1Declaration: Free Markets, Free People, Free Minds

Nothing getting fixed...

2009-09-08T20:52:00.000-05:00

Today I am starting a multipart series on the problems facing America today and what can be done to face these problems head on without further sacrificing the future our the next generation.

Today voters are left wondering why nothing has gotten fixed, why things seem to keep getting worse no matter how many programs we enact, and why our privacy is always under threat from the intrusions of government (look no further than the much criticized program of flag@whitehosue.gov that has since been canceled under enormous public outcry). The same politicians who were telling us during the Bush administration that it was American to protest the administration (a position I firmly agree with) are now telling us that it is now "un-American" to question our leaders and offer dissenting views. The same people who put us in this mess in the first place are the very same people telling us that they can pull us out by doing more of the same: more spending, more taxes, more entitlements, more central banking, more fiat money, more (...well you fill in the blank...) .

The Obama Administration was waved into the White House to fix the problems that the Bush Administration created. He promised a change that we had not seen in decade with promises to make Washington more transparent, to veto earmarks, to protect the rights of the individual, to reduce the national deficit, and to once again make government work for the people rather than special interests. Nothing it appears have changed and the only change we have seen is to dramatically increase the national debt, the further threatening of the the Liberty of the individual, and the continual devaluation of the US dollar.

I still contend that liberals whom like to call themselves Progressives were upset at the Bush Administration because he outspent them, increased welfare rolls faster than they had in recent years, and removed personal Liberties faster than they could dream of. Now that the Democrats are back in charge they have ramped up their efforts to do the same. By in large Obama has chosen to continue many of the same Bush administration policies. Lets do a little comparison. Please note that this list in non-inclusive.

Bush

Supported the bailout of the financial system
Increased the tax rate on future generation by increasing the national debt
Enhanced security by removing individual Liberties to protect individual Liberties (sounds impossible doesn't it)
"I have abandoned free-market principles to save the free-market system." 12/16/08 GWB
Continuation of the Federal Reserve and the devaluation of the dollar through the support of a fiat monetary policy

Obama

Supported the bailout of the economy and the financial system totaling over $1.5 trillion combined
Increased the tax rate on future generation by increasing the national debt faster than all previous presidents combined
Enhances security by destroying individual Liberties to protect individual Liberty (health care, card check, not to mention a continuation of warrantless wiretapping of citizens)
Appoints Ben Bernanke, a Bush administration appointee, to the chairman of the Fed to continue to devalue the dollar and expand government

Change is in the eye of the beholder. I guess with some will call the accomplishment of Barack Obama a change because he has dramatically increased many of the same policies of the Bush administration that Democrats had been criticizing and further enslaving future generations to a life of high taxes, a stagnant economy, a worthless dollar, and joblessness due to the greed and selfishness of the current generation for more security in their own life, be it physical or social.

So how can we fix the problems? Are Republicans really the answer or are they another part of the problem? If not the Republicans, then where can voters turn going forward?

To be continued...

Coming Back Online

2009-08-13T20:48:00.002-05:00

After quite a long break and months of little activity I am finally bringing this blog back online. The erosion of Liberty in this country has not stopped therefore no citizen should rest.

Liberty and Indepence: The 4th of July

2009-07-04T10:22:00.005-05:00

Many words can be said this day in rememberance of our countries honorable indepence from absolute Despotism against inmeasurable odds. Few wars have been valuable assets in the fight to gain or protect freedoms. Few revolutions throughout history have given rise to a form of government that is not based on the whims and authoritarian control of a single individual or group. This was due to the character, honor, and brilliance of the most indispensible man in US History and dare I say world history: General George Washington.

July 4th is not the day the Independence of the United States began or was ensured in the year of 1776 but instead it was the first proclaimed day in the struggle for freedom we continue to fight for today. Instead of summarizing or vainly trying to produce ostentation of the course of events that led to our celebration of this day, I bring forward for your pleasure and education the written words that began the struggle for Liberty againsts the British despot that was not won until years later and a country that did not form in its existing state until the ratification of the Constitution in 1788.

Liberty is always one moment from usurpation as government will always portray the freedoms that were envisioned, fought for, and set in place by the honorable men that came before us as a hinderance to our countries security. Perhaps no better words were spoken on this issue than by America's greatest diplomat among his numerous other achievements in that, "they that would give up essential Liberty for a little temporary Security deserve neither Liberty nor Security."

Have a safe and happy 4th of July and let us not forget that our Liberty is still not assured. From the transnationialist movement to domestic threats, foreign state aggression to terrorist movements, and Constitutional usurpation from governmental action to individual ambition our Liberty is but one moment of what will be considered silent acquiescence away from the return to Despotism.

In CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.

— John Hancock

New Hampshire:
Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton

Massachusetts:
John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry

Rhode Island:
Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery

Connecticut:
Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott

New York:
William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris

New Jersey:
Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark

Pennsylvania:
Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross

Delaware:
Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean

Maryland:
Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton

Virginia:
George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton

North Carolina:
William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn

South Carolina:
Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton

Georgia:
Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton

For Liberty and Nothing More

2009-05-04T21:06:00.000-05:00

Many, mainly of the ignorant and naive fashion, call libertarians a group of people that stand for nothing because we stand for everything. This is a gross oversimplification and misunderstanding of what libertarianism is and what I stand for. Libertarian philosophy's key thought is in the spelling of the word itself and derives from the word Liberty.

From abortion to the economy, and taxes to the War on Drugs libertarians stand firmly on the side of the individual to participate in any activity they wish so long as that action does not violate the Liberty of another. Libertarians are not for transient politicians or policies. Libertarian's are against State control in general and see government as a necessary evil that must be carefully controlled so as not to interfere with the rights of the individual to participate in any non-aggressive manner they wish to.

Governing Thought is Futile

Libertarians do not vainly attempt to legislate morality (save one concept that I will cover in a moment), thought, beliefs, or religious convictions. Perhaps the only moral guide to sound governance that a true libertarian will follow is the adherence to the belief that governments only legitimate work is to minimize governments negative impacts and maximize individual Liberty. This moral belief has many facets which I will expand on but keep in mind this list is far from inclusive.

1. Taking from Joe and giving to John is sinful and tyrannical. What one individual must work for and give there life, blood, and sweat for another individual is not entitled to. The only legitimate form of welfare derives from voluntary individual donations (not like the voluntary income tax system as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid brazenly claims) that may be paid directly or though a nongovernmental organization. The tax system is not a method to redistribute wealth. Governmental welfare breeds dependence and enslave the mind and spirit of individuals.

You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that, my dear friend, is about the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it.
-The late Dr. Adrian Rogers

2. Using government to force a change in societal norms or individual beliefs is immoral. Libertarians make no predication's about the morality of any given issue unless an individuals actions violate the Liberty of another. If you fail to understand this let me sum it up briefly: what someone else does is there own business until it violates another persons choice to live in a manner that they choose. If you still don't understand let me put it this way: mind your own business not mine!

When will the world learn that a million men are of no importance compared with one man?
-Henry David Thoreau

3. The only legitimate use of force is defensive. From military to individual actions offensive force is never a legitimate use in sound governance. A country must be free to act in a common defense for its citizens (this is afterall the primary purpose of government along with the administration of justice and the maximization of individual liberty) either in retribution for an attack that has already occurred or to prevent an imminent and unavoidable attack. The latter is an option that must be carefully employed until all other options have been eliminated. The attack against a threat that has not yet developed, may never develop, or does not clearly and reasonably act in defense of the United States is never proper or necessary. Just as an individual should not use force until the threat is realized, a government should not use force until a threat is tangible.

War is an instrument entirely inefficient toward redressing wrong; and multiplies, instead of indemnifying losses.
-Thomas Jefferson
Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.
-George Washington

Warfare and Liberty

I speak not necessarily of military warfare, which is of the most common and readily accessible tool to remove individual Liberty but one of a far more insidious and deceptive warfare. It is James Madison that perhaps stated it most clearly.

If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy. . . Of all the enemies to public liberty, war is, perhaps, the most to be dreaded because it comprises and develops the germ of every other. No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare.

In recent years military wars have been fought many of them with great foolishness and naivety, which have resulted in a great reduction in individual Liberty for a little more security or at least the appearance of it. Hardly an equal change. James Madison referred to a foreign enemy specifically meaning an enemy country but in the same context that it was spoken here a modern "foreign enemy" includes false enemies of man. Wars against drugs, poverty, climate change, intolerance, and many other hardly tangible, true, or easily recognized ailments plaguing society have been fought. For that manner we can add a War on Terror to that list, especially considering the recent release of a report by the Department of Homeland Security warning of retaliation from right wing political activists.

Modern day false wars have been waged not for the benefit of the citizens of the United States but for an increase in governmental control over its citizens. The War on Drugs has proved to be a complete failure. Since prohibition on now illegal drugs the murder rate has more than doubled. Because the War on Drugs gives cartels, gangs, and drug lords the complete power to control drug distribution, the price of illegal drugs becomes heavily inflated. Nearly 25% of auto theft, 40% of robberies and assaults, and 50% of burglaries are due to drug users trying to cover the cost of there next drug purchase. Still not convinced? Nearly half of all police resources are used to stop drug trafficking.

To summarize this for you, the War on Drugs has made the United States a more dangerous place to live, ties up police resources slowing responses to real crimes, and has cost the United States (meaning taxpayers) billions of there own money in a completely futile and failed attempt at stopping drugs from coming into the country. From the jailing of non-violent drug users whose worst crime was having a few ounces of pot to spending vital policing resources that are unable to make a significant debt in stopping drugs from getting in the country the War on Drugs is a complete failure. Instead of treating a symptom it is time to realize that keeping drugs out of the country is costly and futile endeavor. Instead of incarceration, where the use of drugs will continue as any prison official will continue, let us engage in the most cost effective and efficient way to eliminate drugs by eliminating the need for drugs in the first place by treating the addiction. Only then will the War on Drugs will be winnable or at least better controlled. Drugs are going to get in one way or another, we just need to live with it.

False wars are a dime a dozen. They are waged not for the benefit of its citizens but for the benefit of increasing the power of government. False wars are crusades that build dependency, eliminate individual Liberty, are a reason to increase taxes, or enslave there own citizens under the guise of greater security. Benjamin Franklin most eloquently and correctly stated with much wisdom that "Any society that would give up a little Liberty to gain a little security deserve neither Liberty nor security." It is time to end the false wars and ensure that the Liberties the American Revolution earned us are retained and fully restored for future generations.

Conclusions

It would be far to easy to continue this treatise on Liberty and the philosophy on Libertarians but it is not necessary. What Americans must consider moving forward in the wake of a government filled with elected tyrants is whether the Liberty's that have been stripped from us and will be stripped from us are worth it. As others around the world struggle for Liberty, government and the two major parties have brainwashed the American public into asking for greater security in return an insidious removal of individual Liberties.

Understanding libertarian governance is easy to understand. We oppose the idea of government power and support the maintenance of individual Liberty and choice. As the young patriot, Thomas Paine, wrote during the American Revolution, "Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one."

Libertarians could not agree more. History is filled with many examples of evil and tyrannical governments but only a few that can even be considered tolerable. One commonality exists between all governments in history: all have become tyrannical, despotic, venal, and corrupt.

A little government and...luck are necessary in life, but only a fool trusts either of them.
-P. J. O'Rourke

Libertarians support maximizing individual Liberty and nothing more!

Obama Not Protecting Americans

2009-04-29T22:48:00.004-05:00

Obama is not doing everything in his capacity as President to protect Americans from biological dangers originating in Mexico known as the Swine Flu. The evidence is quite clear as Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano stated that the Obama administration will not attempt to mitigate infected individuals from crossing the border to stem the tide of infectious potential into new areas because isolated cases are already exist in the United States. Mr. Obama this reasoning is completely ludicrous.

Perhaps Mr. Obama needs a bit of schooling in the responsibilities of the Office of President as is quite evident because of his adoption of policies in direct violation of the Constitution of the United States, while failing to protect Americans from threats from abroad whether they be of aggression from another entity or as in this case passively from a biological threat. The potential for a mass pandemic in the United States demands immediate and decisive action. The people of the United States deserve better.

In order to mitigate further spread of the disease in the United States the US-Mexico border needs to be highly regulated until such a time that the pandemic potential of the disease is over. Any individual that is attempting to enter the United States that is showing symptoms of the disease needs to be turned away to protect the lives of Americans. Until the individuals are healthy there is no need to risk further spread of the disease into the United States.

Doctors and other health care officials in the United States have the duty of stopping the spread of the disease in the United States but the jobs difficulty is compounded several times over by the naivety and ignorance of the White House's lackluster response to this growing threat against Americans. Stopping the further spread of the disease or a more lethal strain into the United States is a necessary step to containing the devastating potential of this disease. Until the borders are more heavily regulated Americans lives are in danger.

At a point when the US economy is already in a weakened state the potential impacts of an epidemic spreading across America could further slow the economy and push recovery to a later date. The possibility of a further decline in economic growth in the United States is a threat that must be quelled.

We must take any and every reasonable step to stop the spread of the Swine Flu or any other disease into the United States including closing border crossing for infected individuals. It seems however that Mr. Obama is more concerned with saving his own popularity among Hispanics to help his reelection campaign in 3.5 years rather than protecting Americans from threats from abroad. Is this really good governance, transparency, or "change" we can believe in?

The response to this threat is simple. Use the power that only the federal government has to regulate entry into the country of foreign nationals that are showing symptoms of Swine Flu or any other epidemic disease to protect Americans. Then let the health care officials do there job and allow them to eradicate the disease where it currently exists.

Arlen Specter Now a Democrat

2009-04-28T15:42:00.003-05:00

Republican Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter whom has been serving in the same position since Ronald Reagen was in the White House announced today that he would be running in the Democratic Primary in 2010. He cited reason for the switch was due to the Republicans hard shift to the extreme right in recent years. Perhaps he has seen a shift many others have failed to take notice of. Perhaps it was the out of control spending, erosion of civil liberties, terrible economic decisions like the Troubled Asset Relief Program, misguided wars, or bailout of the automakers by the George Bush administration and Republicans in Congress over the last decade.

Last I checked however the new Barack Obama administration has followed the Bush administrations lead on greater intrusion into the economy, more bailouts, more spending, more debt, an increase in troops on the ground in Afghanistan, and a continued erosion of civil liberties. What is the difference? Last I checked these were all liberal left wing positions. The Senator has been a liberal for years and is finally telling the truth.

Perhaps his reason for switching parties was not due to a shift to the right in the Republican Party, which has already been debunked as a complete myth, but because of his desire for power. He cited specifically falling poll numbers and Rasmussen Reports backs this reason up. In the lastest Rasmussen Reports polling data for the 2010 Republican Primary, Arlen Specter trails challenger Congressmen Pat Toomey 51%-30%. The Senator has higher approval rates among Democrats than Republicans, which he clearly stated today as his only legitimate reason for switching parties.

In the end Republicans must ask themselves if losing Arlen Specter is bad for the Republican Party. If they didn't figure out the question yet then it is quite clear Republicans have not yet learned there lesson. Republicans, I'll give you a hint: it is you shift to the center by the entry of members such as Arlen Specter that have led to your downfall from power.

Many Republicans are labeling Specter as Benedict Specter in reference to Benedict Arnold, an American Revolutionary War officer who turned his back on America during one of its most crucial times. Republicans, wake up! Specter is not a traitor to your own party but the American people as his voting record over his decades in service prove. Instead be glad your party has been purged by one of its most liberal members that has helped lead to your downfall.

Senator Specter, instead of switching parties and continuing to support devastating policies for America, please do all Americans a favor and retire! Your press conference was quite clear in that your primary reason for switching parties is your desire and fondness for power. You are simply another sound argument in favor of passing term limits for America's legislative branch!

I have another hint for Republicans, if you are lucky several other members of your party will follow Specters lead. Do I really need to name any names?

Source: FoxNews.com: Longtime GOP Sen. Specter Joins Democratic Party

Government Becomes Bolder

2009-04-25T19:00:00.000-05:00

On April 15th 2009, perhaps the most dreaded day most Americans will face this year, hundreds of thousands of outraged Americans joined together out of there own free will in a grassroots movement organized not by the likes of Fox News, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly, Neal Boortz, or any other entrenched and well known voice of opposition to governmental growth, but by ordinary Americans outraged by the growth and boldness of government. The protests were not in opposition to Barack Obama or minority groups as celebrity Janeane Garofalo brazenly and ignorantly stated calling the tea party goers "a bunch of teabagging rednecks," adding "this is about hating a black man in the White House. This is racism straight up." CNN reporter Susan Roesgen of CNN completely ignored the grievances of the tea party participants and insulted the events calling them "not really family viewing." You can view the video below though I am sure most of you have already seen it.

The Tea Parties were a refreshing movement by the people of America showing that we have finally been pushed to far by the growing recklessness and boldness of the United States government. The federal government is far from the only governmental body in the United States but is the primary offender. Minnesota is refusing to destroy blood samples from infants defying court orders to destroy the blood samples in accordance with Minnesota law. Instead the Minnesota legislature attempting to pass a new law to allow the holding of blood samples permanently that could be used later when genetic testing can be used to determine the future health of an individual. This would give the government the availability to run genetic testing to determine survivability rates into the future of an individual because of genetic markers that are in place that would indicate the development of fatal diseases. With the possibility of a government run health care system with a government bureaucracy that determines the cost effectiveness of an individuals treatment that seems all but inevitable at this point, this is a scary thought. The government will be able to deny you, your child, your family, or anyone treatment because the cost versus potential benefit is too great. As PJ O'Rourke said, "[i]f you think health care is expensive now, wait until it's free."

Governmental boldness has no bounds. I could list numerous events, circumstances, or programs to back my claims from redistributive policies that attempt to equalize society financially, but instead build dependence and enslave individuals mentally and financially, to the War on Drugs, which costs billions of dollars every year for no measurable effect on either a decline on drug availability or drug usage and imprisonment of non-violent crimes. Governmental boldness is an attack on individual Liberty. Most Americans will not complain about the removal of individual Liberties until it is too late.

From spying on its own citizens without warrant in defiance of the Constitution, the devaluation of money through overprinting, out of control government spending on unconstitutional legislation, corrupt politicians, a fascist movement to gain greater control of the economy, unconstitutional welfare programs, a poor and unconstitutional government controlled education system, to a desire to decide medical treatments without individual choice, and eliminate the greatest freedom of all the right to "keep and bear arms" as the Constitution ensures.

Governmental boldness and the desire for the acquisition of greater power has no bounds by the very politicians we elect. If we as Americans do not wake up and realize that Democrats and Republicans alike are both destroying our country we will wake up tomorrow in a land where Liberty is outlawed, the economy is destroyed, and the future is no longer a time of anticipation but instead dread and despair.

The Tea Parties were a start but without continued action they were just a meaningless event in American History. A small group can do great things and the proof is in our own countries founding. Only 1/3rd of Americans at the time were believed to support the American Revolution. Thankfully the third of colonial America did not succumb to seemingly insurmountable odds!

Continue the new American Revolution and take a stand for Liberty!

New Post Coming

2009-04-24T12:05:00.002-05:00

It has been several months since I have updated this blog, but no worries I have a new blog post coming out in the next day or two on the increasing boldness of the US government and more generally all levels of government in the United States.

Happy Texas Independence Day! What that matters to you.

2009-03-02T12:28:00.002-06:00

Check out this blog post by Donny Ferguson from the Libertarian Party. 173 years ago the Republic of Texas declared there independence from a tyrant, Generalissimo Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna who was removing Liberty, forcefully seizing wealth, taking lives unjustly, and ignoring civil liberties.

In today's political era the lessons of the past must be remembered. Liberty is always worth fighting for and is always under threat. Even a few people can make a difference in standing up against a Goliath. So on this day of the Texas independence remember what the founders of this now state gave their lives, blood, and sweat for and keep their sacrifice in the front of your mind. Liberty is always worth fighting for and is never worth sacrificing.

LP Monday Message: Happy Texas Independence Day! What that matters to you.

If you to believe that Liberty and not personal ambition or legalized theft is the best form of government then join the only political party in the United States today that supports free people, free minds, and free markets. Join the Libertarian Party today!

The New Presidency and the Future of America

2009-02-10T17:10:00.003-06:00

I have been silent for nearly a month and a half, but the silence is coming to an end. Barack Obama has taken over the presidency with an ideology that the Communist Party of the United States is more than happy to see stating "[i]n any case, we have our work cut out for us. But I think we can confidently say that change is coming. And we will build a more perfect union. Yes we can." To say the least this is extremely concerning regarding the future Liberty of Americans and to the survival of the greatest country the world has ever seen.

A spending bill that will cost future generations over $1 trillion is on its way to be passed purposely mislabeled as "stimulus" or an economic "recovery" bill. A universal health care system where the government instead of the doctor or the individual will be the ultimate decision maker regarding your life is already on its way. Labor union's power to intimidate is becoming a reality. The full fledged socialization of America is underway despite the Constitution's clear prohibition of this level of government action.

America's future is in limbo. Now is not the time for silence or apathy. It is time to ensure that Liberty will continue to be the guiding principle of American governance.

Merry Christmas...

2008-12-25T09:51:00.004-06:00

May you all have a very Merry and Blessed Christmas! Please keep the troops overseas in your prayers. May they come home safely and without haste. Finally, let us not forget those that have made the ultimate sacrifice and the families they have left behind.

Matthew 1:23

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (KJV)

Luke 2:1-14

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (KJV)

1 Timothy 1:15-17

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (NIV)

Romans 5:1

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (KJV)

Merry Christmas!

A Message to Obama: Bring on the Change - The FairTax

2008-12-22T02:22:00.003-06:00

Are you:

Tired of being penalized for working hard, taking 2 jobs to support your family and then being told that because you now earn more you have to pay more in taxes when you are struggling to make ends meat?
Frustrated that you try to save or invest for college, for retirement, or for a day when you may lose your job and then you are penalized with a capital gains tax for your sound financial decisions?
Annoyed that corporations keep moving their jobs overseas?
Bothered by the recent economic downturn and the government just puts a band aid on a problem that requires surgery?
Disgusted with politicians who like to spew class warfare rhetoric and then wonder why the nation is divided?
Tired of not receiving your entire paycheck to decide where your money should go and how much of it?
Fed up with the IRS, filing income taxes, and spending valuable time and money to make sure your taxes are right and then being audited to be told you miscalculated your taxes by a dime and be assessed a severe penalty?
Disgusted that the government can view your private financial documents on a whim?

Chances are you can answer yes to 1 or more of those questions and for good reason. Then why not take the time to let President Elect Barack Obama that he needs to live up to his mantra that change is coming and bring change like it has never come before.

Mr. Obama, the time for change has come. Adopt the FairTax is now!

Here is what I had to say.

Dear President Elect Obama,

During your campaign cycle you continuously stated that you would bring change to Washington. As your administration takes the reigns from the Bush administration you will be forced to deal with a declining economy and a shrinking job market. I am one of those in the job hunt myself. To remedy these problems will require clear thinking, decisive action, and a new bold direction that will make America a haven for unprecedented economic growth, job creation, and a rational tax policy. For these reasons I hope you will give proper, careful, and at length consideration to the FairTax, which will be a true agent of change for every American, the American economic system, and restore a sound, fair, and transparent taxation system to our great Nation.
The income tax system no matter the changes that have been or will potentially be made to it will ensure unequal treatment of Americans and will act as an inhibitor of economic/job growth. Not to mention that an income tax system by definition penalizes and gives disincentives towards hard work, high achievement, savings for retirement, education, or for a rainy day, investment, and capital formation.

The FairTax resolves many of the underlying problems that led to the economic problems we are currently facing by rewarding saving, investment, and sound financial endeavors. Aside from the fact that every American would have more money in their pocket to reduce personal debt because they are able to keep their entire paycheck. This would allow financial institutions to acquire capital rapidly thus easing problems with lending and making credit more abundant.

The FairTax aside from remedying the economically stagnating income tax system and penalization for achievement and savings helps remedy other problems such as saving for retirement, an insolvent Social Security system, a greatly indebted Medicare/Medicaid systems, eliminating a wasteful and inefficient federal agency (the IRS), and restoring American protections to security in papers and the restoration of the prohibition of direct taxation that were removed with the passage of the 16th Amendment.

The FairTax has so many benefits that it is impossible to present them all to you with much brevity so I will conclude.

The FairTax is the kind of change America desperately needs and millions of Americans will be looking toward you to usher in after your campaign. It is time to bring a transparent, simple, fair, and economically favorable tax system to America. I look forward to the day when you bring forth true change and embrace the FairTax.

In Liberty,
[--skeiser--]

Take Action and Learn More

Take the time to write your own and demand that he live up to his campaign promise that he will bring forth change. You can write your own letter at FairTax.org.

Want more information on the FairTax? Check out FairTax.org or check out the books written by Neal Boortz and John Linder: The FairTax Book: Saying Goodbye to the Income Tax and the IRS or FairTax: The Truth: Answering the Critics.

The definition of fair

2008-12-01T10:48:00.002-06:00

"A great article on the importance of the Fair Tax."

Sunday, November 16, 2008
By: Augusta Chronicle Editorial Staff

Hopefully election results won't kill national sales tax movement

Democrats have won both the executive and legislative branches of government. They will pursue a vastly different national agenda in the next four years.

Sadly, that risks putting several important agenda items on the back burner. One of them is the Fair Tax.

A proposed 23-cent national sales tax, the Fair Tax would replace the current federal system of taxation -- meaning no income tax and no Social Security tax.

That means power to the people, because, first of all, they get their entire paycheck. Secondly, they determine the amount of tax they pay by the decisions they make on their purchases.

The Fair Tax also contains a feature called a "prebate" -- money that would wipe out federal taxes completely for those at or below the poverty line.

Ironically, even as Democrats who have not quite warmed up to the idea are set to take control of both Congress and the White House, a new benefit of the Fair Tax has arrived: If taxpayers received more of their paycheck in take-home pay, they would be more equipped to make their mortgage payments. So perhaps fewer Americans would be losing their homes to foreclosure.

That's just one example of what the Fair Tax could do by empowering people to have more control over more of their money.

And just imagine how much more luminous and fragrant the spring would be if you didn't have wrestle the IRS every April! And guess what that wrestling match costs Americans every year: $265 billion in tax preparation costs.

That alone is cause for dumping tea in Boston Harbor.

It's too bad that some have demagogued the Fair Tax, especially at election time. It's not a tax increase; it's tax reform of the best kind, because it shifts power from Washington to the people.

The Fair Tax is so-called because it brings the underground economy into the light, and closes the many loopholes the powerful exploit to avoid taxation. Moreover, experts predict it will prompt offshore assets to flow back to the United States. Why? Because they would no longer need to hide from the long nose of the IRS.

Philosophically it's a winner, too, because it shifts taxation from industriousness and production to consumption. Such a reward of hard work and investment would be just the thing a struggling economy such as ours could really use.

Talk about a stimulus package! And this stimulus wouldn't cost money.

It's an awful shame that such a partisan shroud has fallen down around the Fair Tax. On Nov. 16, at the Gwinnett Center in Duluth, there will be a Fair Tax "Truth" rally to clear up some of the lies and distortions about the Fair Tax featuring GOP presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, nationally syndicated radio host Neil Boortz and U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss as guest speakers, among others.

This isn't a Republican or Democratic idea. Fact is, it's a grass-roots movement that has been catching steam in recent years. What a tragedy it would be if Nov. 4 were to sap the energy out of the movement.

We can't let that happen, and certainly not now. The Fair Tax has too much potential to lift the economy out of the doldrums, stimulate manufacturing and labor, and keep people in their homes.

Neither is this a matter of impulsiveness. The Fair Tax has been debated, researched and vetted by prominent and knowledgeable economists, business people and other leaders. It's a system that would work, because it would once again allow American wage earners to keep what they earn and spend it as they see fit.

That's smart. That leads to prosperity.

And it's the definition of fair.

Original piece posted at http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/111608/edi_483652.shtml

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-01T10:20:00.006-05:00

Not scary enough?

General election is 3 days away, in the hands of a seemingly complacent America getting ready to elect socialist Democrats or slightly less socialist Republicans.

Happy Halloween!

McCain WILL Lose, So vote for a Permanent Change in our Political System! Vote Libertarian!

2008-10-22T10:15:00.005-05:00

It is now clear: John McCain cannot win the election.

There is not one reasonable poll suggesting that he has a chance. While Republicans have long dominated absentee ballot collections and early voting, this year, this is not the case.

So the next question America needs to ask is do we want the socialism and one-party corruption of an Obama administration, or the free-markets, low taxes, small government and more personal freedom of Bob Barr?

The contrast could not be more stark. Monday evening, on The Lehrer News Hour, Bob was clear on the issues. He offered a vision for our nation’s economic future. He contrasted his views with those of his opponents and when it was over, it was clear that only Bob Barr has the courage and guts to take on our national problems and lead us for the next four years.

In the 13 days until the election, it is clear that momentum is gaining for this campaign.

For one, many Republican recognize that John McCain will lose. If they are principled conservatives they are beginning to ask what will become of their party in the future. The moderate to liberal wings are not saddened by a McCain defeat.

If a principled conservative wants to have his or her voice heard in both political parties, they should vote for Bob Barr. A vote for Barr will be counted as a protest against the Bush/McCain big spending policies.

To keep reading the article by Russ Verney click here or find out more about Bob Barr click here.

When is the Time?

2008-10-08T11:06:00.000-05:00

Discussing politics is a common area of verbal discourse for myself. I come across a wide variety of people with many different thoughts on the role of government in the daily lives of its citizens. Recent discussions have been on my choice for President, Senators, and Congressmen and subsequent scorn I have received for standing on the principles set out by the founding fathers. I was scorned for wanting to hold my leaders accountable for their actions. Apparently now is not the time for accountability from what I was told. Instead I have to vote for one man because of fear of the other when both options are equally atrocious.

So...when is the time for accountability?

Our political leaders have voted on a disastrous bailout plan putting the American taxpayer at greater risk than we were in before. We are told for the greater need for more social programs at the burden of others (another term for this is THEFT). We are told that the reason for taxation is not to run the basic operations of government: the administration of justice, the pursuit of a common defense, or the protection of Liberty, but instead for "fairness."

The harder we work, the more we are penalized for the benefit of others who choose to leech off the lifeblood of others. The more insecurity that comes against us in this world, the more civil liberties the US government takes from us in the name of our own security. Ben Franklin stated it best that "those who would give up essential Liberty for a little temporary Safety deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." When we complain that taxes are too high we are told we are not patriotic enough, too greedy, or that we are not doing our part to take care of the "less fortunate." Perhaps it is the reverse as Thomas Jefferson, architect of the Declaration of Independence and one of the principle minds of the US Constitution, who stated that "
[t]o compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves and abhors, is sinful and tyrannical."

When is the time to hold our leaders accountable to the Constitution? When will Americans learn that a vote out of fear for the alternative is a net negative for our country, not a net positive? When will Americans realize that we are being destroyed not by external sources but by our own selfishness as Abraham Lincoln correctly predicted an Alexander Tytler wrote about? When will Americans head the advice of our founding fathers to not rely on government? When will Americans remember our origins and our struggle for Liberty against the tyranny of government?

When is the time for accountability?

"I'm Voting Democrat"

2008-10-03T10:32:00.004-05:00

Haven't figured out who you are voting for like I have, well I have the perfect answer to your problem that should help you give you the information you need to narrow down this very difficult and confusing choice. This informative video shows why simple, average, middle class Americans are voting for Democrat Barack Obama this November 4th and why you should too. If you haven't ever understood the reasons before, you will now.

Go put a bag of popcorn in the microwave, grab your favorite beverage, and sit back and enjoy!

I'm Voting Democrat
(Video Works Again)

Horrid Bailout of Earmarks, Deceit, and Socialism: Letter to my Senators

2008-10-02T10:28:00.005-05:00

Last night if you are unaware the Senate passed a horrid bailout bill (socialist in nature) to bailout the financial markets from their own reckless behavior and against the wishes of the American people. Not to mention the numerous earmarks included in the bill briefly outlined below.

New Tax earmarks in Bailout bill

- Film and Television Productions (Sec. 502)
- Wooden Arrows designed for use by children (Sec. 503)
- 6 page package of earmarks for litigants in the 1989 Exxon Valdez incident, Alaska (Sec. 504)

Tax earmark “extenders” in the bailout bill

- Virgin Island and Puerto Rican Rum (Section 308)
- American Samoa (Sec. 309)
- Mine Rescue Teams (Sec. 310)
- Mine Safety Equipment (Sec. 311)
- Domestic Production Activities in Puerto Rico (Sec. 312)
- Indian Tribes (Sec. 314, 315)
- Railroads (Sec. 316)
- Auto Racing Tracks (317)
- District of Columbia (Sec. 322)
- Wool Research (Sec. 325)

Not to mention on top of this a tax hike on oil and gas companies that will further increase the price of a gallon of gas. Check out this article in the Houston Chronicle about this issue.

John McCain: A Conservative who will NOT support a bill with Earmarks - Oh Really?

John McCain's vote in support of this bill offers a clear image of the deception he has espoused in his rhetoric about not signing or supporting a bill with an earmark. Not to mention sacrificing conservative/libertarian economic ideology that offers the idea that government should not intervene in the free markets as it is counter productive to solving problems, slows the rectification of economic woes, and sets a precedence for reckless business practices in the future by removing the consequences for failure.

The free market is the best avenue for opportunity and prosperity for all Americans. Too bad this bill espousing government intervention is more in line with the neo-liberal* socialist ideology of the US Democratic Party. So much for the idea of being a principled conservative Senator McCain.

Barack Obama's vote for a socialist government intervention is to say the least expected. No deception or lies on his part on this issue.

I would urge you all to vote for the only Presidential candidate that has opposed the Bush-McCain-Obama-Bailout (B.O.M.B.) watching out for the American taxpayer: Libertarian Bob Barr.

Correspondence to Texas Senators John Cornyn (up for reelection) and Kay Bailey Hutchinson

To the Honorable Senators John Cornyn and Kay Bailey Hutchinson,

Tonight I was dismayed and surprised to see your "Aye" vote on the Financial Bailout issue. This vote is directly contrary to traditional conservative or in my case libertarian economic philosophy. Government intervention in the marketplace exacerbates problems and slows the correction of the problems.

Your vote precipitated by fear instead of rationality, big government solutions (bordering socialist) instead of free market principles marks a dark day for this great nation that will breed further fiscal irresponsibility and recklessness by corporations, CEO's and individuals. This sets poor precedence for the future as it breeds a sense of government dependency and irresponsibility for both corporations and individuals by removing the consequences for failure.

Free markets cannot be free without the right succeed and the right to fail. Removing the first breeds economic and job stagnation. Removing the latter breeds complacency for responsibility and accountability. The free market is the best avenue for prosperity and opportunity for all Americans. Without both aspects due to governmental intervention, economic prospects and the American people suffer.

This Congressional action is on the same level of the abhorrent Patriot Act that was hastily enacted by the use of fear instead of rationality and disregarding the consequences of the further erosion of civil liberties and the Constitution for governmental expediency and power.

As it stands, you can no longer count on my vote in the upcoming election or in the future.

In Liberty,
skeiser

I would urge ever reader here to likewise send a correspondence to your Senators letting them know of your opposition to this bill and either thank them for their support or scorn them for their lack of rationality on this issue. Then take a moment to write to your member of the House of Representative to express your opposition to this bill. You can find their emails here or visit their official Senate or House pages. Take a moment to send McCain, Obama, Harry Reid (Senate Majority Leader), and Nancy Pelosi (Speaker of the House) an email as well. Feel free to use my correspondence as an outline or template for your own.

With any luck and a lot of constituent correspondence the bailout bill will once again fail in the House vote on Friday but only if you act as a reasonable voice of opposition.

Make your declaration!

Definitions
neo-liberal - political ideology of government intervention in economic matters as in opposition to liberalism/classical liberalism political philosphy of laissez faire economic principles

A Better Bailout: The FairTax

2008-09-30T12:13:00.014-05:00

Politicians and bankers are telling us our economy is in a downturn but many refuse to believe it. They tell the American people that we need to sacrifice our tax dollars to bail out another persons or companies failure to make responsible fiscal decisions. We are told the American economy cannot rebound without intervention. Neo-conservatives like John McCain have abandoned the belief in free market principles and are now espousing socialist ideology to nationalize mortgages and company debt instead of traditional conservative ideology that espouses belief in laissez faire principles that allows for companies to succeed or fail without government intervention. Obama's socialist position are of no surprise.

The markets are in desperate need of capital yet both John McCain and Barack Obama have left the possibility or in some cases the guarantee to increase taxes. It does not matter if it is capital gains, income, payroll, or corporate. They all have the same net effect. Reduce the amount of money available for investment from Americans and businesses. These forms of taxation act as a hinderance to economic growth and in turn job creation. The question is how to increase capital into the market as savings rates by American society has turned into an average net negative, meaning Americans on average not have a negative amount of savings allowing for the accumulation of debt.

Instead of offering one of many temporary solutions the politicians should be discussing a complete change in the tax policy of the country. The current tax policy punishes hard work and high achievement by taxing higher income levels at higher rates. I have no problem with a progressive form of taxation but it should not be based on income level. The current tax policy stifles savings and investment by taxing capital gains from these investments (this is the major issue in the credit crisis). The capital gains tax needs to be abolished.

Next step, stop taxing corporations. I know this sounds crazy. If you examine the idea though it solves some major problems. Currently the corporate tax rate is at 35%. This is the second highest in the industrialized world. This is a negative impact on attracting corporations to relocate to the United States (i.e. the recent move of Haliburton to the UAE to escape high tax rates) as well as fostering economic growth. Reducing income levels through taxation limits the amount of reinvestment in development of operations within businesses and amongst businesses acting as an inhibitor to economic growth. Coincidentally the level of economic growth inhibition directly effects the ability of corporations to expand employment. Add on top of this the mandatory matching donation that is required for corporations to the bankrupt Social Security fund. This offers yet another reason to the slowing job creation rate in the United States and an impetus for corporations to export domestic jobs to China, India, and other international locations. Not to mention eliminating corporate tax rates will remove the 16-28% embedded tax rates on goods and services corporations pass along to consumers. You understood that correctly, corporations do not really pay the taxes; they merely pass them onto the consumer.

Finally we eliminate the payroll taxes (Social Security - I have touched on this a bit already, Medicare, Medicaid, etc). These taxes are highly regressive* in nature hurting low income earners the most.

So now where do we go? After all I have eliminated the income tax, capital gains tax, corporate taxes, and the highly regressive payroll taxes, not to mention other forms of taxation that you must account for to the IRS each year.

Simple, repeal the 16th Amendment, which the founding fathers would be highly critical of because it violates the 4th Amendment.

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Then we pass the FairTax. The FairTax is a simple, transparent, and easy to understand revenue neutral national sales tax that eliminates the forms of taxation I mentioned. That means you get your full pay check each month, that is like a 25-33% raise on average.

Did you know that the income tax was declared unconstitutional in 1894? We can thank Republicans for the passage of the 16th Amendment making an income tax constitutional at the request of Democrats.

What is the FairTax?

It is a form of taxation that is based of the idea of a national sales tax on all new goods and services. This means that once an item has been taxed it will not be taxed more than once meaning used goods will not be taxed (homes, cars, things off ebay, at pawn shops or things of that nature). Additionally under the FairTax saving and investing are no longer taxes so you can save for retirement, education, or for a rainy day without being penalized for making responsible fiscal decisions (a truly original idea: being awarded for sound decision making and personal responsibility). Keep in mind that under the FairTax education is not taxed because education is an investment in and of itself. Finally the FairTax allows for a prebate to create a progressive** form of taxation (I'll explain this later).

How does the Fair Tax work?

Since all the current taxes under the FairTax will be eliminated you now have more money to spend and invest. The FairTax fosters fiscal responsibility by removing the negative aspects of taking another job (a higher tax bracket) and removing the punishments for saving and investing (capital gains tax and the increase income from each pay check due to the elimination of the income tax). The FairTax is a 23% national sales tax that is added only at the final point of sale not through the process. This means that each transaction for each part of the lawnmower or to make the loaf of bread is not taxed, only the final cost that you see at the register.

When you walk into the store under the FairTax the price that you see on the shelf is the price you will pay at the register. And because there are no more corporate taxes, no embedded taxes will be passed along to you. That means on average you will pay only 1% more after the FairTax than before and you will get your entire paycheck. Sounds like a great deal.

But is this not a regressive tax? I guess it is time to inform you of the prebate.

What is the Prebate?

The inventors of the FairTax realized that the FairTax upon its original plan was regressive in nature. To solve the problem the founders of the FairTax decided that no person no matter the income level should be forced to pay for the basic necessities of life so they decided to implement the prebate. The prebate is a rebate for the taxes that would be incurred on spending up to the poverty level. The poverty level is determined each year and adjusted for inflation by the Department of Health and Human Services. The poverty level is by definition the minimum funds that would be necessary in a year to be able to afford the basic necessities of life.

Poverty Level and the Prebate
Source: FairTax.org

The prebate will be sent out each month to cover the cost on taxes up to poverty level spending. This could be done electronically into a credit account (several major credit card companies have expressed interests in even covering the cost incurred by the government).

The prebate ensures that those who do not have the ability to pay are not taxed or taxed at a lower level than those who have the ability to pay. For instance a family that would spend at twice the poverty level would incur a taxation rate of 11.5%. Those who spend no more than the poverty level would have a taxation rate of 0%. Those who spend more will be taxed at a rate that will come infinitely close to the 23% tax rate. The prebate ensures a progressive form of taxation is maintained and helps foster savings and investments by effectively giving the individual the control over their tax rate level.

Why not just not tax food and other necessities instead of issuing the prebate? The answer is simple. Those who have the ability to afford more will do so giving them tax reductions on things that are no longer necessity but luxury.

The FairTax is not a regressive form of taxation. No non-citizen would be eligible for the prebate.

Moving the Burden off of US Citizens?

The FairTax because it is a nationalized sales tax and not based on income or investments will then tax every foreign visitor, illegal alien, and even the black market economy of drugs, prostitution, and the like. How? The FairTax is a nationalized sales tax meaning that every new item purchase is taxed. Stores don't ask to see ID's, passports, or as to see where you are working. Earnings are not reported and therefore privacy is ensured.

Those who were not previously taxed for their income because of legality of the profession or because they were aliens to the country suddenly are being taxed.

No More April 15th Headaches

Because taxation would be a national sales tax and not based on income there would be no more tax day. No more countless hours crunching numbers, no more wasted money to pay advisors or software to file your taxes, and no more stress. Best of all you would not have to validate the government deductions or be subject to a tax audit making you waste more of your time and remove your privacy.

Each year you would file a single sheet with the government with updates on bank or address information, the number of dependents living in your household, and the Social Security number for purposes of the prebate. No non-citizen would be eligible for the prebate.

FairTax: More Power to the People

Political commentators and news agencies always purport the idea of letting the people speak up. In all honesty though we have few avenues for recourse and politicians seem generally unwilling to listen. The FairTax solves that problem too. If Americans do not like what the government is doing and want to help change its course all you have to do is reduce your spending and put the politicians back into their place. That is a representative for their constituents not looking after their own self interests.

The FairTax gives power to the people to determine their own tax rate and truly get ahead by removing the punishments the current tax code instills. More power, more control, and a fair tax code.

Best of all the FairTax upholds the original principles the Constitution without a separate amendment. You have your right to be secure in their papers that the 4th Amendment provides. Since as originally written the Constitution is a limit on governmental power not the people this is a movement back to the original founding principles of our country.

FairTax Benefits

In addition to the benefits I described above the FairTax has several other benefits. Since America will no longer have a corporate tax, the United States will become the ultimate tax haven for corporations around the world. Corporations will be flooding into this country starting a landslide of economic growth that has not been seen in decades and would rival China's economic growth of the past 3 decades. This means more jobs, more pay raises, and more incentives to work harder. 5% unemployment will no longer be considered full employment. People of all classes especially those in the lowest income or those will little educational training will benefit the most.

13 trillion...Its just a number right? Wrong? $13 trillion is currently being held in offshore accounts to avoid the overbearing US tax system. It is just sitting not working to the advantage of you and me. When the overbearing tax system ends, these funds will return to the saftey of America. These funds can be spent and invested. Simply stated this means economic growth and in turn job growth and security.

The FairTax eliminates the IRS. Possibly the most hated agency in America and an unnecessary government bureaucracy will be eliminated in favor of a far more manageable and cost effective system of tax enforcement. Instead of over 200 million people and entities to enforce, enforcement becomes easier and cheaper because taxes would only have to be collected from the final point of sale purchases and a handful account for over 90% of all economic transactions in the US a year. A study done on the IRS found that less than 30% of the time when an inquiry was made for tax information or help that a correct answer was given the first time. This only adds to the aggravation of tax payers who will then have to go through a tax audit and get assessed fines for a mistake made by the IRS.

The FairTax eliminates over 70,000 pages of regulations in favor of a simple transparent system of just over 100 pages. This means no longer will politicians be able to favor one group over another since income and corporate taxes are gone. The class warfare rhetoric will be a thing of the past since every income group pays the same rate. Transparency and simplicity means less political rhetoric, tax evasion, and influence of lobbyists.

Current Efforts

The FairTax is a nonpartisan tax policy that of all alternative forms of taxation has the most political support by our leaders 73 in the House of Representatives and 5 in the Senate. To view view current Congressional leaders who support this movement click here. Checkout the Presidential support here. You can view Congressional co-sponsors here. If your representative does not support the FairTax send them an email or give them a call. Let them know why they should support the ultimate bailout plan for Americans.

To become a citizen co-sponsor of House Bill 25 with Sponsor Georgia Representative John Linder (R) click here.

Conclusion

We need capital and we need it now. This is the real problem in the credit crisis. The average American is in debt. The answer is simple and will resolve many problems at once in adopting the FairTax. The FairTax takes away the punishment for providing capital by no longer taxing investments and savings. The FairTax will spur economic growth. The FairTax will create unprecedented job growth.

Imagine an America where you are no loner penalized for responsibility, have to give up your privacy at tax time each year, and have the possibility of being audited and being heavily penalized for a tax system that is so complex many at the IRS cannot give you a right answer.
The FairTax can change the American economy but it needs your support.

Instead of the government taking more of our hard earned money and telling you what we need to do with our own money, tell the government you want to keep your own money. Tell them you don't want to be punished for working hard and making sound economic decisions. Tell them you want a real change and an end to class warfare. Tell them you want a permanent solution that does not risk our tax dollars and instead want a change that allows us to keep and invest our money, not theirs, as we deem fit. The FairTax is the bailout the average American needs now!

To find out more on the FairTax or learn how to support the FairTax visit FairTax.org or to become a citizen co-sponsor of House Bill 25 with Sponsor Georgia Representative John Linder (R) click here.

Definitions

*regressive - a form of taxation the taxes those most who have the least ability to pay (i.e. Social Security tax)
**progressive - a form of taxation that taxes people according to their ability to pay (i.e. FairTax)

Sign Petition for Fair and Open Presidential Debates

2008-09-25T10:09:00.003-05:00

Americans deserve a choice when going to the ballot box this fall. Presidential approval ratings are among the lowest in history, Congressional ratings are even lower, and disgust against both parties lack of ability to move forward and make meaningful changes towards as sound and constitutional role for the American government. McBama both spout rhetoric espousing change but neither has an original idea that resolves the real problems in contemporary America, the government itself. Nothing will change without the people of this great country reclaiming their role and demanding a new direction and you can do exactly that.

No matter your political ideology or candidate of support I encourage everyone, from Republican to Democrat, Green to Libertarian, and Constitutional to Independent to demand open and fair Presidential debates that permit a free and open discussion of ideas amongst all Presidential candidates. This will help move America forward.

What are the major parties so afraid of? Why do they want to keep others out of the debates? The answer is simple. They are afraid of competition! They are desperate to keep power! They know better ideas exist but refuse to implement them because of political cowardice! Help give America a choice.

Here is the petition.

We, the undersigned, support Open Debates' campaign to reform the presidential debate process. We believe that the presidential debates should serve the American people first, not political parties. We support replacing the bipartisan Commission on Presidential Debates with the nonpartisan Citizens' Debate Commission, so that inspiring formats can be employed, pressing national issues can be addressed, and popular independent and third party candidates can be included.

Sign your name here!

If we want real change we must demand real change and stop the choke-hold of the two party system that has kept America in a state of status quo and partisan debates. Demand a new direction!

Make your Declaration!

Sources of information:
OpenDebates.org
Americans Want Barr in the Debates
McCain and Obama Keep Debate Agreement Secret

Internet Back Up

2008-09-22T12:04:00.003-05:00

It has been over a week since the eye of Hurricane Ike move over my residence in Southeast Texas. My family is fine and our homes have only minor damage. We receive power on Sunday, nearly 9 days later and the Internet has finally come back up. I will be getting back to posting updates within the week.

To all who those who have suffered loss of life during this storm across the country my thoughts are with you. Millions are still without power across the country because of Ike.

Make your Declaration!

Hurricane Ike Set to Hit the Upper Texas Gulf Coast

2008-09-10T23:27:00.003-05:00

Hurricane Ike will be moving into the upper Texas coast Friday evening into Saturday morning. This will likely be the worse storm to hit Texas in the past 40 years since Hurricane Carla hit near Matagorda in the early 1960's. If you are in the track of the storm I encourage you to check out Dr. Jeff Master's Tropical meteorology blog at WeatherUnderground.com. Dr. Masters is far more reliable than other sources of information giving daily and sometimes multiple updates daily. Several meteorologists like myself (EagleAg06) and others (atmoaggie, StormW, and a few others) also frequently comment on this forum giving further insight.

If you are in the path of the storm please prepare appropriately. If ordered to evacuate please follow the orders. If you are not in an evacuation zone your best option and those who are in an evacuation zone is to shelter yourself in your home and stay off the roads. More people died in Hurricane Rita from people unnecessary evacuating than those who died in the storm. Prepare appropriately. For information on how to prepare appropriately please visit the National Hurricane Centers Preparedness page.

Please keep those who will be affected including myself in your thoughts this weekend. I will start more regular updates here sometime next week after the storm dies down.

Quote of the Day: Force, Federal Power, and Tyranny

2008-09-03T09:56:00.003-05:00

Ron Paul is a Libertarian Conservative House of Representative member in Texas and former Presidential nominee. He has also written a short, clear, and informative book on the ills that we face today as Americans from an overbearing government called The Revolution: A Manifesto. I highly encourage every reader here to take time, takes less that 1 day, and read this informative manifesto and what we can do to help turn the pains Americans are facing around. Today's quote comes from this great man.

I strongly encourage you as well to support Ron Paul's Campaign for Liberty.

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All initiation of force is a violation of someone else's rights, whether initiated by an individual or the state, for the benefit of an individual or group of individuals, even if it's supposed to be for the benefit of another individual or group of individuals.
-Ron Paul

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Libertarians once called liberals, today known as classical liberals, like those of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Patrick Henry, and Henry David Thoreau believe that people should live according to their own beliefs, ideals, and moral principles as long as they do not limit others to live in the manner that they choose. This would be referred to as a implementation of force or the foundation of modern libertarianism. The federal government from the view of a libertarian has a very restricted and specific purpose and is guided clearly by the US Constitution to the realms of the protection of the maximization of individual Liberty, freedom of personal choice, the administration of justice, national defense and foreign affairs, and the resolution of interstate disputes.

What is Force?

Force by definition of Merriam-Webster Online is "to compel by physical, moral, or intellectual means." Force has victims and benefactors and this is the idea that must be understood to understand the concept Ron Paul has emphasized time and time again. Consider the following examples of force: 1) a man robbing a bank, 2) terrorist suicide bomber, 3) stealing another persons identity, or 4) scamming an unknowing or trusting individual. Force is not limited to individuals and can be carried out for the benefit of a group. One thing that must be understood is that force no matter its intentions, beneficial or otherwise, has victims, realized and unforeseen.

Government is Force

Government in the same manner is an initiator of force and the founding fathers recognized this fact clearly understanding the implications of a powerful government by delegating most powers, except those listed above, to the states and to the people in the US Constitution and protected the rights of the individual through the Bill of Rights. Government unlike individuals has broad powers that continually seeks to expand itself, protect those in power, and reduce the power of its citizens. Government in this way is like bacteria that causes illness constantly expanding and trying to find new people to subvert.

In contemporary American politics force is the choice of government. Politicians promise more funds for the some Americans at the expense of others class in a form of robbery that any other citizen would be arrested for, tried, and convicted. In an effort to garner power, politicians are now offering health care for all at the expense of an individuals personal choice regarding those decisions. Government gives nearly $300 million each year to Planned Parenthood to help fund abortions. It was Thomas Jefferson, the principle architect of the Declaration of Independence and one of the premier philosophers of the US Constitution, who stated: To compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves and abhors, is sinful and tyrannical. Government even when its intentions are beneficial or at least the politicians leading government intervention believe so creates victims. The founding fathers recognized these contemptuous political tactics and delegated specific and very limited powers to the federal government. Today these principles have been lost by all but a few well understanding individuals.

The greatest benefactor of all government force is not the people the programs and rhetoric are designed to target but the politicians who play forms of social warfare to gain power, political and financial, and government itself. Government propagates itself like the plague spreading its power and devastation to everyone at the expense of Liberty and Freedom. Government has made no person powerful or rich except the politicians that run it. Government is a force to fear not to embrace as history has quite exemplified.

Government is Force, nothing more nothing less, and Force is Tyranny.

George Washington agrees:

Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.

Make your Declaration and stand for Liberty against Force!

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All initiation of force is a violation of someone else's rights, whether initiated by an individual or the state, for the benefit of an individual or group of individuals, even if it's supposed to be for the benefit of another individual or group of individuals.
-Ron Paul

Country Heading in the Wrong Direction

2008-08-26T10:20:00.010-05:00

I am sure that you have heard reporters, political pundits, and radio talk show hosts like Sean Hannity, Neal Boortz, Rush, and a number of others who have pointed to recent polling that indicates that 80% (Rasmussen poll) of Americans believe that the country is headed in the wrong direction as well as a majority believing that our best days as a country are behind us. Let me say that for all our faults we are still the greatest country the world has ever seen and I believe we are the greatest hope for individual Liberty and freedom to be spread ar0und the world.

Ongoing right now is the Democratic National Convention that will last until Thursday when Barack Obama is almost sure to deliver another one of his eloquent speeches void of substance but big on cliches . During this time we will also get to hear from Hillary Clinton and others who will most likely cover their quest for governmental controlled decision making in your health care choices. The Democrats won't tell you that it will be the governments decision with who will live and die based upon a checklist of survivability statistics but that is what it will come down to. We will also here the drums of class warfare beating loudly with the need for a fairer tax system that penalizes high achievement and awards laziness and irresponsibility.

Is it any wonder why more than 80% of Americans think we are heading in the wrong direction? We have almost $10 trillion in debt, a government that does not trust those it governs, and constant violations of the US Constitution. The 4th Amendment has been obliterated by the 16th Amendment.

Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Amendment XVI
The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several states, and without regard to any census or enumeration.

The government has taken away the right to be secure in "papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches" in order to install on overly burdensome tax code that penalizes high achievement and takes away the Liberty and Freedom that privacy brings and the founders intended. This is far from the only unconstitutional act that the government has passed.

Welfare programs that steal from the rich and give to the poor to garner votes and political power, regulations on the type of light bulbs we can use, a federally controlled education system run by the special interests of the socialist loving teachers union and NEA (National Education Association), strict gun control measures designed to weaken individual Liberty, and a federal reserve system that has brought on economic turmoil numerous times since its inceptions and false manipulation of money that was to be backed by a gold and precious metal standard. Now we have proposals that will bring more economic hardships and job losses to an American public that has been manipulated into believing that governmental intrusion into economic and personal lives is positive by a failing public school system.

Taking a brief look at governmental intrusion into our health care system we notice that governments first regulations forcing people to take company controlled health insurance, HMO's, instead of individual policies resulted in an exponential growth in health care costs. Insurers were forced to provide gradually more coverage over time for non-catestrophic conditions that resulted in an artificial inflation of health care that should and could be paid for cheaply out of pocket resulting in great savings for Americans. Instead now liberals are suggesting a nationalized health care system (where is this allowed by the Consitution?) modeled after Great Britian and Canada's failed system that denies or cancels operations, has month long waiting lines for simple procedures, and denies life to those who have a slim chance of survival. How is this constitutional and do you really want the government to have this power over your personal decisions regarding your own health?

We have entangled ourselves in overseas conflicts that are and were not vital to American security. We have isolated ourselves from the international community through economic sanctions. We have stationed millions of soldiers around the world in lands that are not vital to the security of the United States. Quite simply we have isolated ourselves from the rest of the world and it has brought antagonism and much antipathy towards the United States.

Governmental power has grown trampling on the protections the US Constitution was created for and the founders intended. States rights have been stripped for govermental expediency and political power for the liberal socialist elite. Class warfare rhetoric is constantly spewed to create antipathy against corporations that provide jobs and the wealthy who have the capital to create economic growth to appease the lazy and irresponsible. Unfair and unconsitutional tax schemes have hindered job creation, slowed economic growth, pushed jobs overseas, and overly burdened the American people to the point where we are forced to work for nearly 4 months to just pay the taxes that will go to the federal government (If your luck thats all you will have to work to pay the government becayse some states and cities have income taxes). Civil liberties have been thrown away for the notion of greater security but have put an unreasonable amount of power at the hands of the government to spy on its own citizens without warrents. The government has grown far beyond the scope and size the founders intended.

Is it any reason why over 80% of Americans believe this country is headed in the wrong direction?

Write your representatives, but if you are like me and are tired of the failure that the two party system has brought us I encourage you to look into the Libertarian Party and their Presidential nominee Bob Barr. The Libertarian Party is a party of small government that believes in the maximization of individual Liberty, low taxes, Constitutional federal power, and a rational foreign policy.

Make your declaration!

Getting Back into the Swing

2008-08-25T11:55:00.003-05:00

I have taken a few weeks off from posting on here but I am now getting back into the swing of things and should have posts up more regularly covering contemporary American politics, libertarian philosophy, and a variety of other issues. I should have my next post up by later today or Tuesday.

Remember the Democratic Convention starts today for those of you interested in watch socialists spew rhetoric about the evils of capitalism, the greedy rich, the need for the failure that is socialized health care, the need for higher taxes, and a total disregard and understating of the US constitution and federal government powers.

[UPDATE: My next post will appear on Wednesday 27 August.] Until then feel free to read about some of the many evils of socialized health care that the Left won't tell you in their quest for power and governmental control of your life.