Somehow, we have reached the point where we view democracy and elections as ends in themselves. But they aren't.

What are we to make of the news that career State Department staffers are refusing to go to Iraq?

Why such a difference between the handling of the California fires, vs Katrina in New Orleans?

In recent years, the dream of home ownership has gotten farther and farther out of reach, as house prices have escalated. According to a recent study, the primary cause is excessive zoning laws - that is, government over-regulation.

Virtually everyone who is anyone in American politics and media has roundly condemned any thought that Iran's President Ahmadinejad should be allowed to desecrate Ground Zero with his noisome presence. They are making a mistake.

Is American citizenship of such little concern that we don't mind it being awarded as the result of a crime?

Brazil serves as an object lesson in how government incompetence - not greed, not really bribery even, certainly not totalitarianism, just simple incompetence - can make life difficult on an otherwise free and vibrant economy.