My Final EconLog Post – Econlib

I started my blogging journey back in 2009 at TheMoneyIllusion and recently concluded my blogging venture there. In January 2014, I transitioned to EconLog where I have had a rewarding experience. However, this will be my final post on this platform.

I want to express my gratitude to everyone at EconLog, as well as extend my best wishes to my fellow bloggers. A special acknowledgment goes to Lauren Landsburg and Amy Willis, the editors at EconLog, who provided invaluable assistance during my 11-year tenure.

In my farewell post, I want to touch on what I believe is the most significant challenge facing America today:

Integrity is the Foundation of Effective Public Policy

Our perspectives are often shaped by the events of our formative years. For me, it was the Watergate scandal hearings of 1973-74. I remember the bipartisan effort to uncover the truth, led by senators like Howard Baker. Fast forward to today, and the landscape has drastically changed. The nation is polarized, election results are disputed, politicians prioritize partisanship over statesmanship, and the media is often biased.

Instead of delving into specific political issues, I want to emphasize the critical role of integrity in shaping public policy. The Constitution, designed to safeguard individual rights and limit government power, hinges on the integrity of those in charge. Without integrity, laws are easily circumvented. Here are a few scenarios where integrity is paramount:

1. Packing the Supreme Court with loyal judges to undermine its independence.
2. Using national emergencies to bypass congressional declarations.
3. Exploiting loopholes to extend presidential term limits.
4. Suppressing freedom of speech through regulatory threats.
5. Leveraging subsidies to manipulate businesses.
6. Violating the constitutional ban on export taxes.
7. Gerrymandering voting districts.
8. Twisting the takings clause to serve private interests.
9. Selective prosecution for political gain.
10. Evading bribery bans through indirect means.

While we rely on the Constitution to check governmental abuse, its efficacy is limited without integrity. The focus should shift towards demanding truthfulness, ethical conduct, and strict adherence to both the letter and spirit of the law. Without integrity, a country risks descent into a failed state.

Some may dismiss these ideals as unrealistic, but the presence of integrity in politics is not an unattainable dream. History demonstrates that integrity breeds good governance and prevents systemic decay. By electing principled leaders and fostering a culture of transparency, America can avert the path to becoming a corrupt state.

If you’ve enjoyed my insights, I invite you to continue following my blog on Substack. Thank you for being part of this journey.