By Matthew Hayward The Unseen Consequences of the Minimum Wage As an advocate for limited government and free markets, I've often found myself in debates over the minimum wage. It's a contentious issue, with well-meaning proponents arguing that it's necessary to ensure workers can afford basic necessities. However, the minimum wage, while well-intentioned, often does more harm than good. A recent article even suggests that minimum wage laws may contribute to homelessness. The Free Market and the Value of Labor In a genuinely free market, the value of labor is determined by supply and demand. If no one is willing to work for less than a specific wage to roof a house, then the market has found its minimum wage. Conversely, a maximum wage is found if an employer is unwilling to pay more than a certain amount. Pay should be determined based on the value of labor and the willingness to provide that labor. The Unseen Job Loss When a potential job exists but is worth less to the e...

In days gone by, a business was just a business – a place where you'd go to buy goods or services. The political or social leanings of the owner were not on display; the focus was solely on the transaction at hand. Times, however, have changed. Now, large and small businesses actively participate in societal dialogues, advocating for various causes and aligning themselves with certain political ideologies. From corner stores to multinational corporations, businesses make bold political statements that extend beyond their core operations. While some interpret this as a conscientious corporate citizenry, to others, it seems like a strategy to protect their interests or a form of virtue signaling. Consider the rise of Black Lives Matter signs in shop windows. Initially, these signs emerged in response to the tragic death of George Floyd – an incident that unified the nation in grief and outrage. However, As time passed, the Black Lives Matter message became entangled with a broader, p...

By Matthew Hayward In the shadows of history lie countless forgotten scandals, complex webs of deceit, corruption, and power that once sent shockwaves through societies around the globe. From the Panama Papers to Operation Fast and Furious to the 1MDB Scandal and the DC Madam scandal to the Battle of Athens, this blog post delves into the details of these remarkable events that, despite their implications, have slipped from public consciousness. Join us as we peel back the layers of time and bring these once earth-shattering scandals back into the spotlight. LIBOR Scandal (2012):  The London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) is a benchmark interest rate used in global financial markets. In 2012, it was revealed that banks had been manipulating LIBOR for profit. This scandal had massive implications, affecting trillions of dollars worth of financial contracts globally. Barclays, the bank at the center of the scandal, was fined hundreds of millions of dollars, and several other banks we...