Economically minds
Foreign Aid Reduces Growth
In a new study for the Cato Journal, economist Harold Brumm finds that "foreign aid has a negative growth effect even where economic policy is sound."
Brumm's study echoes the view of Peter Bauer, a pioneer in development economics. According to Bauer, "Development aid is...not necessary to rescue poor societies from a vicious circle of poverty. Indeed it is far more likely to keep them in that state."
The best way for developing countries to move from poverty to prosperity is to increase economic freedom. Official development assistance, it turns out, is neither necessary nor sufficient to increase prosperity.
Economic Aspects of Gay Marriage
Besides the cultural and "moral" issues of gay marriage, there are also economic ones. Thirty years ago, Gary Becker gave us A Treatise on the Family which explained the economic aspects and benefits of marriage. More recently, Lee Badgett, a labor economist at University of Maryland at College Park, has given testimony before the Maryland House Judiciary Committee regarding the potential economic benefits of gay marriage. Sean Safford also gives an economic case for recognizing gay marriage.
The Northeastern Voice has an article regarding the social capital argument for gay marriage. Marriage Equality New York describes in detail the economic disadvantages of unmarried same-sex couples.
Finally, Hit Or Miss briefly discusses the economic windfall to San Francisco for licensing and performing gay marriages.