The House returns next week and at the top of its agenda is "lobbying reform." With the Abramoff scandal and sinking public respect for Congress, legislators say they're ready to change the role of money in politics.

But "Lobbying reform will not reduce the supply of special interests’ lobbying in Washington," writes Brian Riedl. "Big government and corruption go hand in hand."

The solution, then, is spending reform. Riedl presents six specific proposals--from banning pork projects to bringing sunshine to the budget process to a federal taxpayers' bill of rights--that would shift power away from lobbyists.

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Read Six Budget Reforms to Restrain Lobbyists and Special Interests by Brian M. Riedl

During the 1990s, Bolivia was the poster child for reform in Latin America, but overlooked social problems have now provided an opportunity for radical activists to put one of their own in power. Evo Morales, elected president on December 18, 2005, could reverse 20 years of democratization and economic progress. Not only has Morales promised a return to populist authoritarianism, but he also identifies with an axis of hard-left leaders opposed to the United States and its policies.

It's usually a safe bet: The more hype surrounding an event, the more disappointing the event itself. Take the Super Bowl: After a two-week media circus, it's often the worst football game of the season.

See also: Applying the Ownership Society Agenda to Education