Politicians may peddle protectionist tariffs, quotas or "safety" regulations as "helping the economy, " but these are more often acts of political favoritism, rewarding one or another special interest.

FORBES: Capitalism: A True Love Story

Simpler, less prescriptive processes with greater transparency would produce better, faster and cheaper results, minimize political favoritism, increase competition among contractors, and improve the quality of work done on the taxpayer's dime.

WSJ: Stephen Goldsmith: Progressive Government Is Obsolete

The report paints a picture of an agency mired in political favoritism, one that delayed the Pequot investigation, disclosed information about the case to lawyers for the people being investigated, and displayed deference to a well-known Wall Street executive.

FORBES: SEC Official Retires As Report Blasts Performance