In his last hurrah as U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Don Evans is off to China this week to talk about, among other things, protecting intellectual property. That's an important journey because securing intellectual property rights fosters innovation, creativity and invention, which in turn push economic development and growth forward.

With his victory at the ballot box on November 2, President George W. Bush has a real opportunity to leave a substantive and positive mark on history.

Back in 1958, Congress created Subchapter S Corporations. Unfortunately, at the dawn of the twenty-first century, several states have not yet caught on to this sound business structure.

I have various telecommunications options for my home office. 

As the old saying goes, time sure flies when you're having fun. 

It's 2004, and just in case you hadn't noticed, that means we're officially in the presidential campaign season. The Iowa caucuses are just around the corner on January 19, then comes the New Hampshire primary, followed by contests in other states to determine which Democrat will square off against President George W. Bush (R) in November.

Nobody has a better product delivery system than Santa Claus.  Unfortunately, though, Santa's not about to write a `How To` book for the rest of us to follow.  Besides, in order to get gifts to all good little girls and boys around the world in one night requires a motivated team of elves, reindeer that can fly, a special sled, and apparently other supernatural or time traveling abilities.

So why does Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell and some other state politicians abhor the activity of small business?

Why exactly do various politicians - many Democrats along with some Republicans - want to wreak havoc on an industry dedicated to making sick people better? It's a bit of a mystery to me.

What ever happened to reforming Social Security?

Political analysts examine the results of elections primarily to assess how the two major parties fared. They seek to answer a straightforward question: Who won - the Democrats or the Republicans? That's expected.

I've never been a car guy.  I don't change my own oil.  In fact, when looking under the hood, I'm completely lost.  However, since the purchase of a family vehicle a few years ago, I've become rather passionate.  I am head-over-heels in love with my SUV. 

Politicians love things that sound good, no matter what the real world consequences might be.  Perhaps it's a function of making much of their livelihoods through sound bites, 30-second TV ads, and bumper stickers.

Conventional wisdom tells us that since health care has changed so dramatically since Medicare was set up in 1965, then Medicare must change as well. Specifically, the assertion is that prescription drugs played less of a role in treating patients some forty years ago, so therefore Medicare must be adjusted and expanded to cover prescription drugs today.

I'm a mail guy.  That is, I love getting mail and packages delivered to the house.  E-mail is fine too, but there's something far more enjoyable about receiving the tangible -- whether it be books, CDs or DVDs from Amazon.com, for example, a thoughtful birthday or Christmas card, or periodicals and catalogues to thumb through and read. 

The health care debate in this country has long been focused on increasing the role of government. The idea has been that the more government gets involved, then more people will have access to care.

Do the taxpayers have to get beaned for big bucks in order to make the home team a winner? 

Those of us who call ourselves conservatives obviously agree on a wide range of political, economic, cultural and philosophical issues. If we didn't, conservatism would be meaningless. However, this doesn't mean we agree on everything.

Health care costs continue to careen out of control. Are politicians and government policies contributing to this mess? You bet they are - big time.

I used to think that Republicans were interested in restraining - indeed, even reducing -- the size of government.  How naïve could I be?

For the past week and a half, I've been on the road with the family for a working vacation.  Leaving New York and Washington, D.C. behind, we've been driving to a few cities in America's heartland. 

On Monday morning (July 28), I was saddened to hear that Bob Hope had died the previous evening.  But who could complain about the 100-year run that Hope had as a multifaceted entertainer, sportsman, American patriot and successful businessman. 

As an economist and writer, I always find some interesting fiscal, political or economics lessons to ponder and discuss while traveling - much to my wife's chagrin. That certainly was the case on a trip to Boston this past weekend.

Sometimes it appears that economists don't agree on very much. 

Can importing other nations' destructive and dangerous regulatory schemes be called `free trade`? Of course not, but some members of Congress nonetheless seem to think so.

Living in a prosperous, market economy offers countless benefits.  In the U.S., that most certainly includes widespread ownership of automobiles.

Late June offered a major test of principle for members of Congress, as a new, costly entitlement was being voted on - prescription drug coverage under Medicare.

Next year, Toyota drives onto NASCAR's Craftsman Truck series.  This is the race circuit featuring pickup trucks.

It's always struck me as disconcerting how members from both major political parties, Democrats and Republicans, can climb on board an issue clearly headed in the wrong -- even a dangerous -- direction.  That's the case with the current rush to create a new entitlement, i.e., Medicare prescription drug coverage.

On Tuesday, June 10, Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan testified before Congress on Capitol Hill.  Nothing unusual, right? 

During a scene in "The Sound of Music," Max, the talent agent, is enjoying himself at Captain von Trapp's estate, and declares with some satisfaction: "I like rich people.  I like the way they live.  I like the way I live when I'm with them."

Tax relief almost always is a big plus for the economy. However, tax cuts can be structured in a way that the economy does not get the full benefits. That was the case with the 2001 tax cut, and may be the case again as the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate work out differences between their two tax cut plans.

Politicians have a knack for ignoring the costs of their legislative actions. They will tell anyone who might possibly listen about the potential benefits of their latest ideas for new programs or regulations, while ignoring the very real costs tied to such initiatives.

Why have so many state and local governments across the nation been staring at large budget deficits recently?

The U.S. economy thrives due to courageous individuals willing to take economic risks.  Unfortunately, economic growth has suffered since the middle of 2000 - almost three years now - due to a distinct lack of risk taking.

On Tuesday, April 15, I went to the dentist - excuse me, the oral surgeon - to have two teeth removed.  As if this were not painful enough, these extractions occurred on Tax Day.

In recent times, there have been countless examples of our legal system careening out of control. 

The U.S. economy has been in a funk for almost three years now - under-performing since the middle of 2000, including of course, a recession in 2001. 

Sometimes one can forget how far apart the worlds of business and academia can be. But then a dramatic event - like war - reminds us.

State legislators in Maryland are considering a variety of tax increases that would hurt consumers, small businesses and the state's economy.  Unfortunately, recently elected Republican Governor Robert Ehrlich has joined in the process.

Last year, almost half the states - 21 to be exact - increased tobacco taxes. With governments continuing to confront whopping budget deficits this year, more excise tax increases are being considered. Unfortunately, these tax increases hurt the economy, and fail to redress the real problem, i.e., too much government spending.

Those of us who often disagree with labor unions sometimes refer to "big labor" in the same derogatory sense as the political left talks about "big business."  It's all part of the give and take in the public square in which smacking labels on your opponents can be quite handy, not to mention good fun.

The Sierra Club is urging the IRS to "aggressively audit" certain small businesses. What's the environmental organization's beef?

Geo-political risks - in particular, risks of war and terrorism -- are helping to weigh down the stock market and the economy in general.  And small businesses are feeling the pinch.  However, it also must be understood that our nation's security and our freedoms are at stake.

In the software universe, something similar to the Borg from "Star Trek" seems to be at work.  It's called open source software distributed under an agreement known as General Public License (GPL).

Whenever someone asks me if I want to hear the good news or the bad news first, I always pick the bad news.  Get the bad news out of the way, and then maybe the good news will make me feel better.

California has a huge budget problem.  A major part of the answer recently proposed by Democratic Governor Gray Davis was a massive tax increase.  That's not just bad news for California, but potentially for the entire nation.

In July of last year, surgeons at the University of Nevada Medical Center quit, and the hospital's trauma center in Las Vegas had to be closed for ten days.  On New Year's Day 2003, surgeons at various West Virginia hospitals walked off the job.  Two weeks later, doctors in New Jersey announced that for about a week starting on February 3 they'll not see patients for routine checkups, elective surgery and other nonessential services.

At the Economic Club of Chicago on Tuesday, President George W. Bush unveiled a new set of policy proposals meant to give the economy a boost. Clearly, this President Bush understands something his father didn't - tax increases hurt the economy, while tax cuts serve the economy well.

When he was first elected governor of Connecticut in 1994, Republican John Rowland ran as a tax cutter. Today, confronted by budget woes, Governor Rowland is pushing for large tax increases. If the new Rowland gets his way, Connecticut entrepreneurs, businesses, workers and consumers will suffer.

All tax cuts are not created equal.  That is something the White House and the incoming 108th Congress need to keep in mind as talks once again heat up as to what can be done on the policy front to give the economy a boost.

With the arrival of Thanksgiving also comes the Christmas season.  So, the timing hardly could have been better for a recent three-day conference (from November 14-16) at Hofstra University carrying the title "Bing! Crosby and American Culture."

At first, it sounds like a wild accusation from one of those international conspiracy theorists, or the plot of a new James Bond film. However, a scenario is playing out where the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU), and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) are all working in the same direction when it comes to limiting or wiping out tax competition between nations.

The number of asbestos lawsuits continues to grow at a rapid pace.  That`s not only bad news for U.S. businesses, their employees and the economy, but also for those individuals who are gravely ill due to asbestos exposure.

If you have young children, as I do, then perhaps you've heard of "VeggieTales." If not, this computer-animated success story is well worth noting. It is about building a small business, while not just maintaining, but advancing your values.

There is a distinct lack of clarity and leadership on the economy emanating from our nation's capital city these days.  And that was perhaps most tellingly illustrated in a speech given on October 15 by U.S. Rep. Richard Gephardt (D), the Minority Leader in the U.S. House of Representatives. 

Federal government regulators once again have infringed upon the domain of consumers and the private marketplace.

In the fantasyland known as politics, too many elected officials try to wish away the laws of economics. Indeed, replacing economic facts with political fiction is a favorite tactic when it comes to health care policymaking.

A grand delusion recently cloaked our nation's capital city.  Many people perceived that politicians in the District of Columbia were acting responsibly over the past few years when it came to the city's budget. 

The economy is trying to fight back from a recession, and having a tough time doing so.  Business investment basically has been declining for two years.  From its peak in February 2001 to August 2002, non-farm private-sector employment declined by more than 2.1 million jobs.

Upon taking office as mayor of New York City, businessman Michael Bloomberg declared in his inaugural address on January 1: "We cannot drive people and business out of New York. We cannot raise taxes. We will find another way."

Some will paint their faces and shout warlike screams. Others will don the jerseys of their favorite teams. Money will be waged in office pools. The National Football League (NFL) 2002 season is upon us.

If you're in the housing industry, the economy looks pretty good.  Outside housing, though, the economic picture is, at best, hazy, at worst, downright gloomy.

The California state budget battle continues in Sacramento. And counterproductive tax increases are still on the table.

What the heck is going on in California lately?  Specifically, do the state's elected officials have some kind of economic death wish?

Hanging in my office is a famous print titled "The Bulls and Bears in the Market."  It features a raucous battle between bulls and bears outside the New York Stock Exchange. It stirs my capitalist spirit.

Last week (on July 11), I had the opportunity to testify in the U.S. House of Representatives before the Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform and Oversight in the Committee on Small Business. The issue addressed was the impact that various government regulations and reforms have had on the small business health care market.

Prescription drug coverage under Medicare once again has become the hot topic in our nation's capital. Unfortunately, consumers, small businesses and the pharmaceutical industry will lose no matter who wins this latest battle between Republicans and Democrats.

Golf offers a variety of life lessons, as we just saw at the 2002 U.S. Open played on the Black Course at Bethpage State Park in New York. 

A proposed merger of the nation's top satellite television providers could provide all sorts of benefits for consumers-from the couch-potato sports fan to the small business owner in need of news, data and information.  With a passion for sports and my own political and economic analysis business, I just happen to fall into both of these categories.

On April 18, the U.S. House of Representatives began the process of completing what was started early last year.  That is, by a margin of 229-198, the House voted to make last year's tax relief package permanent.  That's good news, but many hurdles remain.

In our nation's capital, there are moves afoot to re-impose taxes that once helped finance the federal government's program for cleaning up waste sites, known as Superfund. The taxes were allowed to expire at the end of 1995.

Work hard, come up with a new or improved product or service, figure out how to market it, keep consumers happy, and you can succeed in this great country.  A mighty task, to say the least. 

Maryland is not exactly known as a state with a light touch when it comes to taxes.  Unfortunately, matters could become even more taxing if some politicians have their way.

The re-make of "Ocean's 11" recently hit movie theaters.  Both the original film, which was released in 1960, and the latest "Ocean's 11" amount to little more than escapist eye candy seeking to epitomize "cool."

The current economic downturn has been tough on a lot of individuals and businesses.  I know I've felt the effects.  And so apparently has retail giant Kmart.

It seems that most people I know in the policy, political and business worlds are particularly ready for a Christmas break this year.  I know I am.

In our nation's capital, the debate over an "economic stimulus" package looms.  Among the points of disagreement are what kind of tax cuts are needed, and how large should they be.  While one should debate what kind of tax relief makes the most sense, it seems clear to most members of Congress that at least some kind of tax cut is appropriate while the economy languishes in recession, and few, if any, are speaking of tax increases.

While Congress debates whether to grant President Bush trade promotion authority (TPA)-formerly known as fast-track authority-it is critical to understand that international trade is not the exclusive domain of large, multinational businesses. In reality, trade benefits the entire economy, including the small business sector.

On Election Day, voters in the state of Washington will have the opportunity to make their voices heard on two tax issues. Given our current economic slowdown; an ongoing, unrelenting expansion of government; and the very real, negative impact taxes have on the economy, these votes are most important.

Earlier this week, the Commerce Department cut its estimate of real U.S. economic growth for the second quarter of this year from a dismal 0.7% to an even more dismal 0.2%.  This turned out to be the weakest quarterly performance in about eight years. 

As the U.S. economy sputters along right now, it pays to take a moment to consider a major source of economic growth-international trade.

Cutting income tax rates is smart economics. However, saying that the economy will benefit from such tax relief long before the cuts actually are implemented not only is bad economics but bad politics.

On Saturday, May 19, Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos will go for the second leg of the Triple Crown--the Preakness Stakes-at Pimlico racetrack in Baltimore. Only 11 horses have managed to take the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes over the previous 126 years.

This actually is the first National Small Business Week (May 6-12) of the new century (contrary to widespread opinion, the 21st century did not actually start until 2001).  The most appropriate way for politicians to show that Small Business Week is not simply a public relations bone thrown to America's entrepreneurs is to push boldly ahead with a substantive small business policy agenda.  That most certainly includes board-based tax relief.

While federal officials ponder how to create a new federal entitlement for prescription drugs, many states already have ventured down this ill-advised path.

On Monday, April 9, President George W. Bush released the details of his proposed budget for fiscal year 2002. In contrast to former President Clinton's budget plans, the Bush proposal serves up some good news for small businesses.

Last week, President George W. Bush declared that he had no intention of implementing the global warming treaty agreed to by the Clinton Administration in December 1997, but never ratified by the U.S. Senate. The President deserves enormous credit for dropping this misguided and costly proposal, especially since it was quite evident that he would face a firestorm of criticism from the environmental left and its countless allies. This step by Bush warrants a true "profile in courage" award.

While the economy slows to "near zero" percent growth, as Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan recently declared, rather than working quickly to pass a pro-growth tax cut, the U.S. Senate is in the midst of dancing to the campaign finance tune being played by Senator John McCain (R-AZ).

With the Academy Awards being handed out this coming Sunday night, it crossed our minds at the Small Business Survival Committee (SBSC) that there have not been many movies over the years offering positive takes on business owners, or business in general.  In fact, it seems that business executives and owners tend to be portrayed as cheating, greedy, and immoral on the silver screen.

In his budget speech before Congress earlier this week, President George W. Bush was clear in his support for tax relief.  Of note, he pointed out that cutting personal income tax rates across the board would benefit the entrepreneurial sector of America's economy. 

I've been feeling rather creative lately. In fact, this gig as chief economist for a small business organization has become far too constraining. The artistic forces within me demand to be liberated.

Late Thursday night in a banquet hall just outside our nation's capital city, the lights were low, candles flickered on tabletops, and the Difficult Run Jazz Band belted out some classic Big Band tunes.  This marvelous group seemingly turned back the clock, transporting the entire room some six decades prior in time.  Perhaps, this was what a few evenings were like in Washington during World War II. 

Reading and hearing about rolling electricity blackouts across the state, it occurs to me that California these days more closely resembles the old Soviet Union than the largest state in the world's leading capitalist economy. 

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on Wednesday, January 17, in the case of Casey Martin v. PGA Tour Inc. Disabled golfer Casey Martin, of course, brought this lawsuit under the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act to force the PGA Tour to allow him to ride in a golf cart during golf tournaments. SBSC thought it appropriate to republish the following article. An earlier version originally appeared in the November 2000 issue of Ideas on Liberty, a monthly magazine published by the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE). For more information about FEE, see www.fee.org.

Earlier this week, the Boston Globe reported that the convention center being built in South Boston faces cost overruns of some $100 million above the already allotted $750 million. The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) is constructing the facility.

Early Wednesday (January 3) afternoon, Alan Greenspan's Federal Reserve caused jubilation on Wall Street, in the halls of Congress, on Main Street, and in the camp of President-elect George W. Bush with a surprise half-point cut in the federal funds rate.  Having long held the position that the Fed's interest rate hikes of late 1999 and 2000 were bad mistakes, I also was pleased to see Greenspan reverse course on interest rates.  However, big questions linger.

While the nation waits to see who will be the next President of the United States, President Clinton's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) earlier this week launched an assault on U.S. businesses by announcing its final ergonomics rules. Unfortunately, these new measures represent another case of the federal government imposing costly regulations based on, at best, vague, incomplete science-even pseudo-science--and very real political pressure.

It is simply fascinating to watch the incredible twists and turns of this ongoing presidential election.  As ugly as it may be, this is history in the making that will be recalled and noted for the life of this great republic.  Of course, that is why we must act prudently and in accordance with our laws and the U.S. Constitution.

Out on the campaign trail, Vice President Al Gore, his running mate, Senator Joe Lieberman, and other Democrats have been kicking around the state of Texas.  This, of course, is fair game when running against the governor of Texas, Republican George W. Bush. 

In this tight presidential election, there is one issue that seems to be almost universally accepted: Vice President Al Gore is the smart candidate, and Texas Governor George W. Bush is the rather dim fellow.  Indeed, when it comes to holding this view of the two candidates, political affiliation or philosophy-Republican, Democrat, liberal or conservative-does not seem to matter all that much.

Surprise, surprise!  A front-page story in The New York Times on Friday, October 27, pointed out that the White House and Congress are hard at work spending a big part of projected budget surpluses.

In my new book-U.S. by the Numbers: Figuring What's Left, Right, and Wrong With America State by State (Capital Books, 2000)-I not only examine taxing and government spending for each state, but for the federal government as well.

Zany economic thinking just never seems to stop with those crazy bureaucrats at the U.S. Justice Department's antitrust division. 

If I have to hear more of Vice President Al Gore's scare tactics launched against "big oil," "big drug companies," "big insurance companies," or "big tobacco" once more, I think I'll scream.

When it comes to starting up, running, investing in, and expanding a business, make no mistake, state and local government policies matter.  If life, limb and property are protected, while keeping costs-in particular, taxes--to a minimum, then government is fulfilling its essential duty.  If not, then risk taking, job creation and economic growth will suffer.  Indeed, it is a rather simple formula.  Nonetheless, politicians across the nation regularly get it wrong.

Earlier this week (on September 20), the Department of Justice's antitrust chief Joel Klein announced he would be leaving the Clinton Administration at the end of this month.  For those of us who believe in free enterprise, a strong temptation exists to throw a party. 

With all the talk about education on the presidential and congressional campaign trails, one could get the impression that instead of running for federal office, these folks are vying for an open seat on the local school board.

What is the most subsidized industry in all of America?  Arguably, it is an industry dominated by small and mid-sized businesses.  I would say that the kings of the subsidies game are the four major league sports-the National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Hockey League (NHL)-along with minor league baseball and hockey.

Since the close of the Democratic Convention a couple of weeks ago, Vice President Al Gore has continued his class-warfare attack on Texas Governor George Bush's tax relief proposal.  At one campaign stop, Gore reportedly declared: "They would focus the benefits of a giant tax cut on the wealthy at the expense of everyone else."

In his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention last night, Vice President Al Gore mentioned support for some kind of limited death tax relief. Otherwise, Gore's speech was pretty much bad news for businesses of all types and sizes.

If one was looking for substance; if one was looking for a vision; if one was looking for some serious direction on policy; then Senator Joe Lieberman's speech at the Democratic Convention last night was not for you.

As noted in my new book "U.S. by the Numbers: Figuring What's Left, Right, and Wrong With America State by State" (Capital Books, 2000), the United States' labor market is far less encumbered by labor unions than other industrialized nations. 

Last night was Dick Cheney's opportunity to shine, and he certainly gave a fine, authoritative political speech. 

While I cannot say that the "Republican Party Platform 2000: Renewing America's Purpose. Together" is a gripping page-turner, it is a rather strong pro-small business, pro-entrepreneur statement.

This past weekend (July 22 and 23) was nail-biting time. A big decision had to be made. What would factor into the equation? What would be the comfort level in working together? What role would loyalty play?

My wife will tell you that I am not exactly handy around the house.  Last year, I managed to properly space and align a set of six pictures on a wall, and to this day I treat it like an historic accomplishment worthy of regaling friends and family.

For as long as most of us can remember, politicians and policy wonks of practically every political stripe and philosophy have longed for balanced federal budgets.  As the old saying goes, be careful what you wish for, you might just get it.  Now, we have budget surpluses projected as far as the eye can see, but only minor talk about giving those surpluses back to the taxpayers.

Last Friday (June 16), the final regulatory hurdle was cleared for the merger between Bell Atlantic Corp. and GTE Corp.  The $65-billion deal was originally announced in 1998, but the need for regulatory approvals dragged out the process.

The forces working for socialized medicine are a relentless bunch.  They not only push for more mandates, regulations and government spending at the federal level, but state by state as well.  Whether guided by economic ignorance, blind emotion, shameless self-interest or some combination thereof, these people seem bound and determined to wreck what's left of the finest health care system in the world.

Congress is scheduled to vote on the elimination of federal death taxes late this week.  Killing estate, gift and generation-skipping taxes would be a monumental accomplishment in favor of entrepreneurship, family businesses and their employees, economic growth and job creation, and general fairness.

A front-page headline in the May 30 New York Times proclaimed "Despite Defeat on China Bill, Labor Is on Rise."  In reality, though, big labor is in free fall, and the entrepreneur is on the rise.

A little more than a quarter of the way through this year's baseball season and at least one thing is pretty clear: the Baltimore Orioles stink. Namely, they're pitching is horrendous, with a team ERA of 5.90 a