Lobbying for Extra Credit
New from the Business & Media Institute
Lobbying for Extra Credit
Bankruptcy reform took effect this week, despite the medias arguments
against it. The Business & Media Institute took a look at network coverage of the
bill, from proposal to law, and found the networks using victims of
Hurricane Katrina to lobby for a delay. Calling bankruptcy a fresh start
and a safety net, journalists failed to consider the new law as a curb
on abuse of the legal system.
Flat-Out Un-Fair: Tax Fix More than a Four-Letter Word
The presidents panel on tax reform was supposed to simplify the tax code.
Instead, its suggesting more of the same having government pick the
winners and losers in the economy. Its proposals wont aid growth or
create jobs, but they will disappoint taxpayers who thought the panel
could make a difference.
Auto Workers Benefits: Catching Up with the Times
The United Auto Workers union and General Motors Corp. are embroiled in a
legal battle over health benefits. The media have tried to suggest that
the automakers attempt to have its workers pay a portion of their health
coverage is something new and terrible that will bring trouble to other
industries and the economy in general. The problem with that reasoning is
that GM is only catching up with what other companies have been doing.
The Good, the Bad & the Ugly
The Good, the Bad & the Ugly tracks the best and worst media coverage of
business and economics. Readers are invited to submit suggestions or news
tips to Director
Dan Gainor.
This week: A fair view of FairTax; the problem with calling for
government aid; and why the Four Horsemen are over the top.
Also from BMI:
War, Famine, Pestilence and Death
Katrina Brought Poverty in America to the Front Page
Research, News & Commentary
Hurricane Katrina
Commentary: Ole Misss William Shughart elaborates on why government failed in its response to Katrina.
Government Spending/Taxes:
Research: The Cato Institute compares spending between the current administration and Lyndon Johnsons. Bush outspent Johnson on discretionary spending.
Research: 'Tis the season for tax reform, and the Institute for Policy Innovation has plenty of ideas in their Road Map to Tax Reform.
Energy
Research: Tom Lehman plays a game of gasoline price fact and fiction with his old friends, supply and demand.
Economics
Research: The Bush Administrations decision to embrace diversity and rejoin UNESCO could engender trade protectionism and cultural prejudice.
Social Security Reform
Commentary: The Thrift Savings Plan is offering more lucrative investment opportunities for government employees.
Liability Reform
Commentary: AEIs Kevin Hassett explores a tort reform that costs more money than saves lives.
