Archives: May 2026 - Key Political and Economic Debates Over the Decades

May 2021: The Future of Abortion Rights After Roe v. Wade

Five years ago, in May 2021, Jacob Sullum argued in The Right to an Abortion Isn't Going Away that the overturning of Roe v. Wade would shift political battles over abortion from constitutional law debates to state-by-state legislative decisions. While acknowledging that neither side would be satisfied with this outcome, Sullum suggested it would reduce the intensity of national controversies and lower the stakes of individual legislative or judicial rulings.

May 2016: Bernie Sanders' Economic Policies Dominate Democratic Debates

Ten years ago, in May 2016, critics like Matt Welch and Glenn Garvin dissected Bernie Sanders' economic proposals during his presidential campaign. Welch described Sanders' ideas as "terrible," while Garvin highlighted Sanders' ability to attract 40% of Democratic voters despite his radical stances, including admiration for Eugene V. Debs, calls to halt U.S. trade with non-Castro-led countries, and support for government-funded "worker-owned businesses."

Key Criticisms of Sanders' Economic Agenda

• Skepticism about Sanders' spending and centralization proposals, which critics argued did not go far enough.
• Dismissal of Sanders' foreign policy and criminal justice critiques as less influential than his economic ideas.
• Highlighting Sanders' radical economic proposals, such as government loans through the Post Office and a distrust of the marketplace.

May 1991: The Postal Service's Labor Cost Crisis

Thirty-five years ago, in May 1991, Carolyn Lochhead reported on the rising costs of postal services, attributing them primarily to uncontrollable labor expenses at the U.S. Postal Service. Economist Douglas Adie of Ohio University compared the Postal Service to a "private club," operating without competition or a profit motive. Lee Epstein, president of Mailmen Inc., echoed this sentiment, stating, "There's no competition, so they feel free to do whatever they want."

May 1981: The Growing Financial Burden of Amtrak

Forty-five years ago, in May 1981, Amtrak's financial struggles were under scrutiny. Initially funded with a modest $40 million in 1970, the system had ballooned into a $900 million annual taxpayer expense by 1981. Despite optimistic predictions from Amtrak officials about achieving financial stability, the system remained heavily subsidized.