The American Spectator

The Public Policy

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argued in a paper on the eve of his passing, "regulatory overkill is very likely to give us a worse environment, as well as a worse economy, because the effect of that regulatory overkill will be to slow this nation's advance along the technological learning curve, a curve that I maintain is bright green." In an earlier column, Brookes warned of Americans "being led in part by a dangerously shallow media to engage in the reckless regulatory pursuit of zero risk, and a flat-earth assault on science and technology" and a nation "more willing than ever to give up big benefits to control either imaginary or infinitesimal risks."

"Just as the toddler on a tether is safer than the child running free," Brookes continued, "a risk-free society is one on a very tight leash."

These days, the nation seems to be half-heartedly dodging a collar two sizes too small which nanny staters in green aprons seem all too intent on cramming over our collective head. Then again, without The Economy in Mind and Brookes's prodigious columns, perhaps we'd already be wearing it. It's impossible to tell. One thing is certain, however: We are in desperate need of another indefatigable visionary like Warren Brookes today.

topics:
Business, Religion, Environment, Global Warming, Oil