By Matthew Hayward In a world increasingly dominated by emotionalist socialism, the recent uproar over unused gift cards in Washington State serves as a prime example of the dangerous erosion of personal responsibility and the fundamental principles of capitalism. The push for legislation to protect consumers from their own choices under the guise of corporate accountability is a misguided venture that undermines the very essence of a free market economy. At the heart of the matter is the assertion that large companies, like Starbucks, are exploiting consumers by retaining unspent funds on gift cards. The proposed solution? Forcing these companies to surrender these funds to the Department of Revenue as unclaimed property. This move is heralded as a victory for consumer rights, but in reality, it is a dangerous precedent that infringes upon the sanctity of voluntary exchange and contract freedom. The notion that consumers are somehow entitled to protection from their own decision...

By Matthew Hayward In a free society, there is no need for "distracted driving" laws. No law should exist that attempts to socially engineer society; we do not need laws that attempt to prevent crimes from happening, and we do not need pre-crime laws. We need to enforce rational laws and punish real crimes. In today's Tri-City Herald article  Put the phone down and pay attention, or get a ticket , we learn that the Washington State Legislature has again passed another emotionally driven bill that violates our basic human rights. First, they tell us we are not allowed to make phone calls while holding the phone to our ear, and then they tell us we cannot text; now, this most recent "distracted driving bill,"  Senate Bill 5289 , prohibits us from holding various electronic devices.  We don't need more complex laws; common-sense laws should suffice. We don't need a law that addresses playing musical instruments while driving or reading a ...

By Matthew Hayward Happy Bill of Rights Day! Opening the paper this morning to read retiring liquor control board chair Sharon Foster's passionate comments against the free market was wonderful. While the privatization of liquor sales was voter-approved, Sharon says it was "the dumbest thing we ever did in our state." She then went on to point out that privatization has "led to higher prices and increased shoplifting of alcohol, especially by minors. We've heard stories there may be alcohol brokers in every high school,”  Let’s start with higher prices; the State is punishing the people with sin taxes and making more money than ever. Next shoplifting; yes, there will be an increase in shoplifting of a product when you now have the product. Sharon fails to mention adjustments made in security measures without State regulations. When liquor was first opened up for sale in the general marketplace, many store owners foolishly placed their products insecurely in open...