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!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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.

Voters Want to Hear From Barr

2008-08-15T21:45:00.003-05:00

Voters in nationwide survey by a clear majority want to hear Libertarian Presidential Candidate Bob Barr in the Presidential debates this fall. In a similar margin close to 50% want independent, Ralph Nader in the debates this fall as well. This is not a surprise with the poor choices offered by the two major parties, well known socialist Barack Obama and liberal leaning John McCain.

The people of this country deserve a quality choice this fall but unfair rules set down by the two major parties have made it increasingly difficult to get on the ballot and participate in a fair manner for independent and 3rd party candidates. The Presidential debates this as in past years are organized by a non-profit corporation, the Commission on Presidential debates that has set very high levels to be able to be included in the fall debates and therefore have a chance at being the next President.

Without getting in the debates the chance for Barr and Nader have virtually no chance to have a legitimate or fair chance to be included in the debates in the fall. If at no other time in decades, Liberty deserves a chance on the ballot this fall. The federal government is expanding beyond its constitutional limits, taxes are becoming overly burdensome, debt is expanding at such a rate that the country is swirling towards bankruptcy, and civil liberties are being eroded for expediency.

The voters deserve a fair choice in the voting booth to choose the best person for the job not the better of the worst that the 2 parties have to offer. Why be forced to vote for the "lesser of two evils" when better choices clearly exist? Why have such stringent and unfair practices in a country that is supposed to cherish Liberty and freedom of choice?

This country was founded on the idea of maximization of individual Liberty, freedom of choice, and a republican form of government that is supposed to ensure true representation. Why not include Bob Barr and Ralph Nader in the debates this fall?

To read more on this article view this Zogby news.
Click here to read other instances of 3rd party and independent candidates exclusions at BobBarr2008.com.

Why Bob Barr for President of the United States?

2008-08-07T10:19:00.006-05:00

"Who are you voting for?"

That is a question people like to ask me because they know I love politics. My answer always sparks questions on my judgment or state that since I am not voting for the establishment 2 parties that I am wasting a vote, or am throwing the election to Obama or McCain for a candidate who has no possibility of winning. Well it is no clue when just observing my blog that I am endorsing Libertarian candidate and former Georgia Congressman Bob Barr for President of the United States.

Many of you may remember Bob Barr as a staunch conservative, perhaps the most conservative member in Congress during the near decade he served as a member of the House of Representatives. He led the impeachment proceedings against President Bill Clinton, passed the defense of marriage act, was a staunch opponent of the War on Drugs, and voted for the infamous Patriot Act. Since 9/11 though Barr has reevaluated his positions realizing correctly the ever growing power of the federal government and the gradual erosion of individual Liberty and freedom of choice.

Bob Barr joined the Libertarian party in 2006 and has started his own company called Liberty Strategies in an effort to spread the declaration of Liberty around the country. Barr gained the Libertarian Party nomination during the Libertarian Party convention over Memorial Day with his message of less government, lower taxes, and increased individual Liberty. Barr's past success in elections serving in the US House has brought the Barr candidacy increased credibility and visibility that a third party candidacy needs.

Bob Barr and Wayne Allyn Root
The Message of Freedom and Liberty!

Taxes, the Economy, Government Spending, and Entitlement Programs

Barr is a strong supporter of reducing federal taxes and has supported the idea of a nationalized sales tax like the Fair Tax, which I have provided in depth coverage on this blog. If we want to provide an economic stimulus for the US economy reduction in corporate and personal taxation is the way to go. Likewise Barr has also recognized the out of control spending by the US government and has stated that he will not sign a bill that will increase discretionary spending over the previous year adjusted for inflation. In a similar move Barr has called for a reduction in entitlement and welfare programs and subsidies.

Every area of federal spending can and should be cut. Entitlements must be reformed and welfare should be cut, including subsidies for business sometimes called corporate welfare. Military outlays should be reduced and pork barrel spending eliminated. Needless, duplicative, and wasteful programs, most of which have no constitutional basis, should be terminated.

Barr also supports separating government intrusion into the free markets because as is readily understood the only way to protect individual Liberty and create a prosperous America is through the application of free market capitalist principles free of the regulatory interferences that slow economic growth and stifle job creation.

Social welfare and entitlement programs must be reduced as current governmental programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security are heading towards financial disaster and cannot be saved. "With the latter two programs alone facing estimated total unfunded liabilities topping $100 trillion, the government will eventually face the choice of raising taxes by as much as 50 percent or defaulting on promised benefits, if we do not begin taking action right now." Barr supports privatized health care options and privatizing retirement accounts both of which are high on my list.

Energy Policy

As a free market capitalist Barr has recognized the government is the primary group to blame for our high energy problems. Government regulation has prohibited utilizing our own domestic resources for energy production. Regulatory actions have also created extremely thick baracades on refining, nuclear power, and coal power all readily available and economically viable energy solutions in favor of biofuels that have inflated food price world wide and regulating what type of lightbulds you can and cannot use.

Obama says you should blow up your tires, McCain has been shakey on energy policy and still does not support drilling everywhere. Barr supports doing everything possible to solve the energy problem, which includes getting burdensome government regulations out of the way of energy production. Getting government out of the way is the first step towards lower energy prices.

Constitutional Commission

Much in the same way that Ronald Regan created the Grace Commission to root out government waste and eliminate fraud and abuse Barr supports a constitutional commission. I have supported the idea of a 10th Amendment Commission or Constitutional Commission that would review all government agencies and programs on the basis of Constitutionality based upon the orginal meaning that the founders had intended.

The primary problem in our almost $10 trillion deficit is due to government growth and overreaching. Bringing the government back down to its constitutional limits through the implementation of a Constitutional Commission is the best way to eliminate waste, promote individual Liberty, and get the country back on a strong financial and economic footing.

Foreign Intervention

American foreign policy should emphasize swift, decisive and winning action against those who vowed would harm us. This means defense, not foreign intervention.

Foreign intervention is just another big government programing. The US needs to stop being the policing power of the world. Foreign interventions have left the American mainland at greater risk and cost great sums of money. Barr recognizes the best way to a peaceful world is not war but free trade and the free market. Free trade will uplift economic progress of the world at large decreasing animosity and promote Liberty worldwide.

Moreover, foreign aid has proved to be a drain on the U.S. economy while doing little good for the recipients. Aid is routinely used by corrupt foreign governments to oppress their people and enrich powerful elites. Foreign aid almost always discourages economic and political reform, while subsidizing nations which often work against U.S. interests.

Conclusions

I am not going to cover every policy issue of the Bob Barr/Wayne Root ticket because you can view them at BobBarr2008.com. I will point out the underlying theme behind the Bob Barr candidacy and that is the promotion of individual Liberty, small government, and lower taxes. Big government programs have stifled our countries economic growth, hindered job growth, taken hard earned money out of the pockets of its citizens, eroded the individual liberties and freedoms the founders embraced when writing the Constitution, and resulted in the tremendous federal deficit that has placed our country at risk of control from foreign nations purchasing our debt. These are all topics I have covered continuously on this blog and continue to support.

If the American people will do a little thinking and a little research we will realize that government is at the root of many of the economic and social problems that we face today. Obama has promised change back to the failed socialist policies of the past that have stifled economic growth and job creation. McCain continues to promote big government Republican solutions of the past 8 years. Both candidates support wiretapping on US citizens. Democrats and Republicans hold equal wright on who is to blame for the problems we hold today. This is why I support Libertarian Bob Barr for President of the United States and self made man Wayne Allyn Root for Vice President.

When you ask me who I am voting for me don't bother telling me that I am wasting a vote or that I am helping the other candidate win by stealing away votes from your candidate. A vote must be earned and cannot be stolen from a certain political party or candidate because it is your private property. Your vote can only be stolen from you if you decide to vote for the lesser of two evils because you dislike the other candidate more. A vote is only wasted if you sacrifice your own principles.

When you go to the voting booth this fall vote take a moment and think what a vote for Barr could mean for you instead of upholding the status quo. The others may preach change but remember that Real Change requires actual change from the status quo and failed policies of years past. Barr is already polling in at double digits and some states and is a legitimate contender for President of the United States and your support will help change the American political system forever!

Make your Declaration for low taxes, more energy, less government intervention, maximization of individual Liberty, and a promotion of the only economic system that has created wealth: free market capitalism!

To find out more about Libertarian Presidential candidate Bob Barr and Vice President Wayne Allyn Root visit BobBarr2008.com. You can also check for more information on my "The Time for Liberty is NOW: Bob Barr for President, a Real Choice" sidebar.

To join or find more information on the Libertarian Party and see who is running for your local offices visit LP.org.

Quote of the Day: The Evils of Minimum Wage

2008-08-06T10:04:00.000-05:00

The high rate of unemployment among teenagers, and especially black teenagers, is both a scandal and a serious source of social unrest. Yet it is largely a result of minimum wage laws. We regard the minimum wage law as one of the most, if not the most, anti-black laws on the statute books.
--Milton Friedman, Nobel Prize-winning economist

I have noted this before but it is worth mentioning again. Minimum wage is an evil program designed by socialist politicians to buy the votes of unknowing and kool-aid drinking voters who will believe anything you tell them without questioning the repercussions of the governments actions if they seem beneficial enough. Let's think about this for a moment.

The government decides that people who are among the lowest income earners in American society deserve to earn more because life is too hard on them and they can't get the things that they want or need so they decide to raise the minimum wage like they have recently. The lowest earners now earn more and can afford more or at least that is the idea. What could be wrong with this?

Minimum wage is an artificial level designed by the government that does not base the quality of the persons work or the strength of their personal value in determining their wage. This consequentially hurts the companies ability to hire labor at a reasonable price with regards to the employee has to offer. Additionally there will always be some sort of minimum that will be accepted by the employee. If a company is offering $1 an hour and another is offering $2 for the same position the company offering $1 will be forced to increase their wage or be forced to take the lower quality employee who will accept that job at that price. Wage's if left to the free market will sort themselves out to what society and employees are willing to accept.

Examining basic economics will tell you that if you increase the cost of labor the cost of the product will increase, the company will have to take a hit in profits, or the company will have to cut costs. All three of these are detrimental to lower income earners in America. Keep in mind that only less than .55% of income earners in America actually earn minimum wage and a solid plurality of those are teenagers whom are still in school and dependent upon their families (I'll get back to this point).

Increasing the cost of products will increase the cost of living further hurting the lower income families and those who are unemployed, not to mention making life more difficult for those who already earn over minimum wage but do not get a raise to cover the difference of the minimum wage increase. A company is not likely to take a hit in their profits. Why? Afterall, to most of the Left profits are evil. Profits allow the company to expand their business allowing for further job creation. It takes wealth to create wealth something the government cannot do. The third option is the most prevalent and can be seen in the latest job reports with a jump in unemployment among low income earners and teenage employment after the new increase in minimum wage.

The quote below by Milton Friedman has been highly researched as I have pointed out in previous articles. Government statistics clearly show that when minimum wage increases teenage and black jobs have decreased to be able to afford the artificial wage increase that was not deserved.

Keep in mind the more sinister aspect of minimum wage increases that is not mentioned often and the primary reason for minimum wage increases. Unions. Many unions accross the country have their wages directly tied as a factor of minimum wage. Unions are a special interest group of the left and are a direct cause relating to jobs leaving this country.

Minimum wage is not a matter of care for the lowest wage earners in America. Minimum wage increases are a political tool designed to garner more power from the least understanding groups of people in America to enslave them to the political Left.

Get ready for more layoffs next summer as minimum wage increases again. To view the detrimental effects of minimum wage increases in qualitiative data please check this article out.

Stop the Bill of Rights Blackout

2008-08-05T10:03:00.008-05:00

I have written about the removal of our individual Liberties time and time again. I have covered Nancy Pelosi's desire to bring back the Fairness Doctrine to stifle free speech. I have covered in depth the unconstitutional tax code, well it was until the passage of the 16th Amendment, which stripped away protections under the 4th Amendment. I have written on the environmentalist cultural revolution to remove individual choice. I have covered many issues that have abrogated the rights of the individual as the founders intended.

Libertarian Presidential nominee Bob Barr has done the same thing and testified recently to the US Congress about holding the executive branch liable for its ever increasing power and urging Congress to carry out a Constitutional inquiry. I urge you to sign the petition below to the US House of Representatives to help take back the freedoms that have been removed by the US government and continue to be stripped away for governmental expedience and in the name of taking care of us through social welfare programs.

Download the Blacked Out Bill of Rights

Petition to the U.S. House of Representatives

Committee on the Judiciary, Congressman Conyers, Chairman

Whereas, the basis for the laws of this great Republic is the Constitution, adopted September 17th, 1789; and,

Whereas, that Constitution provided for a clear but difficult procedure for amending it; and,

Whereas, the founding fathers saw a need for Amendments to guarantee certain civil rights to citizens including the right to a free press, free religious expression, the right to keep and bear arms, freedom from government seizure of their property, freedom from unlawful detention, the right to a prompt and fair trial by a jury, and protection from unreasonable bail requirements; and,

Whereas, these and other rights were considered important enough to be added as the first 10 Amendments and these have become known as The Bill of Rights; and,

Whereas, The Bill of Rights, ratified in 1791 remain untouched by Amendment for more than two centuries; and,

Whereas, the Executive branch of the Federal Government, through executive orders and other schemes has eroded many of these rights and still greater threats loom; Now therefore the undersigned citizens of the United States petition Congress to rise to its responsibilities and enforce and protect the Bill of Rights through any and all means at its disposal including but not limited to Committee Hearings and legal action through the courts.

Liberty is still a new idea and needs your support so take 60 seconds and sign the petition to stop the removal of our freedoms and protect the Bill of Rights! Let the Revolution continue and make your Declaration!

Download the Blacked Out Bill of Rights

Republicans Ready to Blame Libertarians for Their Defeat

2008-07-31T16:22:00.000-05:00

This years elections are coming up fast and furiously. Both parties are already ahead of time to blame someone else for their own misfortune. In years past Republicans blames Independent Ross Perot for the defeat of George Bush in 1992. Then of course we have the 2000 election where Democrats blamed their loss not only on the Supreme Court but due to Green Party candidate Ralph Nader. Ralph Nader likely took votes away from Democratic candidate John Kerry in 2004.

It seems the two major parties are doing the same thing this year. Democrats will blame Ralph Nader for stealing votes from Barack Obama if for some reason he loses. Republicans are already paving the way to blame the loss of John McCain to Barack Obama on Libertarian candidate Bob Barr.

Last I recall my vote had to be earned from any candidate who wants it. After all is not America supposed to be about freedom of choice and individuality? That does not seem to be the case of the Republicans and Democrats that have brought on detrimental economic policies, government expansion, and have passed laws that have gradually stripped away individual Liberties and eroded the protection that the US Constitution and Bill of Rights sought to protect.

With independent voters expected to decide the presidential election in swing states like Colorado, Republicans here allege that the Libertarian Party may hand elections to Democrats. Meanwhile, the state's top Libertarian says there is no such thing as a "spoiler effect."

According to Colorado Libertarian Chairman Travis Nicks, every vote must be earned.

"If [Republican nominee John] McCain doesn’t win it won’t be because the Libertarian Party takes votes away from him," said Nicks. "It will be because he doesn’t earn them.”

Libertarian candidate Bob Barr is already polling in at double digits in some key states McCain will need to win to become President. Is that a problem? Not at all.

Hopefully this is the rise of a new party to greater heights that will be forever able to change the Amerrican political system and reverse the attrocious policies of the Democrat and Republican party that have moved us far from the founding principles the authors of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution envisioned when they resolved to create a more perfect union. People will no longer have to buy into the rhetoric of politicians that claim you are throwing your vote away by voting for a third party candidate you agree with. Is not voting for someone whom you disagree with because you dislike the only other percieved choice throwing your vote away (aka, the lesser of 2 evils argument)?

Individual Liberty and freedom of choice are the hallmarks of the Consitution. The only way that this can be accomplished is not through increased governmental power that seeks to legislate morality, redistribute income, tell us what type of health care we have to have, confiscate our earnings, and the list can go on.

Liberty and individual choice is still a new idea. Countries around the world from the socialist states of Europe, Canada, and Venezuela, to Communist countries, and the dictatorships of the Middle East and Africa still reject these ideas or corrupt them by stating the need for more security from fear (of some issue that they deem harmful).

When the election is over the Republicans or Democrats will be looking to blame someone else for their defeat. In reality these two parties have nothing but themselves to blame for their own defeat. Both have expressed policies that counter the center right political spectrum of American society or in other words fiscally conservative and socially liberal policies that our country was founded on and only the Libertarian Party espouses.

Not to mention the poor choice of Presidential candidates and in many cases Congressional candidates by the Republicans and Democrats. The McCain campaign has been anything but stellar. They have missed countless opportunites to spread their views and hit back at Obama. The Obama campaign is looking more like he is running for reelection. His arrogance and inexperience have not been addressed by his campaign.

The blame is ready to be placed upon someone. The only question is who and it will be answered in less than 100 days.

To read the whole story about Libertarian candidates in state races:Libertarian Impact on State Races Under Microscope | Face the State

To find out more or to join the Libertarian party, the party of small government, social tolearance, low taxes, Consitutionalism, and the party that espouse the view points of our founders visit the Libertarian Party website.

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Quote to Ponder

2008-07-28T16:00:00.001-05:00

A simple quote to think about by one of our founding fathers, the architect of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, for those that have placed there faith in a certain politician in this years Presidential race.

Experience [has] shown that, even under the best forms [of government], those entrusted with power have, in time and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny.

This years race seems to be more hyped than ever before, yet we have two of the worst candidates in history to choose from if you limit yourself to the major parties. People have placed hope that the politicians will change things but Americans are reaching for answer that has caused the problems that we have today: government.

Government has slowed economic growth, inhibited job growth, and increased the reliability on social welfare programs. I have awaited the day until I found a group that has the answers that the American people want but refuse to believe: Libertarians. The Libertarian has recognized the problems in America today can be solved by less regulation, fewer social programs, and lower taxes. Libertarians recognize that government if given the time and it is not long will become tyrannical and oppressive. This is the same idea that the founders recognized.

When you go to the ballot box this year, remember that government has failed us and the answer is not more government, more failed promises, or more of the same. It is time for the Libertarians! It is time for small government! It is time for a return to the Constitution! It is time for low taxes! It is time for a return to Liberty and individualism!

It is time! Make your declaration!

Quote of the Day: Unthinking Respect

2008-07-25T12:01:00.000-05:00

With the upcoming election many thoughts have come to my mind. I was browsing the internet the other day contemplating the likely election of Barack Obama. Barack Obama is clearly charismatic, eloquent, and one of the greatest political leaders in the last 60 years. All of this does not make him fit to be President because he is young, inexperienced, espouses dangerous political ideology, and geniuenlly does not seem to understand the basics of economics. When browsing the internet I came upon this quote that clearly describes contemporary American politics and more clearly the Barack Obama mania.

Unthinking Respect for Authority is the Greatest Enemy of Truth.
--Albert Einstein

It seems in America today that the wave of socialism is rapidly sweeping across our great country. A smaller group but much louder is contesting this view point and is led by Texas House member Ron Paul, appropriately titling his book The Revolution. The wave of socialism or fascism is led by Democratic Presidential nominee, Barack Obama. And for those who think I have used fascism in an inappropriate manner I encourage you to read Jonah Goldberg's Book, Liberal Fascism.

Today about half of the citizens of this country no longer want to work hard for a better life like our ancestors have. These citizens have fallen into the rut where they believe that they are entitled to handouts from the government because of past injustices, current societal problems, or poor personal decisions that they should be saved from (having children they could not afford, using drugs and alcohol, not working hard in school, buying a house they could not afford, etc.).

Americans more commonly have neglected history respecting the government and political leaders without looking to the future detrimental impact of their request. They do not question their motives if it seems beneficial to society. This has been the case of the rise of tyrants throughout history like Adolph Hitler, Mussolini, Castro, Saddam Hussein, Mao Zedong, and Hugo Chavez to name a few. These leaders promised great social benefits, more equality among their people, and a better life. From a distant look their policies looked promising. Looking back or from the inside of these countries now their policies have been of great detriment to their country.

The people of these societies gave up freedoms for a better tomorrow and a better tomorrow never came. Society did not question their motives becoming and unthinking mob with great respect for their authority. This led them down a road to where truth was no longer appreciated and was usurped for greater governmental power and the erosion of individual Liberty.

The followers of Barack Obama today are often times called Kool-aid drinkers and for good reason. They have sacrificed reason and truth for eloquent speaking, hope, and change. They do not hesitiate to question the motives and policies of this charismatic leader that violate the Constitution, strip individual choice, and further degrade individual Liberties. The unthinking mob has placed their complete faith in government while neglecting the principles that were instilled in the founding of our country and enabled our rise to the premier superpower of the world.

Respect for authority is not a poor quality of individuals because it allows for a civilized and orderly society. Unthinking respect however leads to the deprivation of Liberties, removal of the freedom of choice, and is the greatest enemy of Truth. It is a shame to see Liberty so voluntarily disposed when people around the world are looking towards our model to achieve their own Freedom from the tyranny.

Unthinking Respect for Authority is the Greatest Enemy of Truth.
--Albert Einstein

I will never sacrifice my Liberties for the benefit of the collective. I will not remove my right to individual choice for the help from the government. I will not bow down to the alter of political leaders. I will not silence my voice of opposition to the fascistic policies of the left. I will not sacrifice my Liberties!

Minimum Wage Increases: More Layoffs to Come

2008-07-24T10:50:00.020-05:00

Today marks the second set of three minimum wage increases due to last years Democratically pushed Fair Minimum Wage Act. Today's jump increased the minimum wage to $6.55 and hour. The third set of increases will occur next July (2009) to $7.25 an hour.

Minimum wage is a contentious issue. There are two competing thoughts in the matter. The first is made by Democrats in order to garner more votes from the poorer classes in society spewing rhetoric how these people have given an unjust situation in life. The other group stands on principle on the facts that demonstrate that minimum wage has a detrimental impact on economic and job growth.

Economic Results of Minimum Wage Increase

A study carried out by Dr. Josephy Sabia of the University of Georgia for the Fiscal Policy Insitute presents clear evidence to the detrimental impacts of minimum wage increases especially among low-skilled and entry level workers. It should be noted that the information from this study was obtained from government data from 1979 to 2004 related to retail and small business employment. Keep in mind today's increase was 11.96% and 19.8% since the act has been passed. After the final increase minimum wage will have increased over 27%.

For every 10% increase in minimum wage, it will lead to the following:

1. Retail Employment

.9-1.1% decrease in employment
2.7-4.3% decrease in employment among teens
5% decrease in average retail hours among all teens
2.8% decrease in average retail hours among teens who remain employed

2. Small Business Employment

.8-1.2% decrease in employment
4.6-9.0% decrease in teen employment
4.8-8.8% decrease in average hours among teens

If you would like to view an entire list of negative consequences of minimum wage increases with studies visit here Talking Points from the Joint Economic Committe of the US Congress from 1995. The list includes impacts from reduction of employment opportunities amongst unskilled workers, hard impacts on the black community, increase in job turnover, harder times for lower wage workers during economic downturns to detrimental effects on lifetime earnings, reduction of fringe benefits, and increase in welfare reliance. This is a great list that gives specific studies that can be reviewed if you wish.

Other Economic Impacts

Some would then ask why politicians would even consider raising a rate that affects primarily teenagers who remain dependent to their parents and around .5% of total employment. The answer is the power of unions. The Democratic Party has been corrupted by the detrimental impacts of unions. Unions generally negotiate wages directly towards a factor of the minimum wage. Taking the current number of $.70 and doing some simple math we can demonstrate. A factor of 2 will increase wage by $1.40, 3 by $2.10, 4 by 2.80, and so on. This as you can imagine will have to result in an increase in price among the widgets (general term for a miscialneous product) that the widget factory creates.

One aspect of increases should be mentioned. Take the impact of a person who made $6.55 yesterday. This was $.70 above minimum wage at the time and above lower level employees. To maintain the same standard of living because of the increase in cost in consumer goods and services that employee's wage would have to increase as well, which is up to the discretion of the employer. This will have a negative impact on that employee and many others who will have taken in effect a pay decrease with the mandatory increase in minimum wage.

Companies will seek to maintain their profit. In order to do this they must do one of several or combine several aspects. 1) Move jobs to less regulate areas (overseas). 2) Decrease employment (usually the first step). 3) Increase modernization efforts to decrease reliability on people in the production of their product. 4) Increase the price of their goods. All of these will have detrimental impacts on the American economy by moving economic investment into offshore markets, decrease job opportunity especially amongst low-skilled or low educated workers, or decrease the purchasing power of other workers who did not receive a corresponding raise by artificially increase the price of their goods.

For other economic impacts which I will not cover here to save space view this Joint Economic Committee Report in 1996 that points to the job decrease of nearly 625,000 jobs mainly at entry level when minimum wage was increased from $4.25 to $5.15. The report also cites many other negative impacts of the increase.

Conclusion

Companies pay their employees as a compilation of many different characteristics. Some jobs like a burger flipper are inherently by their nature require less skill and can be filled by a greater segment of society making these jobs easy to fill and less valuable earning the employee less income. Artificially elevating the income of these employees by governmental regulation will require cuts in other areas of buisness to maintain the profit margin or increase prices.

Quite simply companies will pay people what they are worth and their is a reason why those making minimum wage are earning what they are. They have made poor personal choices that have placed them in the situtation by neglecting their education/training, having children they could not afford, spending money on unnecessary items like cigarettes, alcohol, or the latest technology, or by acting in a manner that does not reflect well upon them-self and the potential company that might hire them.

Wage's if left to the free market to decide will be adjusted to what society and individuals are willing to accept. An employer who pays $1/hr for an employee may not be able to find a person to fill this position or at least the quality of person they desire while an employer who pays $4/hr will be able to. If an employer does not pay enough the job will not be filled requiring the company to increase the wage until it is acceptable.

Artificial pay increases such as minimum wage do not have a net positive impact on any groups with the exceptions of those who negotiate their salary as a factor of minimum wage like labor unions. When a politician says minimum wage increase it is not meant to benefit those making minimum wage. It is a tool used to pander to lower income families for increase power and job security in the form of votes, nothing more. Either that or they are beholdent to the special interests of labor unions. Either way they do not deserve the vote of Americans.

More layoffs are coming. Let's hope its not your job!

Sources

Fiscal Policy Institute: The Effect of Minimum Wage Increases on Retail and Small Business Employment
Minimum Wage to Jump by 70 cents Thursday
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Joint Economic Committee Report: The Case Against a Higher Minimum Wage
Joint Economic Committee Talking Points: 50 Years of Miminum Wage Research

Quote of the Day: Bill of Rights and Individualism

2008-07-22T23:26:00.006-05:00

The whole of the Bill [of Rights] is a declaration of the right of the people at large or considered as individuals. It establishes some rights of the individual as unalienable and which consequently, no majority has a right to deprive them of.
--Albert Gallatin (1789)

The Bill of Rights is the most important precedence for the maintenance of freedom for all individuals in the United States. For those not in the know, the Bill of Rights is the 1st 10 Amendments to the US Constitution. I urge you to read the amendments carefully before you continue reading this article. You can view them here.

It should be understood that the Bill of Rights does not constrain the rights of individuals or individual freedoms as some liberals and conservatives would exist such as the right to bear arms, gay marriage, the right for largely unregulated talk radio on political issues, and a host of other issues. The Bill of Rights was designed to protect individuals from the tyranny of government because the founders understood clearly the oppression that government of any size or nature can bring.

The 2nd Amendment is often highly neglected in liberal circles as they try to institute greater gun control laws in an attempt to eliminate gun ownership altogether. The reason for this is not because guns cause crimes, they don't as guns are inanimate objects without the ability to form thought. The reason for their desire for control is to take greater control of society and limit individual choice. No greater evidence can be brought forth aside from the clear wording of the US Constitution of the right to bear arms than from the words of the principal architect of the US Constitution Thomas Jefferson.

The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

The Bill of Rights is a constraint of the power of government on rights that no power, group, or entity has the power to take away. The rights of individuals is the most important principle in the founding of our government. Unfortunately our rights have been abridged by a government seeking to create a form of social justice in the implementation of the income tax, which has been previously been declared unconstitutional because of its violation of the 6th 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.

The right to privacy in financial matters and secure in papers has been obliterated by the IRS and more importantly perhaps the most oppressive law created by our government the 16th Amendment, which has fostered a climate where politicians espouse rhetoric about the evil rich, greedy corporations, and more generally class warfare. It has fostered an environment that penalizes hard work, individuality, high achievement, sound investments, economic growth, and has pushed jobs to overseas markets resulting in slower job creation and higher unemployment than would otherwise be possible. The reading of the 16th Amendment is frightening in and of itself.

Article XVI [Proposed 1909; Questionably Ratified 1913]: 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 amendment proposes no limits on the amount of taxes collected meaning tax rates could be as high as 100% meaning all income would be collected despite fierce opposition from the governed and leaves no recourse for petition from those whom are affected. This is why I support the Fair Tax, which you can find out more on in my FairTax series in March-May of 2008.

The Bill of Rights does not limit the freedom of individuals only the power of government. Activists judges liberal fascists (like Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, and the like) have sought to remove these rights in the name of social justice, governmental control, and social order. The founders recognized that increased governmental power is among the greatest evils the world has ever known and sought to ensure the protection of individuals including their ability to protect themself against physical abuses (2nd Amendment) amongst many other governmental abuses.

Anthropogenically Caused Global Warming in Question

2008-07-18T06:00:00.001-05:00

Numerous times I have explored the depths that are anthropogenic global warming - that is human induced emissions for those not of the scientific persuasion. I have mentioned numerous times that global warming is not a result of human activity or at least not the primary or secondary reason, essentially that it is highly exaggerated.

The reason for the global warming alarmism by Al Gore and other men and women of little understanding on the issue is not for the well meaning intentions they portray. Instead it is to start a sort of cultural revolution to destroy the United States capitalist economy further, portray the need for the protection of the collective by spreading fear to remove individual rights, and aggregate power in the hands of a professional, expert government that can make society dependent and therefore easier to control.

Global warming alarmists have set out to dismiss and completely dismantle the careers of those who oppose global warming. Al Gore has concluded that global warming is a proven reality and those who do not believe should be dismissed and removed from the scene. Some have even threatened to sue nonbelievers.

Change of Position

I am far from the only one who doubts the validity of anthropogenically caused global warming.

The American Physical Society, an organization representing nearly 50,000 physicists, has reversed its stance on climate change and is now proclaiming that many of its members disbelieve in human-induced global warming. The APS is also sponsoring public debate on the validity of global warming science. The leadership of the society had previously called the evidence for global warming "incontrovertible."

This is a monumental change in position that without doubt will cause much controversy among the political sphere of global warming alarmists like Al Gore. Their livelihood is wrapped up in the spreading of fear in order to garner themselves political and monetary power. This change in position or at least opening for debate proves without a doubt that anthropogenic global warming is still a highly controversial and debated field in academia and among research scientists and intellectuals.

Why the Change?

Al Gore as we all know created a move, Inconvenient Truth, that created a surge in support for the idea of global warming. The APS now has reasons to doubt man made global warming with the publishing of a report by Lord Monckton of Brenchley, which finds that the "climate sensitivity -- the rate of temperature change a given amount of greenhouse gas will cause -- has been grossly overstated by IPCC [Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change] modeling. A low sensitivity implies additional atmospheric CO2 will have little effect on global climate." A professor at Hartford, Larry Gould, has called the paper "expose of the IPCC that details numerous exaggerations and '/extensive errors'."

The APS has also found other evidence that I have pointed to in the past here that the reason for warming is more likely due to increased solar activity.

Monckton, who was the science advisor to Britain's Thatcher administration, says natural variability is the cause of most of the Earth's recent warming. "In the past 70 years the Sun was more active than at almost any other time in the past 11,400 years ... Mars, Jupiter, Neptune’s largest moon, and Pluto warmed at the same time as Earth."

Clearly the debate on the validity of anthropogenic global warming is not as clear cut as Al Gore has made it out to be. Before we take drastic actions that will be of great detriment to the US and world economies we need more debate on this highly controversial subject. The call by Al Gore for America to go 100% green within 10 years is absurd, unrealistic, and economic suicide!

Sources

Primary: DailyTech - Myth of Consensus Explodes: APS Opens Global Warming Debate
Other articles:
New York Times: Gore Urges Change to Dodge and Energy Crisis
Guardian: Put oil firm chiefs on trial
Climate Sensitivity Reconsidered
Science Daily: Warm Coronal Loop Offers Clue to Mysteriously Hot Solar Atmosphere
Tennesse Center for Policy Research: Al Gore's Personal Energy Consumption Up 10%

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Libertarians: A (Not So) Lunatic Fringe - TIME

2008-07-16T11:30:00.000-05:00

When deciding who to vote for this year I encourage everyone of you to look towards the Libertarian Party, what TIME Magazine has labeled in a recent article as A (Not So) Lunatic Fringe. The idea of libertarianism really became prominent during the Ron Paul campaign.

Maybe you haven't heard, but this is the year of freedom. First there was the Ron Paul revolution, in which an avuncular 10-term Representative from Brazoria County, Texas, raised more than $34 million as a pseudo-Republican candidate, garnered more than a million primary votes and outperformed Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson, all on the back of a get-government-off-my-back platform. Now there's the Libertarian Party, which sold a little bit of its hard-line liberty-loving soul in exchange for the most respectable candidate it has ever had: recently converted former Republican Congressman Bob Barr, who's polling nationally near 6% and could conceivably Naderize John McCain in a few key states and help nudge the presidency to Barack Obama.

In a year when no small government politician exists in the major 2 parties many Americans have turned their attention to the candidacy of Bob Barr. The proof is seen in the polling on Zogby's 50 State interactive map. Barr is polling in at 6% nationally, and is reaching double digits of support in some states.

If you are a true conservative and believe in smaller government, lower taxes, elimination of the IRS, and Liberty then Libertarian candidate Bob Barr is the choice for you. I urge you to strongly question your support of the Republican Party this year, a party that has lost its principles that is seeking governmental solutions to problems that government has created.

To find out more about Bob Barr visit BobBarr2008.com.

To finish reading the TIME article: Libertarians: A (Not So) Lunatic Fringe - TIME

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FairTax Featured Article on Wikipedia Today

2008-07-15T09:32:00.003-05:00

Well the title says it all. Today the FairTax article is the featured article on Wikipedia today. If you are not aware of what the FairTax is I encourage you to take a look at it.

Briefly, the FairTax is a proposal that would eliminate all corporate taxes which stifle economic and job growth, payroll taxes (MediCare, Security, and etc.), death taxes, gift taxes, and more that occupies over 95,000 pages of rules and regulations. The current tax system stifles hard work, saving, investing, places an average of 22% embeded tax rate in the average consumer product (remember that corporations do not pay taxes we do, every tax that is put on a corporation gets passed on to the consumer in this embeded tax rate), and keeps monies out of the US market due to penalizing forms of taxation.

Unlike the income tax, the FairTax is a true tax on wealth. The FairTax would insititute a 23% tax rate on all final sales of new goods and services. This sounds like alot but remember that you would now be receiving your full paycheck every pay period which on average would increase the size of your paycheck by 25%. The FairTax encourages fiscal responsibility. Since there is no penalty for making sound financial investments you can save until your heart is content with no tax burden.

Some of you may point out that it is a regressive tax. Well the FairTax has taken care of this by instituting a monthly prebate for taxes that would be incurred on spending up to the poverty line (family size and state of residence is taken into account) and adjusted for inflation yearly (for actual numbers on the prebate click here). The prebate would be sent to every citizen of the US. The prebate means that those who do not spend above the poverty level will not be taxed. Those who spend at twice the poverty level will pay a rate of 11.5% and so on. The more you spend the more you pay. Once again the FairTax encourages fiscal responsibility by decreasing tax rate on more responsible spending thanks to the prebate.

Best of All

The FairTax would eliminate the IRS, tax audits, investigations into your private matters by the US government (something the founders originally envisioned in the Constitution until the income tax amendment was added - 16th Amendment), eliminate the costly process (time and monetary) of tax preparation each year, and get rid of April 15th for good. You would never have to stand in line for hours at the post office again and all the confusing tax forms would be relegated to distant memories of governmental abuse and oppresion.

For more on the FairTax visit my series on the FairTax from March, April, and May of 2008.

For more information and how you can help the FairTax passed aside from visiting Wikipedia you can visit FairTax.org. Then become a citizen co-sponser at JohnLinder.com.

Make your Declaration and let your representatives know that you want them to support the FairTax.

Quote of the Day: Laissez Faire and Man's Imperfection

2008-07-11T14:58:00.000-05:00

Ludwig von Mises was born on September 29, 1881 in Austria. He was an Austrian economist and philosopher in addition to being one of the main intellectuals of the start of the modern libertarian movement. He was forced to flee Austria due to his Jewish heritage and eventuall found himself in New York City as a visiting professor at New York University until 1969 and dies 4 years later in 1973. Today he has an economic institute dedicated to his memory and the free market principles he proposed. I encourage you to visit the Ludwig von Mises Institute's website to find out more.

If one rejects laissez faire on account of man's fallibility and moral weakness, one must for the same reason also reject every kind of government action.
--Ludwig von Mises

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Liberals, fascists, communists, and more generally statists, (note: I will refer to this whole group as the left in the remainder of this post), for all they are worth seem to reject the idea that the government that serves best that serves least. This is the opposite of Libertarians and for the most part conservatives who are a bit hypocritical in my view on their idea of smaller government as they fall into government intervention due to the moral weakness of men. Liberals are a bit confused as well in their policies that create bigger government.

The left believes that people upon their own free will and choice cannot achieve in lifeso government must fill those deficiencies with government programs. Those who have achieved some measure of success are generally viewed upon as statistical anomalies that have achieved their status through deceptive practices and greed. To be fair many conservatives believe in government intervention to force what they deem morally straight decisions because people left to their own devices will engage in morally weak decisions like gay marriage, abortion, drug use and the like.

In turn since all success or proper choice is a mere statistical anomaly under the pretenses that people if left to their own devices will not be able to sustain themselves either partially or fully because man is fallible or lacking moral strength to engage in wholesome activities or choices then government must intervene.

Questionable Logic

If man is fallible and unable to make personal moral decisions then how is the government able to make such decisions? If success is a statistical anomaly how can government achieve success for the collective? These are the questions that must be asked when a politician of the left or socially conservative right tell you that government must intervene.

These questions derive from the logic that government is not made up of demigods or noble men. Instead government is controlled by fallible men and woman with questionable moral judgment. This idea does not seem to be accepted by the groups who push for more governmental control but the logic is irrefutable.

Examples can be made all over the world. In an attempt to get health care for all countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and many others in Europe have adopted nationalized health care systems. The systems have largely been a failure delivering lower quality health care to individuals, governmental bureaucracies deciding if individuals should receive treatment, and thousands of canceled surgeries each month. The People's Republic of China (中华人民共和国) ruled with an iron fist for decades from the Communist takeover in 1949 by Mao Zedong (毛泽东）and the country by in large achieved equality of society but with the end result being poverty and suffering (note that these are the results of socialism when attempting to create a more equal society) until Deng Xiaoping (邓小平）took office became the leader in 1978. Deng realized that a government controlled economy had failed because it could not compete or produce goods in an economically viable fashion. Deng instituted changes that resulted in a capitalist based economy with less governmental control and privatized industry encouraged. Today China has the fastest growing economy in the world with yearly growth rates from 8-11% for the past 20+ years.

Look at another Communist country Cuba. This can be summed up by the quote on my homepage by Paul Harvey. "They have gun control in Cuba. They have universal health care in Cuba. So why do they want to come here?"

It is quite clear that the best way for government to uplift society and the economy is too step out. More regulations do not mean more equality. More regulations does not mean more Liberty. More government intervention does not make up for the fallibility or moral weakness of man. Why? Government is an invention of the fallible and morally weak man.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If one rejects laissez faire on account of man's fallibility and moral weakness, one must for the same reason also reject every kind of government action.
--Ludwig von Mises

Presidential Nominee Bob Barr (L) Speaks Out Against Mandated Public Service

2008-07-09T13:11:00.004-05:00

Libertarian Presidential nominee Bob Barr offers fierce criticism to Barack Obama's forced public service proposal. I for one could not agree more.

'Americans are among the most generous people on the planet and excel at serving one another,' says Bob Barr, the Libertarian Party presidential candidate. 'Unfortunately, Sen. Barack Obama wants to turn service into a government requirement' by forcing middle, high school, and college students to work in federally approved jobs. 'But service must be an outgrowth of the heart to be life-changing for both parties. It isn’t possible to mandate generosity or coerce compassion,' Barr explains.

Public service is not strictly a formal function that can be done by only serving state or federal government. Service is about helping your fellow man and clearly Americans have done just that. Americans in the past year donated over $300 billion to help with numerous causes from international to domestic aid. Service does not end with monetary donations with millions of man hours each year put into volunteer organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, countless numbers of soup kitchens, and numerous religious organizations. Need I remind you of thousands of Americans helping those devastated by Hurricane Katrina and Rita including myself.

This country faces numerous other problems that cannot be fixed by forced governmental service. A Social Security system being bankrupted, out of control government spending, unconstitutional power grabs from the states, dwindling civil liberties, and welfare programs that hinder the poor from bringing themselves out of poverty. Not to mention a flawed income tax system that keeps the corrupt in power, puts American products at a disadvantage in the global market place, penalizes hard work and saving, encourages debt spending, and gives special interests a special voice that needs to be completely replaced with the Fair Tax.

Other problems are just as serious including a declining US dollar, high energy costs because of governmental regulation, declining public education at the hands of the teachers union, the NEA, and bloated, unconstitutional Department of Education, and the federal governments general disregard for the Constitution. The list can go on and on. Forced governmental service will be another governmental power grab that strips individual choice and Liberties. "'Washington politicians should not be telling schools across America how many hours their students should work, and in what kinds of jobs,' says Barr. 'The Founders displayed great genius when the framed the Constitution, because they limited the federal government to national problems while preserving state and local authority over such issues as education, including youth service.'"

Barr concludes:

Everyone agrees that service is a wonderful gift from those with much to those with little. But we should not sacrifice the great value of voluntary service by turning it into a government requirement.

The desire to serve others cannot be forced. It must come from the heart and soul of an individual. Compulsory service will only breed contempt and distrust for the government that mandates it. Americans are the most generous and service minded people in the world. A government mandate requiring service is an insult to those that have freely and willingly dedicated their life, time, or money in service of their fellow man or woman.

To read the rest of the article check out Barr's Blog: Bob Barr 2008 Blog » Blog Archive » Barr criticize s Obama’s national service proposal

Global Warming and the Cultural Revolution

2008-07-09T10:58:00.007-05:00

When I mention the term global warming what first comes to your mind? You probably fall into two camps. 1) Some of you are thinking that Al Gore is a demigod and that global warming is the most dangerous threat to world civilization today. 2) The rest of you, myself included, have significant doubts or even speak out against anthropologically caused global warming.

Which group you fall into does not really matter because the global warming alarmism is not about saving the planet by the leaders who are pushing the agenda. The movement is solely about the acquisition of power, wealth, and to change the fundamental principles of the American way of life. I am not talking about transitioning towards renewable energies but instead about changing the fundamental principles of American society namely a greater movement towards government controlled society for the benefit of the collective.

As an avid follower and researcher of Chinese politics one cannot help but notice the similarities between the Chinese Cultural Revolution starting in May of 1966. The Cultural Revolution was started by Mao Zedong (毛泽东）in an effort to throw off the final elements of bourgouis oppression to complete the revolutionary class struggle. The effort was actaully a movement to sure up his support against the growing power of rivals Deng Xiaoping （邓小平）and Liu Shaoqi (刘少奇).

In much the same way the environmentalists like Chairman Mao have created a warlike environment and spread fear in order to achieve their goals of greater socialism and government control. By creating this warlike environment these people have created a situation that those who speak out against their movement by spreading sound scientific findings to dispute the rhetoric of environmentalists and liberals more generally. This has been a tactic of the left for nearly a centuy.

In order to create a socialistic or fascistic society liberals have been forced to create a hostile environment that will mobilize society to take action because individuals who do not feel threatened will do not easily succomb to these political whims. President Woodrow Wilson jailed over 200,000 US citizens, political prisoners, who questioned our involvement in World War I. FDR used WWII to bring in a new brand of socialism that was known as the New Deal that we still suffer from today (Jonah Goldberg has a great chapter in his book, Liberal Fasicsm about this subject). President LBJ established a god like history of JFK to create a war like environment to move foward his own desires for more power with his Great Society plan, once again which has proven to be a failed program that has increased the national debt and not resolved the social problems that it was imagined to.

Al Gore has continued this legacy and has become a mulitmillionare virtually overnight by spreading fear. He has created an environment where people can no longer speak freely without the possibility of being ostracized without their political or scientific career being in jeopardy. This seems remarably similar to Wilson's jailing of political dissidents who questioned our involvement in World War I.

Global warming is not about solving environmental problems that are still highly debated in the academic sphere. Instead it is about acruing more power for the government at the hands of the individuals and groups that spread the rhetoric to regulate society and strip individual liberties. This movement is largely sponsored by the fascistic left and of the "progressive" right in an attempt to further regulate society into a movement for the collective and solidify their hold on power.

Environmental Hysteria and the Ignorance of Society

2008-07-07T15:28:00.003-05:00

I would like to introduce you to the most disastrous and dangerous greenhouse gas: dihydrogen monoxide. This greenhouse causes over 99.9% of global warming and is the most produced greenhouse gas in the world. This dangerous compound should be outlawed because of its significant negative effects towards the propagation of global warming. If we do not act now, disaster is sure to come.

Well if you haven't figured it out yet, dihydrogen monoxide is H2O or water. Watch these two well known comedians, Penn and Teller, as they send an associate of theirs out to get signatures on a petition to ban this substance. The most comedic part of this video is the associate getting signatures from people drinking the substance they are trying to ban.

Now onto the video:

What does this video tell us?

Americans are not well educated. This is already well documented that our public school system is desperately lacking as American students fall far behind other countries in testing. If these people do not understand water, does that not scare you that these people can vote?
Americans are gullible and don't question. If you make yourself into an authority and spread fear you can make almost any American believe you without question (i.e. Al Gore and his global warming alarmism - note that he barely squeaked by earth science in college). And we wonder why people are sending their money to that Nigerian General that keeps sending me emails?
Americans don't think. For those who think the majority of Americans think before they act or speak, they don't and this petition is proof. With some simple cognitive processes people could save themselves a lot of humiliation like those who added their names to this petition while drinking the same substance they were petitioning to get rid of.

I find all of this not that surprising considering the popularity of "hope" and "change" Barack Obama. He states nothing but due to his eloquent oratory a large segment of Americans have not bothered to become educated on the issues, have not questioned his motives, and have not thought about the side affects of his policies. He is not a new politician and his policies and actions are proof of that. Windfall profit tax, tried and failed (Carter administration). Nationalized health care (look at the problems in Canada and Great Britain). He presents himself as a post-racial leader but he falls back into racial tendencies of common Democratic political candidates with his comments.

Quote of the Day: Minority Rights

2008-07-07T10:10:00.001-05:00

The smallest minority on earth is the individual. Those who deny individual rights, cannot claim to be defenders of minorities.--Ayn Rand

Modern US politics is all about pandering to certain groups based on different demographics whether they be Christians, Jews, blacks, Hispanics, women, men, fathers, mothers, and the list can go on from there. The idea behind this pandering is making these groups feel like they are victims of some social injustice, some rightly and some wrongly, and then make promises to fix the alleged injustice that has occurred or is occurring against them to garner their support in an upcoming election. In no way am I saying that any or all of these groups do not suffer some sort of discrimination for other individuals or groups, just simply making a point about modern US politics.

Often times politicians will even play one group off of another to gain the favor of another demographic. Care to take a guess? Give up, well I am talking about class warfare, blaming the rich for the problems of the poor. This is the most heinous and dangerous form of political positioning and pandering today in contemporary American politics.

The tactic of making victims of certain groups is a tool that is most often used by the left in this country and to a lesser extent Republicans. In either case it is wrong. But the one commonality between the pandering to specific demographic groups is the neglecting of individuals in society.

Individuals are the smallest minority in the world as every person is unique. But individuals are the most neglected minority in the United States. Lets take a brief look at some of the policies of this country.

Tax System: Individuals who work hard, work two or three jobs, and have success are persecuted by higher tax rates. I am not in favor of a regressive form of taxation and those who have the ability to pay should pay but taxing productivity, hardwork and success is counterproductive which is the reason I favor the Fair Tax. Politicians like Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have promised the poor higher taxes on those individuals who have success for the purposes of redistributing income. With the FairTax politicians will no longer be able to do this.
Nationalized Health Care: Once again instead of favoring policies that will remove regulations that push the cost of health insurance out of reach of many Americans, many politicians favor punishing individuals who have achieved success through higher taxes for the purpose of buying the votes of the uninsured. They have made these people believe they are victims of corporate greed instead of governmental over-regulation.
Affirmative Action: This is a policy that I believe to be totally backward in thinking. How are you ever going to solve a problem like racial or sexual discrimination if you continually focus on those characteristics? Instead of promoting individual achievement and inspiring the individuals of these groups to take a stand to overcome, politicians continually make victims of these groups. Individuals who have achieved success such as Clarence Thomas, Jessie Lee Peterson, and the like who do not buy into the constant victimization of these groups are then ostracized for their positions. If this is not a clear demonstration of discrimination against individuals I do not know what else will convince you.

Individuals are constantly discriminated against. Individual choice is often refused by the argument of immorality. Drug use, abortion, the definition of marriage, and the like all fall into this category. While many including myself may not agree with every choice of individuals these are not the business of government.

I eagerly await the day when a politician comes forward and stops making victims of certain groups like Democrats and Republicans, but I more eagerly await the day when politicians adopt policies that do not hinder individual Liberty by punishing success or limiting what they may deem immoral that does not affect the rights of others. This is why I am a Libertarian.

People are victims of their own accord through poor decision making, laziness, or following leaders who place them into this category. Individuals have the ability to overcome anything through sound decisions, hard work, dedication to success, and by standing up for themselves.

The smallest minority on earth is the individual. Those who deny individual rights, cannot claim to be defenders of minorities.--Ayn Rand

Americans are Top Drug Users in the World

2008-07-05T12:06:00.000-05:00

As has been known to Libertarians for quite sometime, the War on Drugs has been a complete and utter failure that has cost the United States government billions of dollars while achieving nothing except overcrowding our prisons with casual drug users further adding to the national debt.

A new worldwide study conducted by the World Health Organization finds that Americans are the top drug users in the world with around 16% of Americans having tried cocaine and 42% trying marijuana at least once.The study, released Monday, revealed that 16.2 percent of Americans had tried cocaine at least once, and 42.4 percent had used marijuana.

Tough Drug Policy does not Correlate to Lower Drug Use

The study also found that the use of drugs in countries is not impacted by their drug policy. The United States has among the strictest punishments in the world with the highest drug use. Compare that to the "Netherlands, where drug policy is more liberal than the United States, 1.9 percent of survey participants said they had used cocaine and 19.8 percent marijuana. "

The War on Drugs has tried to focus on solving drug use by limiting supply instead of solving the underlying problems of the drug use which is curbing the demand for these substances. But this effort has largely been a failure as the US Drug enforcement agency reports:

The US Drug Enforcement Agency has observed ever larger quantities of illegal drugs pouring into the country. "We are seizing greater quantities of illegal drugs than ever before," said a DEA statement last week. In 2007, agents seized 41 metric tons of cocaine in just two raids, and denied drug traffickers record-breaking revenue of 3.5 billion dollars for the year, it said.

Solution

The War on Drugs is a futile effort to change the idiocy of humans. Instead of focusing on the supply side the US should immediately change course and apply money to treating the demand side of the problem. This solution would cost far less and is not like putting a band aid over a gaping chest wound in hopes that it will solve the problem. The Libertarian Party correctly points this out in their support of such a policy.

Drug prohibition does more to make Americans unsafe than any other factor. Just as alcohol prohibition gave us Al Capone and the mafia, drug prohibition has given us the Crips, the Bloods and drive-by shootings. Consider the historical evidence: America's murder rate rose nearly 70% during alcohol prohibition, but returned to its previous levels after prohibition ended. Now, since the War on Drugs began, America's murder rates have doubled. The cause/effect relationship is clear. Prohibition is putting innocent lives at risk.

What's more, drug prohibition also inflates the cost of drugs, leading users to steal to support their high priced habits. It is estimated that drug addicts commit 25% of all auto thefts, 40% of robberies and assaults, and 50% of burglaries and larcenies. Prohibition puts your property at risk. Finally, nearly one half of all police resources are devoted to stopping drug trafficking, instead of preventing violent crime. The bottom line? By ending drug prohibition Libertarians would double the resources available for crime prevention, and significantly reduce the number of violent criminals at work in your neighborhood.

Sources

To read the article on the study: Americans are world's top drug users: study
Libertarian Party Crime and Violence Policy: Step 2- End Prohibition

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Quote of the Day: Thomas Jefferson on July 4th

2008-07-04T22:05:00.002-05:00

Here's what Thomas Jefferson, principal author of the Declaration of Independence, said about the 4th. I will leave this with you to contemplate on your own with the rest of this greatest day in the history of not just American but mankind. May Liberty be always in your Heart and Mind.

All eyes are opened, or opening, to the rights of man. The general spread of the light of science has already laid open to every view the .... truth, that the mass of mankind has not been born with saddles on their backs, nor a favored few booted and spurred, ready to ride them legitimately, by the grace of God. These are grounds of hope for others. For ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.

Every man is born equal free of constraints upon their life. Spread the word and idea of Liberty throughout the land so as no man, woman or child shall every forget!

Happy 4th of July!

Top 5 Myths About the Fourth of July!

2008-07-04T12:06:00.001-05:00

Have a safe, happy, and fun 4th of July. On this day we celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence from a tyrannical and oppressive government.

Here is a fun little article about common myths about our celebration of this day. Enjoy!

Top 5 Myths About the Fourth of July!

For more information on the greatest day in the history of men visit my blog post on July 2nd, Wikipedia, and the Declaration of Independence!

Let Liberty and Freedom reign!

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Happy Independence Day!

2008-07-04T00:01:00.004-05:00

I wanted to take this time to wish everyone a Happy and Safe 4th of July and remind you of what this day means. To often I believe Americans and our elected representatives forget.

This day in history is widely recognized as the celebration of our independence from a tyrannical and oppressive government that stripped freedom from individuals and Liberty from the life of Man. This day is a celebration of when Liberty triumphed over tyranny, over a government that thought it knew what was better for its citizens than the individuals in society, and the day Americans proclaimed to the world that all individuals as a right of birth are given certain unalienable rights that no person or entity can take away. That is the right to "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" free from the tyranny that governmental intervention brings.

Thousands of Americans throughout history have fought against tyranny to ensure that the light of Freedom and Liberty in the world shall not be extinguished but will be retained for all generations.

I would like to conclude by giving my Thanks and Prayers to our troops who are currently overseas and know only too well the cost that Freedom brings and who will not be home to celebrate this day with their friends and family. I would also like to give special appreciation to those families and friends who have lost a loved one fighting for our freedom in any war. Finally I would like to thank all military veterans for your sacrifice on this day.

May this be a day that Men throughout the world look to our founding as a blue print and guiding light in a world of darkness, tyranny, and oppression in their own fight for Liberty and Freedom.

I encourage everyone on this day to take 10 minutes and read or reread the Declaration of Independence to understand the reason for this Declaration.

God Bless and let Freedom, Liberty, and Individual Choice live in the heart of all Americans!

Quote of the Day: Governmental Inversion

2008-07-03T20:58:00.000-05:00

We are fast approaching the stage of the ultimate inversion: the stage where the government is free to do anything it pleases, while the citizens may act only by permission; which is the stage of the darkest periods of human history, the stage of rule by brute force.--Ayn Rand

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Increased tax rates without true representation
Forced collection of income for the purposes of social welfare
Health care decisions made by the government
Regulations limiting energy production
Prohibition of what is deemed 'immoral'
Wiretapping on US citizens
Continuing erosion of gun control rights
Forced collection of income for the purposes of retirement without control of the funds

These are all policies that the US has engaged in or is being proposed by 1 or more of the Presidential nominees and yet we celebrate tomorrow the day when Americans made our Declaration of Independence from an overbearing government who thought they knew best. Actually that seems rather similar to today.

Today we are involved in a struggle of a government and politicians that no longer believe in success of the individual without government intervention. The entire idea seems to be repulsive to them. If you take a look at their policies this is the only conclusion that you can draw. Instead of developing policies that favor individual choice and reduce regulation to allow success outside of governmental control these people institute policies that restrict individual liberties, choice, and pit one group against another. They do not spread the word that success is the result of hard work and dedication but instead by luck or some sort of fortune, hence the terms fortunate and less fortunate, terms that I abhor.

Today's politicians have rebelled against our libertarian founding in an effort to gain greater power and greater job security. It seems that Ayn Rand is correct in the idea that a governmental inversion is underway because as she correctly asserts, "the stage of rule by brute force" is being relied on in greater quantity. For instance, the IRS has the right to forcefully view any private income or bank statements with little action for recourse. Government has taken by force the right to save for your own financial security by forcing collection of income into Social Security, which can then be distributed to others without your permission or method for retribution.

This will not end until the electorate wakes up and closely examines the true desire of "men [and women] of zeal, well meaning but without understanding" like Ted Kennedy, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, Ralph Nader, John McCain, judicial activists in the mold of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer and the list can go on as Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis, 1928 stated.

We are on a process of governmental inversion with encroachment on the Liberty and Freedoms of individuals that were put forth clearly in the Constitution and the words of our founding fathers. It is time for the encroachment to halt before the darkest age of man returns again and it is libertarian values that can only take us there.

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We are fast approaching the stage of the ultimate inversion: the stage where the government is free to do anything it pleases, while the citizens may act only by permission; which is the stage of the darkest periods of human history, the stage of rule by brute force.--Ayn Rand

Declaration of Energy Independence

2008-07-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

American history is full of great triumphs from its beginning. Against overwhelming odds against the premier power in the world Americans defeated tyranny and won Liberty and Freedom for our country. Americans turned the tide in WWII to claim victory over tyrants when we were unprepared for war. Americans put a man on the moon in short order and defeated the Soviet Union to end the Cold War.

With these great triumphs can come many more but one in these times is of most importance: our Declaration of Energy Independence!

The government of this great country has lost its way. The US government has prohibited use of many of America's energy sources and placed regulations that have hampered refining that would help us on our road to lower energy prices and energy independence from regimes and countries that despise us. Politicians refuse to do everything and anything possible to bring down energy costs and listen to the plea of Americans of all demographics.

Take Action Today

This July 4th, the same day we celebrate American independence over tyranny and oppression, join with me and over 1.25 million of other Americans around the country and make your Declaration of Energy Independence by signing the Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less petition on AmericanSolutions.com.

Then take a moment to send your representative in Washington a correspondence to urge them to take every available step from drilling, refining, coal power, nuclear power, and renewable sources in a rational energy plan.

Make your declaration heard!

Bob Barr 2008: Cutting taxes encourages giving

2008-07-02T17:34:00.005-05:00

Libertarian Presidential hopeful Bob Barr issued a press release today stating that if left alone Americans will solve social problems better than government can. The best way for government to solve social problems is by getting out of the way, cutting spending, and cutting taxes.

This is an idea I have always supported. When government gets entrained in the business of providing welfare governmental power increases and erodes individual liberties and the effectiveness of the private sector of providing more cost effective solutions. Government should remain neutral to all groups providing a fair and reasonable form of governance. Providing social welfare to one group at the cost of another group through higher taxation does not retain the neutrality government should foster in order to preserve the idea that "all men are created equal." Governmental biases favor the erosion individual choice and Liberty.

One of America’s great strengths has always been the willingness of Americans to organize to solve social problems,” notes Bob Barr, the Libertarian Party candidate for president. The great French classical liberal Alexis de Tocqueville commented on American social activism nearly two centuries ago in his classic Democracy in America. “We see this same commitment today, with the news that Americans donated more than $300 billion to charity last year, a record level, despite increased economic uncertainty,” Barr observes.

[...]

Barr adds, “Unfortunately, Senators John McCain and Barack Obama remain mired in a government spending mindset. Indeed, the major parties have even worked to hook private agencies on public funds.” President George W. Bush initiated the so-called faith-based initiative, supported by Sen. McCain, to provide increased grants to religious organizations. Sen. Obama also has endorsed this approach.

Barr expanded further on this idea laying out an idea to encourage donations thereby expanding the private sectors role in social welfare programs, an idea the founding fathers would support without question.

Instead of expanding government social spending, “Washington should encourage Americans to take on greater responsibility in meeting charitable needs.” First, taxes should be cut. “This year Americans will spend almost four months working just to pay for government,” observe Barr. “That leaves far too little for the famous little platoons which do so much to improve American society.”
Second, “we should consider creating a special tax credit for charitable giving, to provide Americans with a dollar-for-dollar tax reduction for money contributed to social services. We could then deduct an equivalent amount from the federal welfare budget. This would enable Americans to shift welfare from the public to the private sectors,” says Barr. It would also avoid the inevitable politicization that accompanies government grant-making.

“Private charity is a better mechanism for helping people because it is more flexible and cost-effective, and is able to speak to more than financial needs—it can help meet the many often complicated problems faced by people and their families,” he explains. Government by its nature must be rule-bound and bureaucratic. But “neighbors helping neighbors at the local level is the way Americans traditionally aided those around them in meeting difficult family circumstances and other social needs.”

To read the rest of the article: Bob Barr 2008 Blog » Blog Archive » Cutting taxes encourages giving

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July 2, 1776: Declaration Of Independence Adopted

2008-07-02T00:11:00.004-05:00

On this day in 1776 the Continental Congress adopted a resolution declaring the Independence of the United Colonies of America to become the United States of America. That is correct the official independence day of the United States occurred on July 2 1776. John Adams in a letter on July 3rd to his wife Abigail stating that July the 2nd would be the most remembered day in American history.

Yesterday the greatest Question was decided, which ever was debated in America, and a greater perhaps, never was or will be decided among Men. A Resolution was passed without one dissenting Colony "that these united Colonies, are, and of right ought to be free and independent States, and as such, they have, and of Right ought to have full Power to make War, conclude Peace, establish Commerce, and to do all the other Acts and Things, which other States may rightfully do."

You will see in a few days a Declaration setting forth the Causes, which have impell'd Us to this mighty Revolution, and the Reasons which will justify it, in the Sight of God and Man. A Plan of Confederation will be taken up in a few days. On July 2, 1776 the Association known as United Colonies of America officially became the United States of America .

But the Day is past. The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America.

I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.

You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. -- I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. -- Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.

Why July the 4? I would like to bring your attention to a site I have found while browsing the internet for more information on our independence day. This site gives a great summary of the history of the Declaration of Independence I feel no need to summarize. I hope you enjoy!

Declaration Of Independence

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Lower Taxes...Greater Economic Growth?

2008-07-01T17:09:00.004-05:00

Another article on the benefits of lower taxes on economic growth.

If you want to learn a little bit more about why Barak Obama is wrong about on increasing corporate tax rates and tax rates in general tax a look at this article put out by the Wall Street Journal today giving a vivid example of how lower taxes will result in greater business investment in the United States. Higher taxes are never a solution to problems!

I also encourage you to take a look at the Fair Tax and some of the benefits that this new tax program would bring to the United States including increased domestic investment, trillions of dollars that would be reintroduced into the market, no penalty on hard work or high achievement, no penalty for making sound decisions in investing for your future, and no confusing tax forms each year to fill out. Plus you get to take home your entire pay check and can control your tax burden by making sound financial decisions. See how the following article relate and the FairTax at FairTax.org. You can also view my series on the Fair Tax from March and April of 2008.

Corporate Tax Cut Windfall - WSJ.com

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Obama's Tax Plan: Fairer or More Dangerous?

2008-07-01T12:53:00.007-05:00

Every Presidential election is about a new and fair tax plan for the country. Some Presidents prefer to increase taxes, some prefer to increase taxes, while others do little to nothing to change the current tax structure. The current tax structure to say the least is very difficult to understand and has well over 75,000 pages of regulations and the size of the tax policy is not likely to get smaller or simpler anytime soon unless Libertarian Bob Barr gets elected and gets the Fair Tax passed or Congress see's the light.

The Obama tax proposal overall will force $131 income redistribution from the top 1% of income payers to the lower 99%.

While many Americans may cheer this outcome as just or equitable, this sort of direct redistribution raises some important questions that should be part of a larger national discussion:
What is the long-term effect on the economy of so few households shouldering such a large share of the tax burden?
What are the consequences for our democratic system when a majority of Americans are disconnected from the full cost of government? Will that majority demand more from the government because they bear little of the cost?
Should the tax system be used as a means of redistributing income or simply as a neutral mechanism for raising money for government services? Can a tax system premised on redistribution also be compatible with economic growth?
The Obama plan assumes little behavioral change from such a large tax hike on high-income workers. Is this realistic or will the higher rates encourage tax minimization strategies and reduced work effort, which will lead to lower tax revenues?
The Tax Policy Center has done the public a service by putting hard numbers on the candidates' tax plans and bringing a dose of reality to the political rhetoric. While it is easy for the press and voters to consider only "What's in it for me?," there are larger issues raised by these findings that deserve more public discussion.

Many will not have a problem with the government forcefully taking more money from the rich and giving to the poor but I for one have major contention with this issue. Taking more money from the rich and giving it to the poor will result in greater oppression of upper income families and their equal rights under the law. This is not the ideal of a free society. This is a similar course of the Communists in Soviet Russia, Fascists in Nazi Germany, Communists in Castro's Cuba, and the dictators of the Middle East.

When people become further disconnected from the cost of government they demand more from their government without concern for the impacts on their liberties. A government with the capacity to give you everything is a government that has the capacity to take every freedom away.

Not to mention the negative impact economically on our country from continued high corporate tax rates which hinder the development of job growth, foster the transfer of business overseas, and keep trillions of dollars of assets out of the American economy in overseas tax shelters.

If America ever hopes to regain the foundations of freedoms dreamed by the founding fathers and prescribed in the Constitution we need to pass the Fair Tax immediately. To find out more on the Fair Tax you can view my series from March and April of 2008 or visit FairTax.org. The Fair Tax will promote economic growth and job growth not seen in the history of the United States and that would rival China's growth. People would not longer be taxed for working harder or having higher goals.

The income and payroll taxes are not the mark of a free society. The current "heavy progressive or graduated income tax system" takes its founding from none other than Karl Marx, the founder of Communist ideology, as written in the Communist Manifesto. This is the second step of ten to form a Communist state. Wouldn't he be proud?

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To read the rest of the article on Barak Obama's dangerous tax plan visit The Tax Foundation.

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"I think the terror most people are concerned with is the IRS. "
-Malcolm Forbes, when asked if he was afraid of terrorism

Quote of the Day: Liberty, Not Democracy

2008-06-30T14:30:00.000-05:00

Today's quote of the day is actually two of my favorite quote's about this countries governmental system, a constitutional republic not a democracy.

Our country's founders cherished liberty, not democracy.
--Ron Paul

Democracy is a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance.
--H.L. Mencken

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This is a curious set of quote's since we hear democracy used a lot today. Whether if it was spreading democracy to the Middle East by force of arms or politicians plea for greater democracy in the American form of government, the term democracy is thrown around dangerously by politicians and the media.

To understand this quote by Republican House member Ron Paul is true it would be pertinent to know what democracy is. Democracy is in the simplest sense mob rule. It is sometimes known as "mobocracy." Democracy is a form of government where the majority rules and the minority is neglected and is hence very dangerous for those who disagree with the majority. Democracy allows those in the majority to push their will upon those who have different opinions on governmental power, religious preferences, or moral compass. This is the most dangerous aspect of a democracy. A democracy is no better or less tyranical than dictatorships. Wikipedia has a pretty good run through of the history of "mobocracies."

A constional republic according to Wikipedia is:

A constitutional republic is a state where the head of state and other officials are elected as representatives of the people, and must govern according to existing constitutiona law that limits the government's power over citizens. In a constitutional republic, executive, legislative, and judicial powers are seperated into distinct branches and the will of the majority of the population is tempered by protections for individual so that no individual or group has absolute power. The fact that a constitution exists that limits the government's power makes the state constitutional. That the head(s) of state and other officials are chosen by election, rather than inheriting their positions, and that their decisions are subject to judicial review makes a state republican.

I believe it is quite clear now why the founding fathers cherished Liberty, not democracy. H.L. Mencken could not have said it more clearly that "Democracy is a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance." Democracy assumes that the right will be achieved by the will of the majority no matter how stupid or ignorant the individuals who make up the majority are. The US made this assumption when they pushed for Palestinian free and fair elections that resulted in the election of Hamas officials.

Perhaps I can make this clearer. Choose any issue in your mind and for my sake I will take something trivial to prove my point. I want to create a law that says all people between the ages of 18-25 are not permitted to wear baseball hats from dawn until dusk. I go an campaign to the people and society starts to take my view for whatever reason. Now it is election time and my movement passes with a clear majority (60%-40%). Now people between the ages of 18-25 are not permitted to wear hats duruing the daylight hours, something no doubt that most of you would consider unreasonable. However because the majority has spoken it has become law. This is a clear example of the downfall of democracy.

While the previous example may seem trivial the position can be taken in many different directions including outlawing different religions, personal choices, or a different moral compass. This was the idea our founding fathers were most concerned with. They realized that the will of the majority was just as tyrannical as the monarch they had split with or the dictators of the world today. Remember that some of the worlds greatest tyrants have come forth due to democratic practices including Hitler, Chavez, and the Presidents of Iran.

Liberty and Democracy are not one in the same. Democracy seeks the will of the majority while liberty seeks the protection of the majority. The founding fathers understood this quite clearly. I am unsure if today's leaders remember this lesson.

Today we are coming to a point where the majority are pushing their will upon the minority. Every member of society must be protected from these whims no matter how rich or poor, weak or strong, or any other measure of difference.

Today's politicians, generally those from the left but also from the right, are pushing policies that seek to abrogate the rights of minorities because of the will of the majority. Liberals push for higher taxes on the minority who have had great success to benefit those who have made poor decisions. Conservatives push for the continual denial of personal rights they deem morally wrong. These are just few of many examples of the danger of those seekinig more democracy. The abrogation of minorities rights due to the will of the majority who seek greater benefits or in their view a society of greater morality. I will conclude with one final quote that brings much light to this disucssion by Alexander Tytler author of Decline and Fall of the Athenian Republic.

A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until voters discover...they can vote themselves [benefits] from the public treasury. From that moment, the majority always votes for candidates promising them the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy, always followed by a dictatorship.

Ron Paul, Alexander Tytler, and H.L. Mecnken understand the danger that greater democracy brings. Too bad politicians today do not realize the same or perhaps they do. You make the call.

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Our country's founders cherished liberty, not democracy.
--Ron Paul

Democracy is a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance.
--H.L. Mencken

Bob Barr: Energy Policy and ANWR

2008-06-28T17:23:00.001-05:00

Check out what Libertarian Presidential nominee Bob Barr has to say about our energy policy and the energy policy of other candidates.

Bob Barr Says U.S. Must Cut United Nations Role and Budget — Bob Barr 2008

2008-06-27T15:52:00.002-05:00

The United Nations is an overpayed and overhyped international organization that has failed to take action on many of the world's problems.

On this day in 1945 the U.S. and other countries signed the United Nations Charter. Unfortunately, “the UN has been an enormous disappointment,” says Libertarian Party presidential candidate Bob Barr. “The U.S. should push to roll back the UN’s functions and slash America’s financial contribution.”

The United Nations since its inception has not sought to fulfill a role in resolving international problems. Instead it has tried to invade the sovereignty of individual countries and is continually trying to usurp governmental authority.

The UN does not uphold the principles of the United States. For example, the United Nations has placed tyrants on the boards of Human Right's Abuse, which has made the effectiveness of the organization a complete joke.

Expectations for the UN initially were high: before the signing, President Harry S. Truman said “At no time in history has there been a more important Conference than this one.” Obviously, “President Truman had no sense of history,” notes Barr. “America’s constitutional convention always had a much better claim to that honor.”

Read the whole article here: Bob Barr Says U.S. Must Cut United Nations Role and Budget — Bob Barr 2008

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Quote of the Day: Live for Yourself

2008-06-27T13:15:00.002-05:00

Just as life is an end in itself, so every living human being is an end in himself, not the means to the ends or the welfare of others - and, therefore, man must live for his own sake, neither sacrificing himself to others nor sacrificing others to himself.--Ayn Rand

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This quote is hard for liberals, socialists, and statists to understand for some reason. "Every living human being is an end in himself..." What does that mean?

This is another way of saying that every individual is liable for their own successes and failures in life. It is their decisions that will influence the direction of their life in either a positive or negative direction. Personal decisions will dictate the course of every individuals life.

Liberals, socialists, and statists will tell you that your course in life is dictated almost entirely by the outside influences of the greedy, the corrupt, and the tie that holds both of those together, the rich. They argue that it is the rich in society that holds people down. But the question is how did these people become rich. Many were not born into privelged homes, or had money given to them by a friend or family member. The rich in society have worked hard and made proper decisions that have landed themselves in the position they are in.

Is it societies fault that a teenager becomes pregnant or is it a result of poor personal decision? Is it societies fault that people succomb to drug and alcohol abuse or is it poor decision? Is it societies doing that makes some individuals rich and others poor? The answer to all of this is a resounding no!

Relying on the others for your success will always lead to disappointment and a maintenance of your current level in life. Government programs in the same sense cannot bring wealth or success. Wealth and success are an achievement of personal sacrifice, sound choices, and realization that achievement of individuals is the result of personal responsibility.

In other words, your destiny is fully in your control!

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Just as life is an end in itself, so every living human being is an end in himself, not the means to the ends or the welfare of others - and, therefore, man must live for his own sake, neither sacrificing himself to others nor sacrificing others to himself.--Ayn Rand

Video: Bob Barr on Glenn Beck

2008-06-26T00:15:00.000-05:00

Libertarian Presidential Nominee Bob Barr appeared on the Glenn Beck Show on June 25, 2008. Here is a excerpt from the interview.

“What I am doing, and what I intend to do though the remaining months of this campaign, is raise the issues that neither of the two major party candidates are raising. Questions and issues that go to the fundamental nature of why government has gotten so big, why its spending so much money, why its invading our privacy, why we are seeing court decisions like [Kennedy v. Louisana]. These are issues that are important to the American people, not the issues being discussed by Senator McCain and Senator Obama.” - Bob Barr

Bob Barr (L): On Glenn Beck Again Tonight (7 PM EDT)

2008-06-25T17:46:00.005-05:00

Barr now becoming a regular guest

Libertarian presidential candidate Bob Barr will appear on the Glenn Beck Show again tonight, Wednesday, June 25 at 7:00pm EDT. The program will run again at 9pm and 12am EDT. As many of you know, Glenn Beck has been very helpful in allowing Bob to bring the Libertarian message to the mainstream media, so be sure to watch!

To see Barr's first interview click here.

To see Barr's last time on the Glenn Beck show visit here.

Quote of the Day: Government Intervention

2008-06-25T17:00:00.005-05:00

Government never furthered any enterprise but by the alacrity with which it got out of its way.
-Henry David Thoreau

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This is perhaps my favorite quote I have done to date about the fallibility of government in furthering the quality of enterprises which it seeks to engage in. As H.L. Mencken so appropriately stated "Government is the worst failure of civilized man."

Governments throughout history have attempted to create greater equality, greater social justice, a greater economy, and a wide range of other issues. By and large they have failed. Communists have the dream of creating greater equality and social justice among the populace with government controlled industry and they did, but by creating poverty instead of a quality standard of living. Communist governments around the world failed to accomplish their task and have collapsed. Others still are very fragile. China recognized the problems of government controlled industry and have transferred many of their enterprises over to private industry loosening their control on economic decisions. In turn their economy has seen the longest and fastest growth rate in history. China is still a very fragile power today because of other reasons like the restriction on speech, increasing income disparity, and the Taiwan issue.

The US is a scene that can be picked out very clearly. Since the introduction of programs like MediCare and MediCaid the cost of healthcare has increased by several thousand percent. Government regulations prohibiting drilling, refining, nuclear power, and coal power have increased our dependence on foreign oil sources and increased prices. Windfall profit taxes insituted by Jimmy Carter decreased domestic oil production. Social Security has decreased the ability of Americans to save effectively for retirement. The income tax system has hindered economic growth, decreased job productions, removed the benefits of hard work, and has made America a debtors society. The War on Drugs has resulted in increased crime, increased government expenditure, and increase drug use.

The only way government has succeded in furthering enterprise is by getting out of the way of its development.

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Government never furthered any enterprise but by the alacrity with which it got out of its way.
-Henry David Thoreau

Petition to Stop the Fairness Doctrine: Liberals Answer to the Problem of Free Speech

2008-06-25T10:53:00.006-05:00

The Fairness Doctrine was an act of Congress that made sure that when one view point was expressed on the radio that the radio station gave opposite and equal air time to the issue as well in an effort to be "fair." The Fairness Doctrine was repealed by Ronald Regan and since then talk radio has flourished but much to liberals dismay it has been overwhelmingly conservative, about 91% right leaning.

From the Media Research Center:

The Issue:
Once again, liberal leaders are pushing the so-called “Fairness Doctrine” to silence conservative leaders like Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and Mark Levin. Their goal is clear -- silence conservative speech over the radio airwaves. Read MRC’s Special Report: Unmasking The Fairness Doctrine (.pdf)

Help Declare Radio Independence Day!

The Media Research Center is leading the effort to expose and defeat these efforts. The Broadcaster Freedom Act (H.R. 2905) -- a bill in Congress that would ban permanently the so-called “Fairness Doctrine.” -- is stalled in Congress. We want to rally 100,000 signers by July 4th so we can press every member of Congress to go on record on this vital First Amendment issue.

NOTE: The “Broadcaster Freedom Act” is currently stuck in committee. Sign this petition urging Congress to bring this bill to a vote by July 4th! -- "Radio Independence Day"

The Petition States

I am signing this petition to urge members of Congress to bring the Broadcaster Freedom Act (HR. 2905) to a floor vote.

In addition, I am joining with other Americans who are standing against any and all efforts to censor, limit, or restrain the right of conservatives to participate freely in the marketplace of ideas through the “Fairness Doctrine” or similar legislative and bureaucratic efforts. I also call on the media to provide fair and balanced reporting on this issue. Our nation was built upon free and open discourse.

I will not tolerate attempts to silence conservative leaders and citizens.

Sign the petition here.

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The Fairness Doctrine is a clear violation of freedom of speech. The Act eliminates the right of a person to earn a living in a way they desire to without due cause. Liberals have overwhelmingly taken over other means of news dissemination including news paper, major television news broadcasters, and magazines. The Fairness Doctrine is instituted again will eliminate talk radio with the exception of a brief few. Liberals by and large have not been able to start successful talk radio programing not because of regulation prohibiting their programming but because of the free market as broadcasters have pushed out poorly rated programing.

I urge you to sign the petition sponsored by the Media Research Center to show Congress the support for the Broadcasters Freedom Act and make your declaration!

Global Warming: Suing NonBelievers

2008-06-24T11:09:00.004-05:00

Global warming has become highly politicized in recent years with the likes of global warming alarmist Al Gore and environmentalists. This politicization has hampered American efforts to use readily available and economically viable energy solutions to reduce the price of energy now. The politicization has likewise hampered American ability to decrease our dependence on foreign energy sources and force us to continue paying countries who despise us and support terrorism.

If one man gets his way energy prices will go higher when he attempts to sue fossil fuel companies for "high crimes against humanity and nature." This man is James Hansen who spoke 20 years ago to Congress about the dangers of global warming (see the PDF transcript of the testimony here). He is speaking before Congress again testifying that large fossil fuel entities like Exxon and Peabody Energy have spread knowingly misleading information about anthropogenic global warming.

Despite significant evidence to the contrary Dr. Hansen, head of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, is calling for members of Congress who have doubts about the truth of global warming or a shaky history on the support for global warming legislation to be unseated.

Like most environmentalists, Dr Hansen is hoping to stop our use of America's most abundant energy source, coal. He also advocates supporting the "creation of a huge grid of low-loss electric power lines buried under ground and spread across America, in order to give wind and solar power a chance of competing."

His energy plan would most likely be funded by the public and cost us billions dollars not to mention the economic devastation that would occur if he gets his way and gets America's next president to support the Kyoto Protocol.

Dr. Hansen like other environmentalists notably Al Gore say that global warming is without a doubt true and nonbelievers of this phenomenon should be ostracized for their beliefs despite continuing studies against anthropogenic induced global warming.

Click here to read the full article on Guardian News.

Global Warming and The Sun

2008-06-24T10:43:00.003-05:00

NASA scientists have linked increased solar activity to the heating of earth's atmosphere. This is not really new news, only a confirmation that the global warming phenomenon Al Gore, global warming alarmist, speaks about is much more questionable and debatable than he would like you to know.

"It has become clear in recent years that coronal heating is a highly dynamic process, but inconsistencies between observations and theoretical models have been a major source of heartburn. We have now discovered two possible solutions to this dilemma: energy is released impulsively with the right mix of particle acceleration and direct heating, or energy is released gradually very close to the solar surface," says James Klimchuk, an astrophysicist at the Goddard Space Flight Center's Solar Physics Laboratory in Greenbelt, Md. Klimchuk will present his team's findings on May 29 at the American Geophysical Union conference in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl.

X-rays and ultraviolet radiation from the solar corona affect Earth and its atmosphere. For satellites, this can be a real drag--literally. As Earth's atmosphere gets hotter, it expands and becomes denser at high altitudes. When this happens, satellites experience more drag, which changes their orbits. Accurately predicting this "space weather" gives satellite operators more time to respond to or avert problems that could potentially cause interruptions and outages.

To read the whole article click here.

This story was brought to my attention by Further Adventures of Indigo Red.

Quote of the Day: Let the Guilty Go Free

2008-06-23T09:33:00.004-05:00

It is more dangerous that even a guilty person should be punished without the forms of law than that he should escape. --Thomas Jefferson

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Have you ever heard the saying, "Well they got off on a technicality?" Then the person might add on something to the extent of "well put them in jail anyway," because the evidence exists that they are guilty. Other similar instances include the crime being so heinous that people say forget the trial and just lock them away. Thomas Jefferson and the founders realized this problem from their own experiences in imperial England where people were arrested and convicted without due process.

The founders found this problem to be of such importance that half of the Bill of Rights (5 of the first 10 Amendments) dealt with this problem. Here is a list of the 1st 10 Amendments and links to their reading.

The administration of justice is one of the primary roles of government along with the insurance of rights to the individual to life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. While some people may get away with crimes they did commit, these "technicalities" presented in the Constitution ensure the protection of individuals from the corruption and whims of government. It is more dangerous that an innocent person could go to jail, lose their freedoms, and right to life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness than a guilty man going free.

This concept is not hard to understand. A government that is not limited in the pursuit of justice is a government that can take life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness away without question and without mode for recourse.

If we cannot ensure the the rights of the innocent than let the guilty go free for the opposite is most vile!

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It is more dangerous that even a guilty person should be punished without the forms of law than that he should escape. --Thomas Jefferson

Bob Barr Speaks with MobLogic.tv

2008-06-21T00:48:00.002-05:00

Check out this interview of Libertarian Presidential Nominee speaking out on the erosion of personal liberties in contemporary American society and a lighthearted bit about his eye catching mustache. You can visit the site here.

To find out more on Bob Barr visit BobBarr2008.com.

Quote of the Day: Welfare and Ethics

2008-06-20T14:22:00.001-05:00

A major topic of many politicians in contemporary America is the need for welfare and wealth redistribution. I urge you, especially those who believe in these programs, to consider the thoughts of the principle writer of the ideals of the Constitution.

To compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves and abhors, is sinful and tyrannical.--Thomas Jefferson

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Contemporary American political discourse is no longer about ensuring the freedoms of individual choice but rather satisfying the masses with generous benefits from the public treasury. Democrats and many Republicans (for the sake here I will say Progressives a category liberals, socialists, fascists, and communists all fall into) propagate ideas about forms of wealth redistribution. Some agree with these thoughts, generally the beneficiary of the programs and some oppose them. This is the natural course of opinions in politics.

Progressives will say that it is wrong that we have people making millions and people making next to nothing and that something must be done to remedy the situation. It is somehow immoral how people succeed while others fail and that these "less fortunate" people are deserving of help from the public at large. This comes though at the expense of the "fortunate".

I despise these words "fortunate" and "less fortunate" and I know I have gone into this before but let me revisit this for a moment. It is without a doubt that some people are born into more privileged situations wealth, loving parents, attentive parents, large family, large house, well educated family, or any number of other things. Even with those who have been born into any number of privileged situations, the decisions the person makes dictate the success of their life. Any person who makes sound decisions can have success. Those who make poor decisions will face the other fate. "Fortunate" and "less fortunate" are words Progressives use in order to elicit the idea that position in society is based off of luck instead of personal decision in order to gain favorability with the masses.

Progressives will state in their argument that it is unethical not to help these people. Well I would not disagree, but the help should come at the hands of private charity. Why not government? Thomas Jefferson has said it perfectly "To compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves and abhors, is sinful and tyrannical."

The founding fathers of our country would be dismayed to learn that private charity has been taken over by governmental programs that the Constitution has specifically set aside to the States and private charity. Take a look at the 10th Amendment and read the rest of the Constitution, which specifically limits federal government limit to defense, international affairs, protection of individual choice, and the administration of justice. The founding fathers recognized the ills that would be brought on by governmental social welfare programs and how they would eventually erode the protections of the Constitution and bring about tyranny to Americans similar to that of the British Crown and modern powers such as those in the Middle East, communist countries, fascist countries, and socialist countries.

To force a person to give for a purpose of, which they disagree aside from the basic functions of government as listed out specifically in the US Constitution, is entirely unethical. It is the equivalence of theft. I do not know another term that correctly describes forceful collection of wealth for the benefit of another. What would you call forcefully taking money from another person or entity? Those who support the taking of this money are nothing but common criminals using the guise of benevolence to hide their ambitions. This is not done out of compassion but instead power.

Thomas Jefferson is completely right and as the principal writer of the US Constitution he sought to ensure with the 10th Amendment and the specific delegation of powers to the federal government that this unethical practice could not be undertaken legally by national politicians. Despotism arises from the evils of dictatorships and totalitarian regimes. There is no doubt about this. But without question, despotism can also arise at the hands of governmental social welfare programs and the forced collection of wealth for the purposes of distribution to ideas that oppose your own beliefs.

Governmental sponsored social welfare is a crime against individualism, personal choice, and is the new form of despotism in America today. Government forced social welfare is a crime on the same level as theft or burglary. Those who purport to support individual liberty and personal choice cannot in good faith, by any means, support government sponsored social welfare.

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To compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves and abhors, is sinful and tyrannical.--Thomas Jefferson

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Bob Barr: The Candidate of Change

2008-06-20T00:00:00.004-05:00

Libertarian Presidential Nominee Bob Barr is the only real nominee for change from the status quo. John McCain and Barack Obama favor politics as usual in contemporary American politics. The two party system has hindered American choice and enlarged the size of the federal government in an attempt to keep others out of the picture. Bob Barr favors elimination of the IRS, replacement of the tax system with the Fair Tax, reduction in federal spending, balancing the budget, and personal choice. Barr's campaign platform is the Constitution of the United States.

Libertarian presidential nominee Bob Barr offers actual change. He has not only renounced the two-party system, the Patriot Act and the Defense of Marriage Act, he’s worked with the libertarian party, the ACLU and the NRA to undo decades of damage to our civil liberties.

There is much to be said for someone so entrenched in the system to not only admit wrong, but to take initiative in correcting it. This is not something we can say for John McCain or [Barack] Obama, both of whom voted to fund the war and extend the Patriot Act.

Unlike Obama or McCain, who Barr rightly calls a vote for business-as-usual, he is committed to addressing our dependence on foreign oil, the falling value of our dollar and the $58 trillion the two-party system would have our grandchildren pay off. Barr is the only major contender willing to do this by addressing the cause of these problems — not the pretend causes. Barr offers real hope and actual change by unifying us as Americans, as citizens with unalienable rights and a servant government.

The sooner we embrace this vision, the sooner it will be achieved.

Read the article here in the Norwich Bulletin.

Quote of the Day: A Study of Dependency and Contemporary American Enslavement

2008-06-19T15:00:00.007-05:00

I will be starting a new feature on my blog. Every weekday I will post a quote of the day (QOD) and will examine this quote in the current political context and in some cases historical context. I will cover great thinkers like Ayn Rand, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, and many more.

I hope you enjoy this new feature.

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The man who attempts to live for others is a dependent. He is a parasite in motive and makes parasites of those he serves. The relationship produces nothing but mutual corruption. It is impossible in concept. The nearest approach to it in reality -- the man who lives to serve others -- is the slave. If physical slavery is repulsive, how much more repulsive is the concept of servility of the spirit. The conquered slave has a vestige of honor. He has the merit of having resisted and of considering his condition evil. But the man who enslaves himself voluntarily in the name of love is the basest of creatures. He degrades the dignity of man, and he degrades the conception of love. But that is the essence of altruism. --Ayn Rand

Enslavement to the Crown

American history has a rich heritage of the enslavement of people of all races, cultures, and genders. The first slavery was servitude to the crown of a tyrannical government. Read the Declaration of Independence from start to finish and analyze the document. You may be surprised if you have never read it before in this context. The Declaration of Independence was a Declaration from Enslavement from big and oppressive government to allow all people to chose their own individual path of success free from the tyranny government brings.

Today most Americans do not realize the enslavement capabilities of a big government that was supposed to be a beneficial dictatorship. This was the first story of slavery in American history. Americans like Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, George Washington, and the like fought to overthrow the enslavement of men to the oppressive British crown. Because of their resistance to the enslavement of man to a tyrannical and oppressive government we have had the opportunity to devise our freedom today.

Black Slavery

The second enslavement is where men and women were forced to work without compensation or mercy. This was the forced servitude of blacks. This time is an embarrassment in the history of the United States and violated the founding principles of our country in which "all me are created equal" and of individual liberty. The end of formal forced servitude was not the end of slavery.

Blacks were forced to like separate from society at the hands of a government that said forced separation and discrimination was fine. The leading from of this enslavement was from liberals and progressives. Blacks were still enslaved but this time it was a slave to law that prevented equality. Blacks and other groups have fought for and achieved a climate where equality is the norm today. Denying that forms of racism and prejudice still exist is idiocy, but by in large, minority groups in the United States have the freedom to choose their own path and live in freedom.

Dependency

Today's enslavement is perhaps the worst in American history. Today we have politicians such as Barak Obama, Hillary Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, John McCain, and many others who have enslaved themselves to the idea of dependency on government to increase their power. These people enslave the masses with fantastic oratory and rhetoric about change, a 'Third Way,' or hope.

Breaking this idea down. "The man who attempts to live for others is a dependent. He is a parasite in motive and makes parasites of those he serves. The relationship produces nothing but mutual corruption." Barak Obama clearly lives for others preaching for equality. Barak Obama's equality is not equality in treatment or under the law but instead equality of wealth and possessions. He has become a parasite feeding off of the masses to acquire power and votes whom he enslaves to lives of dependency and fear.

In turn the people become parasites on societies enslaved to government handouts at the hands of those who work hard and make coherent choices in their lives. These people voluntarily enslave themselves to lives of dependency: mentally, financially, and spiritually. Take an objective look at any Barak "The Messiah" Obama rally with people fainting in his presence and believing every word of his hope and change by creating a United States of Dependency and Oppression. Barak Obama (or any other dependency loving politician) and his faithful masses have become corrupt. The live on the idea that government and society owe them their living. Living for others "is impossible in concept. The nearest approach to it in reality -- the man who lives to serve others -- is the slave."

Ayn Rand concluded, "if physical slavery is repulsive, how much more repulsive is the concept of servility of the spirit. The conquered slave has a vestige of honor. He has the merit of having resisted and of considering his condition evil. But the man who enslaves himself voluntarily in the name of love is the basest of creatures. He degrades the dignity of man, and he degrades the conception of love. But that is the essence of altruism." Barak Obama (or any other politician preaching dependency) has enslaved himself and consequentially enslaved the masses that follow him. The masses have not resisted but have succumbed to ideas of servility Obama preaches. They have not resisted and have not considered that they are willingly relinquishing their freedoms. These people are degrade their dignity and degrade American principles of indivuduality, small government, and freedom of choice.

Billions of people around the world live in governments where they have not freedoms and are willing to fight for their freedom. Iraqi's are fighting for their freedoms after decades of tyranny and in some cases acts of benevolence to buy their acquiescence. Afghani's are doing the same. Citizens of Venezuela are becoming increasingly disgusted with the control-all dictator Hugo Chavez. Millions of people in the countries in the Middle East North Africa region have offered their citizens many of the same benefits that the Democrats and some Republicans, I should just say liberals, are preaching today to solidify their power.

Forced enslavement of man is no doubt evil but those who are forced into servitude have at least resisted. Those who enslave themselves to the whims of politicians have given their mind, spirit, and soul to those who seek only more power. Those who have enslaved themselves to the rhetoric of politicians along with those who enslave them are the clearest definition of a parasite. Each entity leeches off the other. Both become increasingly corrupt as they feed off of the benefits of the other and of society at large.

You make the call, "If physical slavery is repulsive, how much more repulsive is the concept of servility of the spirit?"

Over 1,000,000 Signee's - Add Your Signature Now

2008-06-19T11:19:00.003-05:00

As of 11:20 AM CDT over 1,000,000 American citizens have signed the petition to Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less.

We have trillions of barrels of oil in the United States, more than any other country in the world. We have over 3 times the oil than Saudi Arabia. Make your declaration to Congress to lift regulations of drilling and refining.

The petition is picking up steam. Americans are fed up with high oil and gas prices. We need to do everything possible to lower energy prices and this is the first step. Make your declaration!

Almost 950,000 Americans

2008-06-18T23:33:00.002-05:00

Newt Gingrich founder of AmericanSolutions.com has started a bi-partisan grassroots movement to show Congress that Americans support a sound energy policy that lifts regulations on drilling in the United States, which could become the premier supplier of oil in the world. So far almost 950,000 Americans have signed the Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less petition. What are you waiting for?

America has the largest oil resources in the world with over 10 billion barrels of oil in ANWR, billions more off of America's coastline, and nearly 1 trillion barrels of oil in oil shale in Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado that is currently under Congressional regulations that prohibit drilling.

Sign Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less and make your declaration!

Al Gore: Hypocrite or Nonbeliever?

2008-06-18T10:26:00.005-05:00

Have you ever heard the old saying that actions speak louder than words. Clearly Al Gore has not. Former Vice President, Presidential Nominee, and global warming alarmist Al Gore clearly has not, either that or he is really just a hypocrite or nonbeliever of global warming.

“A man’s commitment to his beliefs is best measured by what he does behind the closed doors of his own home,” said Drew Johnson, President of the Tennessee Center for Policy Research. “Al Gore is a hypocrite and a fraud when it comes to his commitment to the environment, judging by his home energy consumption.”

In the past year, Gore’s home burned through 213,210 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity, enough to power 232 average American households for a month.

Al Gore as is well known made an award winning documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, and went on to win a Nobel Peace Price on what many climatologists and meteorologists will tell you is soft science. A New Zealand court stated multiple major falsehoods that were portrayed in the movie and urged Al Gore to give back his Emmy for Best Documentary. Had Al Gore created a drama it would have been fine but a documentary indicates that the information presented is factual.

The Tennessee Center for Policy Research uncovered that Gore’s Nashville home guzzled 20 times more electricity than the average American household.

After the Tennessee Center for Policy Research exposed Gore’s massive home energy use, the former Vice President scurried to make his home more energy-efficient. Despite adding solar panels, installing a geothermal system, replacing existing light bulbs with more efficient models, and overhauling the home’s windows and ductwork, Gore now consumes more electricity than before the “green” overhaul.

Since taking steps to make his home more environmentally-friendly last June, Gore devours an average of 17,768 kWh per month –1,638 kWh more energy per month than before the renovations – at a cost of $16,533. By comparison, the average American household consumes 11,040 kWh in an entire year, according to the Energy Information Administration.

So what is Al Gore's motives? Are they really an attempt to change the world and stop a phenomenon that is highly debated among academics? I would contend that Al Gore is motivated by profit and power. Al Gore has become a god among environmentalists and liberals. Liberals throughout history have created situations of overhyped danger in an attempt to garner power from Hitler to JFK. Now I am not comparing Gore to Hitler. That would be pure ignorance. I am comparing tactics used by both men to garner more power by creating fear among the masses in an attempt to garner power and stature.

Gore's other motive: Money! "Gore saw his personal wealth increase by an estimated $100 million thanks largely to speaking fees and investments related to global warming hysteria." That's right Al Gore is getting rich off of soft science and fear mongering.

Now I am a free market guy and clearly some people want to waste their money to give him a nice house and a private jet so I am fine with that, but stop calling this guy a saint or savior of the world. He is not. Al Gore is a hypocrite and elitist at best if he does believe what he is saying. At worst though Al Gore is a nonbeliever garnering political power and wealth. Either way, Al Gore is hindering the United States from expanding and utilizing our own energy resources in the name of global warming, a soft science.

To finish reading the article by the Tennessee Center for Policy Reasearch click here.

No Excuse: Drill Now

2008-06-17T10:02:00.004-05:00

I have heard numerous times in the past several days that if the US were to start drilling now that the gas would come down only 1.8 cents per gallon. These politicians usually Democrats are then quick to bring up that we have only 2% of the worlds known reserves. Well they are only partially right. We have only 2% of the worlds reserves that are currently tapped or can be tapped.

The rest of the truth is that in Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming we have oil shale that is fully extractable and economically viable to do so. In this oil shale we have contained by conservative estimates 3 times the oil that Saudi Arabia has 21% of the world's known oil reserves and will last for another 80 years at the current rate. Somehow this math does not add up. So what's the deal? Simple, Democrats are not about bringing down prices now with practical means that can be developed. Democrats are trying to change our lives.

Development of the oil shale has come profitable at $95 a barrel but new techniques that Shell has successfully developed and tested allows for oil shale extraction around $25 a barrel. Simply stated: We have no excuse not to open up drilling around the United States as part of a complete energy plan to bring down oil prices right now and work toward energy independence.

We can't drill now though because it remains illegal to do so.

Yet, buried in a Department of Interior appropriations bill passed in December 2007 was an amendment that prevented establishing regulations for leasing land to drill for oil shale. The House passed that amendment, proposed by Rep. Mark Udall of Colorado, on June 27, 2007, by a vote of 219-215.

On May 15, 2008 in a 15-14 vote, the Senate Appropriations Committee rejected an amendment by Sen. Wayne Allard (R-CO) to allow oil shale drilling and overturn the Udall moratorium.

To finish reading the article.

Sign the Petition: Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less.

Sources

(1) RAND. Infrastructure, Safety, and Environment. 2005.
(2) AmericanSolutions.com

Nationalizing Oil?

2008-06-16T20:12:00.002-05:00

A recent Rasmussen Reports poll indicates that only 47% of Americans favor not nationalizing oil. 29% favor nationalization and about a quarter of Americans are not sure. Nationalization of industry is a dangerous practice of totalitarian governments, governments like Soviet Russia, Communist China, and Socialist Venezuela. This to say the least is a scary thought. By a similar margin more Americans trust private industry as opposed to government intervention to lower oil prices.

Hugo Chavez in Venezuela has nationalized oil production. What have been the effect? Simply, declining production and wells falling into disrepair. This is in short the effect of nationalizing an industry. Another example comes from a teacher I had for US History in 8th grade. She visited Russia many times in the 1990's after the fall of the USSR. She was visiting a family and looking at some family portraits. She noticed as the children grew older the nails holding the frames grew larger as well. She asked the family why this was. The family replied that in Soviet Russia businesses were told they had to produce a certain weight of nails and then they could call it a day. In effort to speed up the day they produced fewer larger nails while decreasing the quality and usefulness of the product.

Nationalizing has an effect of reducing efficiency and quality of the product because the government is not motivated by profit. The evidence for this is on display in Venezuela where nationalizing the industry has seen declining oil production. In a free market economy where oil can be bought and sold, nationalizing oil would increase the price because of the reduction in quantity that would result. Nationalization of the oil industry is not the answer.

Nationalization may cut out the profits companies seek but in return the government will become a monopoly. Without competition in the market, the demand for higher efficiency in the drilling and refining process will decline and prices will rise. The government will not be forced to compete for survivability, which in all cases has resulted in higher prices.

Finish reading the story here.

Why a Libertarian?

2008-06-16T00:11:00.009-05:00

When discussing politics the usual sides are conservative and liberal, or Democrat and Republican. Most people consider politics to be linear ranging from totalitarian government (fascism, communism, or more generally statism) on the far left, to liberalism, then moderates, conservatives, and anarchists. Most tend to forget the latter because a traditional form of government and politics does not exist.

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

Political Diamond

I contend that the political sides are not linear but rather a diamond. The bottom corner represents statism, the two side corners liberalism and conservatism, and the top corner libertarian with the center area being a centrist or moderate with slight tendencies towards one of the extremes or corners.

Statism as previously discussed represents big government at its most extreme. A government where economic and personal liberties are eroded for the benefit of the community (fascism, communism, and totalitarianism fit into this category). Liberalism and conservatism are a bit hypocritical and confused. Both political leanings have big government and small government leanings. Liberals generally seek a maximization of personal liberties (not legislating morality such as marriage, drug use, abortion, and etc.) while neglecting economic liberties favoring higher taxes and welfare programs to act as a safety net on society. Conservatives are the opposite favoring economic liberties while imposing morality legislation on personal liberties. Conservatives favor lower taxes, a strong military, a free market, and oppose social welfare programs.

Libertarians on the other hand favor minimal government intrusion into people's lives economically or personally. We view it as unethical to forcefully take money from one social groups pockets and put it in another in the name of social justice. To make it simple, libertarians are generally pro-choice everything, strongly favor the free market, favor a laissez faire form of government, and view government as a necessary evil with a few specific functions. These functions are in the most general terms policies that protect individual liberties and choice, a common defense, and the administration of justice.

Why am I a Libertarian?

Simple, life is a precious gift! Life is too short and every individual should be free to live their life in whatever manner they choose as long as they do not engage in activities that would take another persons right to live their life in the way they choose. In essence, the forced imposition of your beliefs is immoral and unethical.

But what about the "less fortunate" (a phrase I despise)? "Less fortunate" is a phrase invented by socialists and liberals for the imposition of social welfare programs. "Less fortunate" is a term that implies that those who are well off have gotten lucky and those who are not well off have not been fortunate to have luck on their side. Off of my soapbox now.

As an individual you are free to engage in any activity you choose, whether positive or negative, so long as you do not impede another persons ability to live their life in their own manner. With that liberty you are also responsible for your own position in life, your failures, and your successes. This means that your position in life are brought upon by your own decisions in life. As with the force imposition of morality, the forced collection of money for the purposes of social welfare programs is unethical and immoral because the actions of one group impedes another groups right to live their life including the donation of goods and money to those who they chose to support.

The power to tax is the power to destroy.
--John Marshall

Surely government must institute laws to protect traditional values, right? Wrong. Each person should have the chance to develop their own personality and their own moral compass. Not everyone has the same religious, moral, or other beliefs. To be fair government must remain neutral on policies towards the legislation of morality.

So why am I a Libertarian? Life is too short and precious to remove individual choice and freedom whether through social welfare schemes that forcefully take from one and give to another, the legislation of morality that do not affect another's "life, liberty, or the pursuit of happiness," or economic limitations.

Conclusions

Government is a necessary evil and is the worst failure of civilized man to quote both Thomas Jefferson and H.L. Mencken.

Government's throughout history have largely proven to be failures where power becomes absolute and individual freedoms have been crushed. From the monarchies of Europe, to the liberal fascism that Hitler and Mussolini espoused, on to the Communists who preached for the collective, and governments who legislate religion onto the masses.

Government has proven through history to be a tool to enslave man mentally, economically, morally, and religiously. The founding fathers of the United States recognized these facts and created a country where individual and economic liberty should be cherished. Today though liberals espouse views that forcefully take money and livelihood from one groups labor to give it to another who have done little to nothing and conservatives who seek to legislate "traditional values" while neglecting other people's beliefs and morals; government has failed and been oppressive.

As P.J. O'Rourke has clearly stated, "A little government and a little luck are necessary in life, but only a fool trusts either of them." This is why I am a Libertarian.

Favorite Quote's

2008-06-13T13:40:00.015-05:00

From time to time I'll add some of my favorite quotes on the hypocrisy of liberals, government, individualism, and liberty to this post. I'll add a link on my sidebar so you can always find this page easily.

And to start off with: a quote to consider for my liberal readers.

They have gun control in Cuba. They have universal health care in Cuba. So why do they want to come here?
--Paul Harvey

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You can't Solve a Problem with the Thinking that Created the Problem.
--Albert Einstein

Liberals want the government to be your Mommy. Conservatives want government to be your Daddy. Libertarians want it to treat you like an adult.
--Andre Marrou

The evils of tyranny are rarely seen but by him who resists it.
--John Hay (1872)

Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of Liberty.
--Thomas Jefferson

We contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.
--Winston Churchill

If one rejects laissez faire on account of man's fallibility and moral weakness, one must for the same reason also reject every kind of government action.
--Ludwig von Mises

I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have.
--Thomas Jefferson

Politicians never accuse you of 'greed' for wanting other people's money --- only for wanting to keep your own money.
--Joseph Sobran

Everything that is really great and inspiring is created by the individual who can labor in freedom.
--Albert Einstein

I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty than those attending too small a degree of it.
--Thomas Jefferson

Perhaps the fact that we have seen millions voting themselves into complete dependence on a tyrant has made our generation understand that to choose one's government is not necessarily to secure freedom.
--Friedrich Hayek

If ye love wealth greater than liberty, the tranquility of servitude greater than the animating contest for freedom, go home from us in peace. We seek not your counsel, nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you. May your chains set lightly upon you and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen.
--Samuel Adams

A little government involvement is just as dangerous as a lot, because the first leads inevitably to the second.
--Harry Browne

It is sobering to reflect that one of the best ways to get yourself a reputation as a dangerous citizen these days is to go about repeating the very phrases which our founding fathers used in the struggle for independence.
--Charles A. Beard

The small minority of adults who are unable rather than unwilling to work, have to rely on voluntary charity; misfortune is not a claim to slave labor; there is no such thing as the right to consume, control, and destroy those without whom one would be unable to survive.
--Ayn Rand

The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions that I wish it to be always kept alive.
--Thomas Jefferson

There can be no such thing, in law or in morality, as actions forbidden to an individual, but permitted to a mob.
--Ayn Rand

Having federal officials, whether judges, bureaucrats, or congressmen, impose a new definition of marriage on the people is an act of social engineering profoundly hostile to liberty.
--Ron Paul

The threat posed by humans to the natural environment is nothing compared to the threat to humans posed by global environmental policy.
--Fred L. Smith (1992)

In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.
--Mohandas Gandhi

I can say - not as a patriotic bromide, but with full knowledge of the necessary metaphysical, epistemological, ethical, political, and aesthetic roots - that the United States of America is the greatest, the noblest and, in its original founding principles, the only moral country in the history of the world.
--Ayn Rand

Government is actually the worst failure of civilized man. There has never been a really good one, and even those that are most tolerable are arbitrary, cruel, grasping, and unintelligent. --H.L. Mencken

[Political] offices are as acceptable here as elsewhere, and whenever a man cast a longing eye on them, a rottenness begins in his conduct.
--Thomas Jefferson

The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government lest it come to dominate our lives and interests.
--Patrick Henry

I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty than those attending too small a degree of it.
--Thomas Jefferson

If you have been voting for politicians who promise to give you goodies at someone else's expense, then you have no right to complain when they take your money and give it to someone else, including themselves.
--Thomas Sowell (1992)

When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.
--Thomas Jefferson

The true danger is when Liberty is nibbled away, for expedients.
--Edmund Burke (1899)

When they kept you out it was because you were black, when they let you in, it is because you are black. That's progress?
--Marilyn French

Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny.
--Thomas Jefferson

If it is now the belief of my fellow men, who call themselves the public, that their good requires victims, then I say: The public good be damned, I will have no part of it!
--Ayn Rand

Honest people are never touchy about the matter of being trusted.
--Ayn Rand

Force Always Attracts Men of Low Morality.
--Albert Einstein

None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free.
--Goethe

If we don't believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don't believe in it at all.
--Noam Chomsky

The power to tax is the power to destroy.
--John Marshall

I wanted to change the world. But I have found that the only thing one can be sure of changing is oneself.
--Aldous Huxley

You wanna get rid of drug crime in this country? Fine, let's just get rid of all the drug laws.
--Ron Paul

When the same man, or set of men, holds the sword and the purse, there is an end of liberty.
--George Mason

There is no distinctly native American criminal class save Congress.
--Mark Twain

Ted Poe (R) - TX: Brings Out the Consitution

2008-06-13T00:03:00.000-05:00

If it is one thing I despise it is government intervention in my life. Government tells me I must give a portion of my income for social programs. They tell me I cannot take the money I earn to save for retirement on my own free will, instead I have to support a bankrupted system that Chile eliminated within 5 years of its inception. Now they are trying to tell me I have to get health care or pay for someone else to get health care. Where in the Constitution does it state that the federal government has the ability to control these decisions in my life?

Republican House Member Ted Poe from Texas has brought out his Constitution and asks Speaker Pelosi where in the Constitution it says that the federal government has the authority to make us use a certain type of light bulb, the compact fluorescent (CFL). They don't!

Where will it stop? If you have not read the Constitution in a long time, try reading it. Take special note of the 10th Amendment, which delegates any authority not specifically granted the federal government to the states. Tell me where it says the federal government can tell me what type of light bulb I can use.

Bring back the Constitution!

Energy Partisanship: How to Resolve the Problem

2008-06-12T20:56:00.005-05:00

Energy has become one of the most divisive issues on Capital Hill today as Americans are pleading for a solutions to the high gas prices that are dragging down the US and global economy. Democrats and Republicans cannot seem to agree on an appropriate course of action. Democrats have been duped by environmentalists claiming global warming will kill us all or the caribou in Alaska or some other species will be devastated by drilling. Republicans seem to totally neglect the need for research into other alternative sources of energy claiming drilling will solve all our problems.

Could it be that both sides are right? Without a doubt.

The Democrats

Democrats are correct about continuing the development of other sources of energy such as wind, solar, geothermal, bio-fuels, and the like. This has nothing to do with the threat for global warming. Instead the argument should be made and is being made in most cases that alternative energy development will help decline our dependency on foreign oil and more generally oil and natural gas. Our dependency on oil as a primary fuel source is a national security threat and has helped fund some of the same extremists our country is fighting against, a completely inefficient concept. We must increase our diversification of energy sources. As any investor knows, putting all your investments into one area can lead to complete devastation.

In similar measure Democrats are correct in their assertion that we need to remove the $18 billion in tax subsidies that has been given to energy companies like Exxon Mobil. The fate of these companies is not at stake as can be seen by the large profits taken in by the companies.

Overall these points made by the Democrats are beneficial towards lowering energy cost in the long term. Their plan however lacks any immediate impact as many of the alternative energy sources mentioned are not yet economically viable nor can they yet produce large sums of energy. Nothing in the Democrats plan will help cut out the speculation on oil prices.

The Republicans

Republicans hold the view that drilling will solve all of our problems. This is a bit watered down but for the most part gets the point across. Drilling and refining are necessary functions now that need to be expanded until another economically efficient solution comes forward for mass energy production. Announcing the lifting of regulations on drilling will help secure more supply in the future and drive down speculation in the marketplace.

Republicans are also right that the windfall profits tax touted by the Democrats will have no effect on gas prices. This test has already been tested before and its results were devastating. Domestic production of oil and gas decreased by an average of 6% and increased our dependence on foreign sources of oil by around 15%.

Overall the Republican solution acts to increase supplies today but does little to nothing for the long term to diversify our energy portfolio. With a lack of diversification we will to continue to fund the dictators and terrorists in the countries we are currently fighting justly on unjustly.

The Solution

The Democrats and Republicans cannot seem to get things done but the solution is right before them. If they would end the partisanship and begin to work towards an economically and politically viable agreement that coupled both long and short term strategies our energy problem would have a solution and both side would be satisfied with the results.

First thing to tackle will be the near term solution. Lift regulations on drilling and the building of refineries. This will help tackle speculation and help solidify the future supply of oil. Lift the current $18 billion worth of tax subsidies on oil companies unless they agree to invest in the creation of alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, and etc. To help further solidify oil supplies, the US should invest the the building of coal to oil plants. Both of these are both short and mid-term solutions.

Second we need to address the mid-term to long-term solutions to increase our diversification in energy resources. First we need to start a mass conversion to nuclear and clean coal energies. Nuclear is a readily available, economically viable, and environmentally friendly option that both Italy and France are investing quickly in. If we really want to reduce our dependency on oil in an environmentally friendly way nuclear is the best option.

The other mid to long term solution is increasing our use of coal. Coal has been in the past and can be a very dirty energy source. New technologies are available that can reduce carbon emissions to near 0% and utilize nearly 70% of coals energy source through a process involving carbon sequestration and the conversion of hydrogen laden emissions into hydrogen fuel cells. The US is the Saudi Arabia of coal. We should use this natural resource to our advantage and with todays technologies it can be used in an environmentally friendly and efficient manner.

Other energy sources are available such as wind and solar and can be constructed but they are more expensive and less reliable that both the nuclear and coal options. None the less, if areas such as in West Texas and Oklahoma can be used for wind generated energy this is a good way to increase our energy diversification. This method also helps soothe environmentalists qualms. bio-fuels are yet another option. These are all sources of energy that both Democrats and Republicans can embrace.

Finally long-term solutions towards energy independence are needed. This is a more research oriented phase that Democrats are offering such as clean energy. Some of these sources are viable now like solar and wind but are still expensive and with further research and development can become an economically viable and viable energy source. Research into other energies such as hydrogen fuel cells should increase. These long-term solutions in research will help solidify our future because oil and gas are quickly running out.

Conclusion

The solution offered unilaterally by Democrats or Republicans are incomplete. Democrats lack the short range solutions and would increase the prices and decrease the output of oil and gas through windfall profit taxes or other taxes like the Climate Security Act. Republicans lack the longterm solutions that the Democrats are recommending and are offering subsidies to oil companies that are not needed.

If Democrats and Republicans would work together they would see that their goals are the same in increasing our energy independence, bringing down energy prices, and increasing our energy diversification in the short, mid and long terms.

By working with both sides, our energy independence can be secured and sources of clean energy can be developed to reduce pollutants into the air that can cause health problems. End the partisanship and start working towards a viable energy solution that embraces that positive aspects of both sides and negates the negative aspects.

Sources

(1) "Dumb or Ill-Informed," by Walter Williams, Townhall, 4 June 2008.

Ron Paul (R) Stops Campaign: 'People Still Have a Chance' with Barr

2008-06-12T17:25:00.005-05:00

Tonight Libertarian leaning Republican Ron Paul of Texas will officially end his campaign for the Republican nomination in what is really just a formality this evening. Reports indicate that Ron Paul will not endorse Republican nominee John McCain and will work towards getting Libertarian leaning candidates elected instead. Ron Paul will not seek election as an independent or third party candidate.

Ron Paul appeared on CNN this morning. He had this to say about Libertarian nominee Bob Barr.

John Roberts: Congressman, what do you think of Bob Barr? Does he faithfully represent the values of the Libertarian Party?

Ron Paul: I think so. It doesn’t mean that you can look at his voting record like you look at mine and say there was never any infraction. That doesn’t mean that he can’t represent these values. He’s saying the things he should be saying. He’s joined the Libertarian Party and he presents these views and he talks our language. So I do really believe that he can have a very positive effect in this campaign and let the people know that limited government is a very, very important message and that people will have a chance. That gives everybody a choice in the matter.

So much for high profits...

2008-06-12T15:40:00.004-05:00

Exxon Mobil has just announced that they will be getting out of the retail gas service. Oil prices have become too high to continue this operation as profit margins continue to decline. So much for the argument of liberals that profits are too high. Exxon has stated they will begin to sell of company owned gas stations to other retailers around the country. This is surprising since Exxon is the world's largest gas distributor.

This is clear evidence, since these companies as all privately owned companies seek to make a profit, that pressure and interrogations the oil and gas companies that have come under on Capital Hill is nothing but political pandering to the masses. Their hand in the oil crisis is minimal at best but better stated negligible.

As stated by large oil and gas companies numerous times in Congressional hearings, their average profit on a gallon of gas is only 5-6 cents per gallon. As prices of oil continue to increase the profit margin declines and consequentially the economic viability of this area of business.

Stop the rhetoric about "big oil" Congress and vote to Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less. Write your representatives and let them know.

Prayers to Severe Weather Victims in Iowa

2008-06-11T22:42:00.003-05:00

I would like to take a moment to offer my prayers and thoughts to the victims of the devastating flooding in Iowa. Towns have been destroyed and lives ruined. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

As an Eagle Scout I would also like to give my thoughts and prayers to the 4 scouts who have died while at a summer camp in Iowa. This is a tremendous loss to the scouting community and I can only imagine the grief that their troops and families must be going through. A place of fun and challenge has turned into a place of tragedy. The camp will be forever changed and this moment will forever be marked in the minds of fellow Scouters.

My prayers are with you all. God Bless!

554,000 and Onward to 3 Million

2008-06-11T11:31:00.004-05:00

American Solutions started a petition about 3 weeks ago to let the Congress know that we want action now to start bringing down oil prices. The original goal was to collect 100,000 names to submit. That number was quickly achieved so the goal was set higher. Every goal has been met and passed.

The petition I speak of is to Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less. This petition recognizes the fact that alternative energies still have a ways to go in development before they can fuel our way of life. Right now we need to open up drilling immediately to bring down speculation and bring up supply in the years to come. The impact will have both short term and long term implications.

Take a moment, it takes only 30 seconds to let your voice be heard. Sign to Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less today. This is only the first step to letting your representatives know. If you really believe what this petition stands for send your elected representative an email today and let them know of the problems you are facing. Let them know you want them to vote to life regulations on drilling. The Chinese can drill closer to our coast than we can. Let them know to life regulations on refining. We have not increased our refining capacity in over 2 decades. Let them know if they do not vote in favor of the American people you will vote in favor of a representative who does.

Take action and make your declaration!

Bad News for Obama VP Search

2008-06-11T00:06:00.000-05:00

Popular Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, who some were considering one of Obama's top choices for Democratic Vice Presidential Candidate has publicly taken himself out of the running for the position. This did not seem to be the compulsary "I am not interested in the job" that you hear from every politician mentioned. The tone of his remarks seemed finalized.

If true this is bad news for Democrats who seek to take the important swing state of Ohio in November's Presidential election. With McCain showing strong in Florida, Ohio will be that much more important for Obama to win to have a chance in the upcoming election.

With the conservative base still not satisfied with moderate John McCain, who continues to part from conservative positions on energy policy, immigration, 1st Amendment rights, and the like, this is great news for the McCain campaign who recognize the importance of this state. If John McCain loses Ohio chances are slim McCain will take office in January.

With controversial pick Eric Holder in his VP vetting team, Obama may be in trouble this fall. Eric Holder was the Attorney General under Bill Clinton who pushed for the pardon of Marc Rich. Dick Morris has written an article about this problem.

If ever there was a person who did not deserve a presidential pardon, it’s Marc Rich, the fugitive billionaire who renounced his US citizenship and moved to Switzerland to avoid prosecution for racketeering, wire fraud, 51 counts of tax fraud, evading $48 million in taxes, and engaging in illegal trades with Iran in violation of the US embargo following the 1979-80 hostage crisis.

Bob Barr: War on Drugs has Failed

2008-06-11T00:01:00.000-05:00

The War on Drugs has cost Americans billions of dollars since its inception in the 1970's, yet drug use remains high, perhaps higher, drugs keep getting into the country, and no signs of success have come to fruition.

Former supporter of the War on Drugs Bob Barr, Libertarian Presidential Nominee and former Georgia Congressman, has written an article in the Huffington Post. Here are a few excerpts from the story.

For more than three decades, the Libertarian Party and small “l” libertarians have done their part to prove to America that liberty is the answer to most of the problems that we face today. Over the past several years, I was one of the many people influenced by this small party.

Whether through the free market or by simply allowing families to make their own decisions regarding the education of their children, libertarians have taught us that liberty does truly work.

In stark contrast, when government attempts to solve our societal problems, it tends to create even more of them, often increasing the size and depth of the original problem. A perfect example of this is the federal War on Drugs.
Today, I can reflect on my efforts [as a federal prosecutor and HOR member] and see no progress in stopping the widespread use of drugs. I’ll even argue that America’s drug problem is larger today than it was when Richard Nixon first coined the phrase, “War on Drugs,” in 1972.

Bob Barr offers other solutions to the problem based upon free-market principles.

While it is clear the War on Drugs has been a failure, it is not enough to simply acknowledge that reality. We need to look for solutions that deal with the drug problem without costly and intrusive government agencies, and instead allow for private industry and organizations to put forward solutions that address the real problems.

One such solution was presented to me recently by a libertarian friend and supporter, Glenn Jacobs.

Glenn is a very unique guy with a very unique job. To say Glenn is a “big guy” or “intimidating” is an understatement. He gives people nightmares… literally.

Each week Glenn, who stands nearly seven feet tall, walks into a wrestling ring under the stage name “Kane” to beat other large men for sheer entertainment purposes.
[…]
It was speculated that Chris had murdered his family and committed suicide in a steroid or “roid” rage. While it is unclear how much of a role drugs played in Benoit’s actions, and whether mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) may also have been a contributing factor, it was clear the WWE had some serious problems within its organization.

In the wake of the tragedy, the head of the WWE, Vince McMahon, and its other leaders looked internally to recognize these problems and address them. Although in the two years before Benoit’s death, dozens of wrestlers had been suspended, gone to rehab, or been dismissed under the WWE’s recently adopted “Wellness Program,” the WWE strengthened its drug policy further, re-emphasizing that its policy wasn’t merely a document, but the internal laws of the company that would be enforced.
[…]
While there may be some employees of the organization who may not like random drug tests or being thrown on a treadmill for an EKG, they have the choice of finding a new employer.

That’s the beauty of this libertarian solution. It does not take government intervention or our tax dollars. It also does not force anyone to do anything, as it only requires voluntary action and decisions.

To read the whole article click here.

The governments War on Drugs has failed like all government programs. A change is needed and government is not the solution. Let your representatives know! Make your declaration!

Democrats Lie to Get Elected: A Confession

2008-06-10T20:33:00.003-05:00

12 term Democratic Congressman Paul Kanjorski has admitted to the Democratic Party purposefully make false promises to get elected and retake the Congress in the 2006 midterm elections. He stated that Democrats purposely told Americans that if elected they would end the War in Iraq to capture votes.

Kanjorski went on to say that any "good student of government would know better. But you know, the temptation to want to win back the Congress, made us stretch the facts." This is not news to most conservatives and libertarians.

This confession clearly demonstrates the Democrats desire to capture power at any length. Where will it stop? If members of the liberal Democratic Party are willing to lie about ending the war to garner power what makes you think they will uphold their promises to the American people? What makes you think that the liberals who promise generous benefits are doing so for the benefit of the American people as opposed to solidifying their hold on power?

Leaders throughout history have promised great benefits like today's Democratic Party to solidify their power and silence opposition forces. Where will they stop?

Nationalized Healthcare: F-R-E-E

2008-06-10T14:58:00.005-05:00

Usually political cartoons appear as still images in news papers to relay some sort of political problem through humor. Not so with modern technology and the wonder that is YouTube. This is a unique lead up to my article coming up in the next week about the problems of socialized/nationalized health care. Check out this Glenn Beck video.

Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less: End the Partisanship

2008-06-10T12:30:00.006-05:00

Partisanship in Washington D.C. is removing any chance we have of lower gas price. Alternative energy solutions are far off, tax increases will have the opposite effect of intentions, and regulations prohibiting drilling and making the building of refineries nearly impossible. Environmental groups have more representation than the average American today. For more reading please visit A Government of Special Interests, by Special Interests and for Special Interests. Special interests are dividing Washington and prohibiting real solutions from getting done.

For a complete energy solution that would utilize the positive aspects of Republican and Democratic plans, institute long, mid-range, and short term plans, and would decrease our dependence on oil visit Energy Partisanship: How to Resolve the Problem.

How can you make a difference? Let your voice be heard. First thing to do is sign the Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less Petition. This petition is a real solution to the energy problem designed to push Congress to vote for less regulation on drilling and refining to increase supplies and drive down speculation to decrease the prices at the pump. Numbers make a difference, so join the over 476,000 Americans from all political affiliations and all demographics and sign the petition today.

Step 2: Let your representatives know that the partisanship must end and regulations that drive up the price of energy need to be removed. Let them know that they will not have your vote in the next election without their support of decreasing federal regulation prohibiting drilling off the coast of Florida, in ANWR, and other places around the country. Let them know to lift regulation prohibiting the building of refineries. Let them know you have had enough with the pointing of fingers towards big oil and CEO's!

Let them know you support a nuclear power infrastructure and clean coal energy to decrease our dependence on foreign oil!

Make your declaration!

GOP Senators Block Windfall Profit Tax

2008-06-10T11:17:00.004-05:00

Republican Senators have finally taken a stand where the interest of the American public lies. Former Democratic Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and presumptive nominee Barack Obama have been pressing for a tax on oil company profits they consider obscene.

Republicans have blocked a measure in the Senate that would have increased taxes on oil company profits as determined by a Profit Reasonableness Board.

The Democrats' energy package also would have:

— Maee oil and gas price gouging a federal crime, with stiff penalties of up to $5 million during a presidentially declared energy emergency.

— Authorized the Justice Department to bring charges of price fixing against countries that belong to the OPEC oil cartel.

— Required traders to put up more collateral in the energy futures markets to curb speculation.

Windfall profit taxes would have decreased funds available for exploration and drilling for oil companies and led to a further reduction of energy production thereby driving up prices. Former President Jimmy Carter instituted a similar measure in 1980 which decreased our domestic oil production by up to 6% and increased our dependence on foreign oil by around 15%.

Democrats need to get with the program and realize that federal regulation on drilling and refining that has prohibited increases in supply is responsible for the increase in prices. A tax on energy profits will have detrimental impacts on oil companies that will be forced to bring down costs in the form of decreased oil exploration, job cuts, and increases in product price. The bill that was stopped today by a vote of 51-43.

Take some time today to email your representative to let them know that this proposal is against the best interests of the American people and will have detrimental impacts to our economy.

If the government can decide how many profits a company can make, what is next? Will they decide what is a 'reasonable' temperature in your home is? Will they decide how much money is just too much money for you to make? What is next? Where will it stop?

To read the entire article by Fox News click here.

Tom DeLay's Wife Voting for Barr

2008-06-09T23:15:00.004-05:00

An interesting development in the Presidential race. Christine DeLay, wife of former House Majority Leader is supporting Libertarian Bob Barr for President. This is obviously an interesting position for the wife of a former GOP political leader. Discontent is strong among conservatives with John McCain because of positions on immigration, violations of the 1st Amendment (McCain-Feingold), energy policy, and a number of other positions. John McCain is clearly an honorable man who has served his country more than any person should have too and has earned my deepest respect for his sacrifice.

Tom DeLay will vote for John McCain but the former House Republican leader said his wife, Christine, is planning to vote for Libertarian presidential nominee Bob Barr.

“I’m trying to convince my wife not to do that,” the Texas Republican told editors and reporters at The Washington Times on Friday. “She said it publicly yesterday.”

Mr. Barr’s candidacy is an issue conservatives appear to be grappling with since he won the Libertarian party’s nomination on the sixth ballot at their May 25 convention in Denver. Early polls suggest Mr. Barr could draw small but significant support in key states such as Georgia and North Carolina, potentially complicating the electoral picture for Mr. McCain, Republicans’ presumed presidential nominee.

Clearly John McCain still has much work left to do to solidify the conservative base around him.

To read the entire article in the Washington Times click here.

To view the video click here.

Money: The Root of All Evil?

2008-06-09T16:12:00.004-05:00

We often hear, generally from those of the liberal, socialist, fascist, and communist agenda that money is the root of all evil. The argument goes that the piggish wealthy and 'evil' corporations in the world are keeping down the poor "working class" (I despise the term working class by the way) because of greed and corruption. After all, how can one get rich if they do not hold down another from getting their "fair share" (despise that term too)? Keep that in mind as you read the following:

So you think that money is the root of all evil? Have you ever asked what is the root of money? Money is a tool of exchange, which can't exist unless there are goods produced and men able to produce them. Money is the material shape of the principle that men who wish to deal with one another must deal by trade and give value for value. Money is not the tool of the moochers, who claim your product by tears or of the looters, who take it from you by force. Money is made possible only by the men who produce. Is this what you consider evil?--Ayn Rand

More to Ponder

They claim that the money earned by these groups is the result of corruption and greed. Then they tell you that they need to institute a windfall profits tax, higher capital gains taxes, higher income taxes, or some other sort of tax in the name of some sort of social justice. When those being taxed complain they are accused of greed.

Now why do these politicians want your money. The answer is quite simple greed and power. The more they rage against the 'evil' rich, the more money they are able to acquire, and in turn the more power they are able to acquire by enslaving their constituents to a life of mental confusion, dependence, and hate. Free thinkers and self reliant individuals who speak up against these corrupt politicians are then shunned from society labeled as being unhumanitarian, greedy, and a slave to special interests.

Final Thoughts to Ponder

For those of you who believe that money is evil, please stop working, stop asking the government for monetary handouts, and sell all of your possessions and donate the money to charity. After all you believe money is evil so you might as well stop being a hypocrite by working, applying for welfare, and get rid of it. Then leave society alone.

I could not have said it any better than Joseph Sorban. For liberal readers a thought to ponder: Politicians never accuse you of 'greed' for wanting other people's money --- only for wanting to keep your own money.

Savings Plan: Don't Spend a Dollar

2008-06-09T09:16:00.003-05:00

Like always I will give credit where credit is due. I found this idea in one of my favorite political books, Somebody's Gotta Say It by Neal Boortz. He received this idea from another man when he was on a ski trip. The man he got it from saved enough to pay for a ski vacation every year. Enough of that now.

I love this idea because I love personal responsibility and individual action to help change your life. If you want to have hopes in seeking positive change in your life individual action, personal responsibility, and self-reliance are the only things that will change your life. Government action always fails and ends up corrupting those in power.

Don't Spend a Dollar

I know what your thinking right now. How am I ever going to get anything if I don't spend a dollar? Maybe you are a little more on the smart side saying, "Of course I'll save money if I don't spend it."

Here's the plan. Don't spend a dollar means just that. You don't spend a $1 bills. Instead you tuck them away in a coffee can and save them for that trip you are looking to take at the end of the year, the HDTV you've been wanting but can't afford, or maybe putting it in a retirement account to utilize your savings in a more responsible way.

Here's the plan. You go to your local coffee shop in the morning for coffee in the morning, grab some lunch, maybe an afternoon snack, or have to go buy groceries and you use cash so inevitably you will get your change. You tuck away the $1 bills for savings (you pretend they don't exist anymore) and put the rest of the change in your pocket to spend later.

When you get home deposit the $1 bills away in your coffee can and forget about them. Don't count them. After a month or for me I am waiting for a year go ahead and count them. You will be amazed at how much you have put away you didn't think you would have been able to live without before this savings plan. It's like receiving an end of the year bonus.

Here's the second thought of the plan. If you can't afford to buy the product without that dollar think of things that you can cut out from your spending. Maybe it is a good time to give up the cigarettes, the HDTV subscription, or that expensive Starbuck's coffee. This will only help you save more money to make every $1 go further.

Third, every time you can use cash instead of credit when at all possible. This is a great reminder for people who tend to forget exactly how much they are putting on their credit card and get into large amounts of debt millions of US citizens are having a difficult time getting out of. Instead of a careless swipe of the card force yourself to count out the cash. Suddenly when you hand that sum of cash over you become more cognizant of exactly how much you are spending. When you are buying something you really don't need it makes it that much harder to hand over that cash.

One exception: If you want to carry a few dollars with you to save for tips that is fine. For everything else you save your $1 bills.

I love personal reliance to improve your life and this is just one way that can help you save for a family vacation, retirement, education, or any other thing you may want. Taking this simple action to change your life can make a big difference.

Go through your wallet now and take out the $1 bill. Leave the $5's, $10, $20, $50, and $100. Then put them away in your favorite container. After the first month of really trying go ahead an count your money. I will not be surprised when you report back that you save $50, $100, or maybe even over $150.

Change your life!

Wheelchairs for Iraqi Kids

2008-06-08T00:19:00.003-05:00

The War in Iraq is highly debated everyday in the news. Should we have gone? Should we have given diplomacy more time? Should we leave now or should we give it some more time?

No matter your personal thoughts or feelings on the Iraq War, this story ascends past the politics, past the rhetoric, and shows what 1 man has done to do his part to help the Iraqi people with his organization:
Wheelchairs for Iraqi Kids.

I have donated to this great organization in the past and want to help bring some more donations and visibility to this great organization.

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I post frequently on a forum called TexAgs, an online community for supporters of Texas A&M University. During my time posting on TexAgs, well over 6 years, I have come across alot of good information and alot of great people.

No man I have come across on TexAgs has been greater than Brad Blauser, founder of Wheel Chairs For Iraqi Kids. This great and humble man started an organization that helps Iraqi children who have been disabled in the Northern Iraq region near Mosul. The programs was requested to start up by LTC David Brown.

The wheelchairs are designed by ROC Wheels specifically for children in Third World countries for navigation in rough terrain. Each wheel chair retails for over $2000, but are provided to this organization at a mere $300. To date over 250 wheelchairs have been donated to this great cause.

In the News

This organization has been featured on CNN. I wish I could embed this video on this site but the next best thing is the link to the video on CNN.com. CNN has also done a follow-up story on this organization and you can see the story here. If you prefer you can also view the CNN.com article.

How You Can Help!

To learn more about and how to support this great organization visit their website WheelChairsforIraqiKids.com. Brad Blauser is also the founder of another organization that you can find more about and how to help at this website, Study Bibles for Soldiers.

I encourage you if you feel so inclined to donate $5, $10, $25, $300 (the price of one chair), more, or any other donation you can afford. Even a single dollar can make a difference. If you are unable to donate now, you can still help out by letting a friend or family member know.

Make your declaration!