Lawmakers, or Economic Developers?
Why are legislators elected? For what purpose do they wield their power? Perhaps more fundamentally, what is the proper role of government? These questions were all implied in a simple question I asked a few Senators last month...
A Government Permission Slip to Braid Hair?
When Jestina Clayton sued the state of Utah (and won), it brought to the public’s attention an absurd and alarming detail: the government prohibits people from braiding hair, for pay, without a license. This license, in the...
Why Economics Should Matter To You
For part two in this series, click here. This may be a difficult article for many to read. We like our news spoon-fed and interpreted for us, broken down to the “nitty gritty” of what we think really matters. Rather than take...
Mayor Bloomberg-esque Nanny State Alive and Well in Utah
Conservatives across the country erupted in outrage late last year when Mayor Bloomberg banned sugary drinks over 16 ounces in New York City. But Utah has a similar law in place, where purchasing alcohol in a container larger...
Utah Drunk With Power
Undercover agents from the state liquor-control agency are busy conducting sting operations throughout the Wasatch Front. It reminds me of the days of prohibition when the FBI battled it out with gangsters like the infamous Al...
Utah’s Hairbrained Scheme To Protect Special Interests Needs To Be Upbraided
A recent dust up in Utah courts pitted African hair braiding specialist, Jestina Clayton, against the State of Utah, over a current statute that requires 2000 hours of cosmetology coursework to become a licensed hair braider....