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Members of the press may contact John Couretas, Communications Director, for more information about the Acton Institute or to schedule interviews with Acton's policy experts.
E-mail: jcouretas@acton.org
(616) 454-3080
(616) 813-8941, cell
The Economic Crisis
The global economic crisis has reopened the long running debate between those who advocate for a market economy and those who demand bigger government, trade protectionism and collectivist policy solutions. But at its most fundamental level, this crisis is moral in nature. From the outset, the Acton Institute has been at the forefront of this important debate in the media and in public forums. This page provides a collection of relevant, timely resources by the Acton Institute related to many different aspects of the economic crisis.
The Crisis
Causes of the Crisis
Davos Capitalism: Adam Smith's Nightmare
by Michael Miller.
Technocrats and politicians still believe that they, and only they, possess the solutions that will "fix" global markets. "We have tried the illusory third way -- it is called Davos -- and it has failed," Michael Miller writes.
Free markets did not cause this crisis
by Oskari Juurikkala.
There are three "distinct but related" reasons for the current crisis: the culture of greed and consumerism, irresponsible monetary policy, and misregulated financial derivatives.
The End of Capitalism?
by Michael Miller.
Dire predictions about the "death of capitalism" reveal a deep ignorance about the nature of the current economic crisis -- technical and moral.
The Economic Crisis and the Cause of Freedom
by David Milroy.
The collapse in the real estate market triggered this crisis, but it was the behavior of market participants that laid the groundwork.
No Morality, No Markets
by Samuel Gregg.
A look at the moral failures that led to the financial crisis and asks why more free-marketers aren't also asking questions about the human factor.
Mortgage Relief
The Problem with Government Mortgage Relief
"there is little reason to be optimistic about the probable effects of the Obama Administration's interventionist approach to mortgage relief. In fact, it is most likely to be counterproductive."
The Bailouts
The Moral Bankruptcy Behind the Bailouts
by Ray Nothstine.
Moral disaster looms behind massive government spending programs.
The Bailout Economy: A House Built on Sand
by Rev. Robert Sirico.
A look at the various bailout proposals designed to solve the economic crisis through the lens of Jesus' parable of the houses built on rock and sand.
Economic Recovery
Economic Stimulus Plan
The Abracadabra Stimulus Plan
by Anthony Bradley.
"Real needs must be permitted to create real demand, and thus truly sustainable jobs."
Understanding the Economic Stimulus
Morning Air interviews Michael Miller
Unemployment
Unemployment and Social Cohesion
by Anthony B. Bradley.
"The way out of this recession should include establishing the conditions for companies to negotiate wages freely with current and potential employees."
Education
Choosing a Prosperous Future
by Kevin Schmiesing.
"Focusing on education is not a distraction from the pressing business of economic recovery. It is vital to ensuring it."
Morality
No Man is an Economic Island
by Kevin Schmiesing.
In the current economic crisis, we have a personal responsibility to articulate, encourage, and most crucially live the conviction that virtue is vital to the wellbeing of society.
The Way Forward
by Rev. Robert Sirico.
A look at the connection between prosperity and a deep practical and personal concern for the poor and marginalized.
Great Challenges: Greater Opportunities
Rev. Robert Sirico discusses some of the key cultural factors essential to a robust economy, including rule of law, trust and a worldview that encourages rather than undermines these things.
Is There Hope for the Markets?
The Drew Mariani Show interviews Samuel Gregg
Video
Are Free Markets to Blame?
The biggest culprits were government planners meddling with the market.
America's Economic Crisis: Looking Back, Looking Forward
Dr Samuel Gregg looks at developments in America's economic meltdown since September 2008, the policy responses, and possible ways forward in a complex and challenging environment.
Rev. Robert A Sirico discusses the Economic Crisis on EWTN's The World Over
Raymond Arroyo asked Rev. Sirico about the key moral and cultural factors essential to a healthy economy.
Trade and Globalism
Effects on Latin America
Bad News for Latin America
by Samuel Gregg.
A wave of financial protectionism is embedded in much of the stimulus legislation and bailout measures that have been adopted in Europe and America.
Ecuador's closed door policy
by Fernando Coronel.
A look at Ecuador's new restrictions on trade and the deeper problems of "21st Century Socialism."
Hugo Chavez and South American Politics
Kresta in the Afternoon interviews Fernando Coronel
Political Leaders Urge Against Protectionism at Davos Meeting
with Kishore Jayabalan