention to spreading capitalism. The marketplace stands as the nation’s strongest institution, and the United States should learn to wield it to help poorer nations cultivate a stake in the capitalist system. As capitalism expands, communism will find itself contained. The most effective method for disseminating capitalism is through actions rather than rhetoric. The poorer countries already endure too many lectures from wealthier nations about free trade and too few demonstrations of its benefits. Gaining access to the vast American market is what these nations need—and deserve—to cement their loyalty to capitalism. Protectionist policies at home undermine security interests just as Soviet-style cooperation would.”
Melvyn Krauss
“No More Rich Bully”
No More Rich Bully
“We all know how temporary ‘temporary’ government programs tend to be. Besides, aid is aid. Instead of paying the current U.S. price of $110 per ton [of wheat]—as required under a treaty or contract signed in 1983—the Kremlin’s hard bargainers will now pay $85 per ton, with the difference covered by unknown parties. This subsidized wheat would help the Soviets avoid the consequences of their inefficient and oppressive economic system once again. It could spark a trade war with Europeans, Canadians, and Australians. And it would allow some American farmers to keep pretending that their labor is economically productive.”
Virginia Postrel
“Tempted to Aid? Just Say No”
Tempted to Aid? Just Say No
45 years ago
November 1981
“Today there is a widespread fear that Americans have lost the knack for competing in new, high-risk, high-tech ventures. Yet a number of space entrepreneurs are eager to take on these challenges. Whether they succeed—and whether the potential benefits of space transportation and development come to fruition—depends on the path chosen by the federal government.”
James Bennett
“The Second Space Race”
The Next Space Race
55 years ago
November 1971
“New York’s troubles have a deeper origin. This city, long celebrated as the epicenter of American liberalism, is so saturated with the creed of its political religion that it cannot face the real reason for its failures. The reason, above all, is politics. The city’s guiding faith is Government, Social Necessity, Public Good, and a constellation of lesser rituals. It has embraced this faith with earnest devotion because the financial and social elite there decided early on that social concern is lofty and essential—indeed, profoundly humanitarian. (Or, to be precise, the vast majority of New York’s elite accepted this.)”
Mark Frazier
“New York—Death of a City”
New York—Death of a City
