Understanding the Social Function of Private Property

Understanding the Social Function of Private Property

Free enterprise and private property have some rather strange supporters around the world. While professing to be ardent anticommunists, these supporters always advocate some restrictions on private property or free enterprise when proposing solutions for socio-economic problems. The greater the limitations, the more they rejoice. Their justification is always the same: Private … Read more

Pope Francis’s Nightmare of a World Without Borders

Pope Francis’s Nightmare of a World Without Borders

Pope Francis’s third encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, predictably deals with the plight of the migrant. This theme has characterized his pontificate, as he never loses an opportunity to take it up. Not all share his enthusiasm; most are apprehensive about what it means for the future. Mass migration is a sensitive subject for … Read more

I’m Catholic. Can I Disagree With Pope Francis on Property?

I’m Catholic Can I Disagree With Pope Francis on Property?

Pope Francis’s encyclical Fratelli Tutti presents a dilemma for all who defend the right of private property. On the one hand, the teaching document Pope Francis signed on October 3 questions this right. On the other, past popes, theologians, and canonists have always taught that private ownership, as it is largely practiced, … Read more

How the Coronavirus Shutdown Favors Green “De-Development”

How the Coronavirus Shutdown Favors Green “De-Development”

As the debate rages over stay-at-home orders during the coronavirus pandemic, most conservative opposition has focused on the damage to the economy, excessive government surveillance, or the massive increase in government debt. These are very valid and important concerns. But the coronavirus’s most enduring damage will not be a lower GDP, higher … Read more

A Victory for Property Rights

A Victory for Property Rights

On February 20, 2019, the Supreme Court took an important step to protect property rights. Even more encouraging is the fact that the decision was unanimous. If readers were unaware of the case of Timbs v. Indiana, that is hardly surprising. That week, news of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s “Green New Deal” dominated … Read more

Why Good Fences Make Good Neighbors

Why Good Fences Make Good Neighbors 1

“Something there is that doesn’t love a wall,” wrote poet Robert Frost. In the opening line to his famous poem, “Mending Wall,” Frost explores one of the mysteries of fallen human nature. Everyone feels both a need and aversion for order. His questioning of the role of walls tries to explain this … Read more