Bob Murphy

Author Archive

Play the EPA Number Game!

Earlier this week, the Institute for Energy Research (IER)–for which I’m the resident economist–submitted its formal comment on the EPA/National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s plans to impose higher fuel economy standards on light-duty trucks. I think many of you will be surprised at our findings. But rather than just tell you, let me motivate it […]

My Cynicism Runneth Over

I remember one time I shocked the astounded von Pepe by telling him I thought Ted Kennedy was brilliant. The danger of fisticuffs eventually subsided when I clarified that I meant Ted Kennedy was really good at playing the political game, in anticipating what would sell with the voters, etc. I mean really, Ted Kennedy […]

I Hope Everyone Who Likes This NPR Story Uses Contraception

Just listen to this NPR story on the contraception “compromise”: It’s hard to know where to begin. First of all, let’s say you believe the White House line, that this new mandate will provide contraception to millions (?) of employees who don’t have to pay for it, and that no one–not the employer and not […]

Skullduggery in Maine

If you haven’t really been paying attention to the allegations of vote fraud in Maine, you really need to watch this whole thing. (HT2 LRC) It starts out a bit slow in the beginning but then it gets pretty good. For rank-and-file Republicans, I have a question for you: Isn’t it weird how your side […]

Checkmate, Landsburg

Bob Wenzel passes along this video, which I think we can all agree ends the debate. I can’t even wait till Sunday.

Happy Jaded Valentine’s Day!

Having polite discussion with all of my brothers and sisters (well, brothers) on this post has put me in a joyous mood. Here are some fun songs to celebrate today. This song sounds sweet, but the beginning is actually not. Then just to make sure you know where they’re coming from, try this one. And […]

Fiat Money Useful After All

From The Telegraph: Hungary’s central bank is burning old monetary notes to help the needy in Europe’s deadly cold snap. The bank is pulping wads of old notes into briquettes to help heat humanitarian organisations. “It’s a very useful charitable act, a vital aid for our foundation because we can save part of our heating […]

Why I Know There Is a God

At first I had titled this post, “Why I Believe in God.” But as you’ll see, the reasons I will give, lead to the conclusion that I know there is a God. Now it’s true, it’s possible I could be wrong (as we’ll see), but by the same token, I might be mistaken when thinking […]