As has been generally understood and underscored by Standard & Poor's downgrade of the U.S.'s AAA credit rating, elected officials were willing to push the federal government to the brink of default. This was startling proof of deep dysfunction in the political process.

While Mead may be right that our appetite for quick financial gain outstripped economic reality, American society has made an irrevocable move to the suburbs. Our nation now must strive to discover how to reinvigorate our suburban communities in both the social and economic sense.

Here’s the problem: The president never defines what he means by “fair.” And this is for a simple reason: his definition is simply not recognizable to most Americans.

Policy fantasies are dangerous because they cause direct harm, replacing plans that might actually work, and because they spread economic illiteracy that can negatively influence future policies.

The proposal to make the Federal Reserve a "systemic risk regulator" is deeply misguided.

A people that respond with such intensity to Susan Boyle's story must still possess the sentiments that have been the source of American greatness.

Clear Skies is an economist's approach to pollution reduction. We heartily endorse its core approach, while recommending surgery for a few minor blemishes.

A fascinating new memoir challenges the notion that only dramatic government intervention can rescue the working poor.