- In The Tank (ep204) – Climate “Contrarians” Blacklisted? Red Flag Laws - August 16, 2019
- In The Tank (ep203) – Bernie Sanders on Joe Rogan Podcast: A Response - August 9, 2019
- In The Tank (ep202) – Craziest Proposals From Democratic Candidates - August 2, 2019
If you don’t visit Somewhat Reasonable and the Heartlander digital magazine every day, you’re missing out on some of the best news and commentary on liberty and free markets you can find. But worry not, freedom lovers! The Heartland Weekly Email is here for you every Friday with a highlight show. Subscribe to the email today, and read this week’s edition below.
Government Tech Waste Illustrates Disrespect for Taxpayers
Jesse Hathaway, The Hill
During the Eisenhower administration, the Treasury Department used state-of-the-art computer technology to maintain the nerve center of the U.S. tax system. More than 50 years later, nothing has changed – literally! Treasury’s IT systems haven’t been updated in 56 years. A new report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) reveals how many government agencies are operating on outdated and obsolete technology. The most frightening example comes from the Department of Defense, which is still using 8-inch floppy disks to maintain the American nuclear missile arsenal. READ MORE
GMO Labeling Laws Are Harmful and Unnecessary
Tim Benson, Heartland Research & Commentary
Starting July 1, all food in Vermont (except meat and cheese) that contains genetically modified organisms (GMOs) must carry an identifying label. Several other states are lining up to follow suit, so it’s important to take a look into what effects this law may have. Hundreds of studies prove the safety of GMOs, but that hardly matters when state-mandated labels carry a stigma, conditioning the public to falsely believe GMOs are dangerous and should be avoided. READ MORE
No, Radical Environmentalism Is Not Inevitable
Joseph Bast, Somewhat Reasonable
Instead of trying to win the climate change debate, the radical environmental left is acting as if its world view has already won. Case in point: a recent Huffington Post essay claims the culture has inevitably shifted toward embracing “environmentalism.” The author implies those opposed to the radical views of Earth First and Greenpeace are racists, sexists, xenophobic, and homophobic. Heartland Institute President Joseph Bast responds, highlighting the author’s most dishonest and disingenuous claims. READ MORE
Featured Podcast: Dr. David Wojick: How Government Funding Bias Corrupts Science
David Wojick, Ph.D., former consultant with the Office of Scientific and Technical Information at the U.S. Department of Energy, joinsEnvironment & Climate News Managing Editor H. Sterling Burnett to discuss how government funding corrupts science. Wojick explains how some prominent science organizations follow government money when studying climate change – and the government tends to want to see conclusions that support the discredited hypothesis that human activity is causing a climate crisis. LISTEN TO MORE
Heartland Library Book Shelf of the Week – History
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Coming Next Week to Arlington Heights: Know Your Second Amendment Rights
On Wednesday, June 15, a panel of experts will be at The Heartland Institute’s Andrew Breitbart Freedom Center in Arlington Heights, Illinois to discuss the Second Amendment and how government at all levels is continually challenging that right to bear arms. And then on Monday, June 20, join The Heartland Institute at the Union League Club in Chicago as we welcome energy experts Stephen Moore of The Heritage Foundation and Kathleen Hartnett White of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, who will make an unapologetic case in favor of fossil fuels. SEE UPCOMING EVENTS HERE
Fracking and Frac Sand Mining Contribute to Cleaner Air
Isaac Orr, The Oklahoman
It’s understandable that people living near industrial sand facilities would be concerned about the potential impacts of sand mining on the environment and human health. Their concern makes it all the more important to recognize that the best available science on the topic shows industrial sand mines and processing plants pose virtually no threat to air quality near these facilities. In fact, the sand mined in the Upper Midwest is playing an important role in reducing air pollution across the nation by encouraging fracking for abundant and cleaner-burning natural gas. READ MORE
Give Vision Patients Protection, not ‘Eye of Newt,’ in Lobbyists Witches’ Brew
Michael Hamilton, Consumer Power Report
Free-market advocates have come to expect legislation to produce results exactly opposite what their names suggest – can anyone say, “Affordable Care Act”? We are thus immediately wary of a new bill, the Contact Lens Consumer Health Protection Act. The law seeks to impose regulations that would essentially kill a new tech startup offering a do-it-yourself online eye exam. Aaron Dallek, CEO and cofounder of Opternative, calls the act a “protectionist bill” that serves only entrenched interests in the industry. READ MORE
What’s the Difference Between K–12 and College Again?
Joy Pullmann, School Choice Weekly
As Milton Friedman explained in his seminal essay on the role of government in education, the line between K–12 and college is not arbitrary. The Founders’ understanding of public education was to develop America’s young people into good citizens capable of governing themselves, as our unique system of government requires. By contrast, college educations benefit the individual more than the general public. READ MORE
Bonus Podcast: In The Tank (ep41): Independent Women’s Forum, Ranking States, Unemployment Rates
John and Donny continue their exploration of think tanks across the country in episode #41 of the In The Tank Podcast. Sabrina Schaeffer, executive director of the Independent Women’s Forum, joins the show to talk about IWF and its new report, “Working for Women: A Modern Agenda for Improving Women’s Lives.” This episode also features work from the Mercatus Center, Rhode Island Center for Freedom and Prosperity, and more. LISTEN HERE
Help Us Stop Wikipedia’s Lies!
Joseph L. Bast, Somewhat Reasonable
Many people rely on our profile on Wikipedia to provide an objective description of our mission, programs, and accomplishments. Alas, the profile they find there is a fake, filled with lies and libel about our funding, tactics, and the positions we take on controversial issues. Wikipedia refuses to make the changes we request. It even deletes and reverses all the changes made by others who know the profile is unreliable. We need your help! READ MORE
