Acton Commentary

Bringing moral reflection to bear upon current events

Acton Commentary, published weekly, provides perspective from some of today's foremost minds.

“Wealth Grows in the Desert”

by Samuel Gregg D.Phil. - July 16, 2008

Dr. Samuel Gregg discusses the emergence of functioning financial centers in the Middle East and the impact they will have on both the Gulf and the global economy. "The key elements for successful financial centers in today’s competitive global capital markets are transparency, minimal regulation, low taxation, rule of law, and private property rights," he states. "The spread of these practices and institutions throughout the Middle East will do more to create wealth for all and undermine corrupt governments than any amount of foreign aid or activism by foreign NGOs."

“Charity on the Dole, Round Two”

by Rev. Robert A. Sirico - July 9, 2008

Rev. Robert A. Sirico looks at Barack Obama’s endorsement of President Bush’s Faith-Based Initiative. “Why do politicians turn to religious charities in the first place? Because they know we have a secret in caring for the poor – our faith,” he writes. “And only dilution and compromise come to the faith when it gets entangled with politics.”

In Print