Economy and Markets

Conventional economic theory fails to account for the pivotal role of the commons in generating and distributing wealth. It is important to understand the limits of individual property rights and pay attention the wide benefits coming from the commons sector of the economy.

December 29, 2006

Gifts2: Economist Calls Christmas A "Deadweight Loss"

Economist calls Christmas a "deadweight loss," raising questions about how we view economics.

November 27, 2006

The Golden Gate Bridge, Brought to You By....

The Golden Gate Bridge, brought to you by...McDonald's? San Francisco considers corporate sponsorship for one of America's great landmarks.

November 20, 2006

Milton Friedman: Romantic

Remembering Milton Friedman: an amiable man with a romantic myopia about the values and failures of markets.

November 14, 2006

Common Wealth Recycling Program: A Victory in Washington State

Voters in Washington send a clear message – that the estate tax is good for society.

October 12, 2006

It's the Economic System, Stupid!

A change in operating systems would save the commons and improve our lives.

October 11, 2006

The Myopia of Price

The mismeasure of economics: the myopia of price blinds us to what's truly valuable.

October 9, 2006

A Double Standard on "Takings"

August 16, 2006

Apple Claims to Own the Word “Pod"

Apple claims to own the word “pod." Despite their non-conformist rhetoric, Apple is downright conventional when it comes to boosting profits at others' expense.

July 17, 2006

Smells as Property, Eggs as Billboards

Can you patent a smell? Advertise on an egg? Welcome to the strange new world of 21st-century copyrights.

May 30, 2006

When People Become Commodities

The Philippines has turned its people into a global labor force. Now it is paying the price.