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July 2, 2025

Welcome to The Lighthouse, the weekly email newsletter of the Independent Institute covering politics, economics, current events, and everything in between.

Dear Readers,

Independence Day is fast-approaching, and it’s a perfect time to reflect on the values that inspired this nation: economic freedom, individual dignity, and a healthy skepticism of unchecked power.

As the US navigates a renewed trade standoff with China, Scott Burn and Caleb Fuller continue their series on the trade war, discussing the wisdom of tariffs as a strategic negotiating tool.

The latest episode of Independent Conversations featured a fascinating conversation on foreign policy—tune in to hear from our experts on what the Iran strikes mean for America’s future.

Kenneth Costello writes about how regulatory bodies can become pawns in political games.

Kristian Fors highlights the challenges and difficulties in assessing the rate of return of attending college, explaining some of the frustrations of Gen Z graduates questioning their investment.

In a timeless article, Ivan Eland warns of the dangers of historical amnesia in shaping foreign policy and civic life.

Francis Crescia offers a cautionary tale from our northern neighbor, where ideological shifts in criminal justice policy are sparking national debate.

Happy Independence Day!

Jonathan Hofer
Managing Editor

Top picks this week
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** The Art of the Trade Deal: Playing Chess, Not Checkers ([link removed])
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** Mythbusters: Debunking the New Mercantilists, Part 7 ([link removed])
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** by Scott A. Burns and Caleb S. Fuller
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Are tariffs useful negotiating tactics? Let’s get into it.
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** VIDEO
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** Independent Conversations: Trump Strikes Iran: Turning Point or Mistake? ([link removed])
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The Iran strikes raised a number of serious foreign policy questions: Did the President have the legal authority to launch the bombers? Was it morally justified? Hear the answers to these questions and more in the latest episode of Independent Conversations!
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** The Descent of Utility Regulation ([link removed])
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** How utility regulators have strayed from protecting consumers toward serving politicized agendas ([link removed])
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** by Kenneth W. Costello
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As state and federal influences politicize their decisions, regulators risk becoming tools of interest groups rather than stewards of the public good.
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** The Higher Education Payoff Puzzle ([link removed])
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** by Kristian Fors
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Is college a golden ticket to a better life? As it turns out, not always.
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** At Their Own Peril, Americans Are Fuzzy on History ([link removed])
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** by Ivan Eland
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Ignore history? You’re opening the door for political manipulation and costly foreign policy blunders.
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** Canada’s Crime Wave ([link removed])
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** How Canada’s justice policies undermine public safety ([link removed])
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** by Francis Crescia
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Canada risks trading justice for ideology—at everyone’s peril.
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** UPCOMING EVENT
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** What If Everything You Know about the 1619 Project Is Wrong? ([link removed])
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Join us for a reception and conversation on Thursday, July 17, with Research Fellow Jeffrey Rogeres Hummel and Senior Fellow and David J. Theroux Chair Phillip W. Magness on his explosive new book, The 1619 Project Myth!
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