Massive Federal Interventions Cast Pall Over Economy

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In the fall of 2008, then-president George W. Bush supported government intervention into the private economy via the TARP program (Troubled Assets Recovery Program). That type of government intervention into markets has escalated dramatically under President Barack Obama, and that presents grave concerns for John Locke Foundation Vice President for Research Roy Cordato. He explains why to Carolina Journal Radio, and what the dramatic shifts in federal public policy mean for the future of America and the prosperity to which we're accustomed. Then we turn to property rights. North Carolina is one of the few states that allows municipalities to annex property without the property owners' consent. Opponents of forced annexation have been making their case at the General Assembly this year. John Locke Foundation President John Hood offered the free-market, individual-liberty case against forced annexation during a recent rally outside the state Legislative Building. Next, we turn to another ongoing debate in our state. One of the most controversial pieces of legislation during this year's legislative session has been the so-called 'bullying bill.' Supporters say the bill is designed to help protect certain groups of students who are more likely to be bullied in school. Opponents respond that the bill is a back-door method for breaking down North Carolina's law against same-sex marriage. You'll hear highlights from a debate on the measure. That's followed by a look the General Assembly's role in our state. If our lives and property are never safe as long as the General Assembly is in session, we should support session limits. That sounds like a good argument, but N.C. State political science chairman Andy Taylor disagrees. Taylor explains why he believes session limits would do more harm than good. And finally, Jenna Ashley Robinson of the Pope Center for Higher Education Policy discusses options to traditional college that are often overlooked in a culture that pushes most kids down the four-year college track. Robinson says there are several other avenues that are a better match for some teens and which provide the ability to successfully support families and provide in-demand services.