1Declaration: Free Markets, Free People, Free Minds

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.

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

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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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!

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!

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