Blog
BEMUSED OVER RUSSIAN “MEDDLING”
Jacob Hornberger considers the Left’s concerns about the Trump – Russian axis.
Excepts:
What’s wrong with an American politician “colluding” with a Russian politician to win an American election?
How come no one talked about prosecuting FDR for colluding with the Soviet communists?
While we are on the subject of U.S. regime-change operations, both foreign and domestic, a question naturally arises: If Russian “meddling” in U.S. elections is considered to be a bad thing, then why does the U.S. government meddle in elections and other domestic politics in other countries?
Maybe — just maybe — the Trump-Russia controversy will cause more Americans to do some serious soul-searching over the meddling in which the U.S. government has engaged in Eastern Europe, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and yes, even Russia. Maybe — just maybe — the Trump-Russia controversy will cause Americans to question why their government is now based on the principles of empire, a national-security state, and foreign interventionism.
Simplify Tax Paying
There is talk that Congress will revise the Income Tax laws. Usually these revisions make filing tax returns more complicated.
If the majority of Americans continue to want the IRS to collect income taxes, lets at least reduce the burden on the typical American.
Currently the system requires the individual to file tax returns. The IRS then compares the information you provided with W-2, 1099’s, Mortgage Payments etc they receive from third parties, and decide whether to bother you, or send you a refund.
How about doing it the other way. Let the IRS compute what they think your income taxes should be based on the information they collect, then send you a statement. If you agree with their calculations, then pay the amount owed or ask for a check for the over-payment. If you disagree with their statement then file a return stating what you think is the proper amount.
Time for Single Payer Food System
When I drive on the highway near my home, I pass dozens of eating establishments. Most are 1/2 empty. What a waste.
I go to the supermarket and see aisles and aisles of food languishing on the shelves. What a waste.
Most homes have a stove and an oven that at most are used 10% of the time. What a waste.
Many people drive to supermarkets in gasoline powered vehicles emitting dreaded carbon-dioxide. Wrecking the environment.
Some people cannot afford to pay for food without getting government SNAP cards. Just think of the cost to determine who is eligible for SNAP cards.
Professional nutritionists know best what everybody needs. How many people consult with a nutritionist before deciding what to eat?
It is time to make the food delivery system less costly, and equally available to everyone.
A single payer system could be the best way to go. Using your tax dollars, experts in Washington would pay all the costs of preparing and delivering a nourishing broth to everyone. The broth would be scientifically formulated so that all someone would need to do is eat the proper amount within a 24 hour period to remain healthy.
There could be a fine imposed on anyone who did not eat the right amount. The fine would start small for the slacker who just happened to forget to eat the required portion, but would ramp up for those who seriously under eat. The fine is justified because those who do not eat enough will end up in the health care system, and we would all have to pay for making the person healthy.
About 8.5 million stoves are bought each year. Think of the saving if people did not need to buy stoves. Next year sales are expected to be even higher. www.statista.com/statistics/295477/unit-shipments-of-electric-gas-cooking-appliances/
People are concerned about pipelines that carry petroleum products. A system can be developed that would allow us to eliminate these potentially dangerous pipelines. The government kitchens would be built near the well head of major pipelines, and then (after proper cleaning) the nourishing broth could be delivered to major cities in the pipelines. All the details would have to be worked out, but the concept is sound. Think of all the jobs that would be created building the broth infrastructure. The oil pipelines would no longer be needed, because people would not be driving to supermarkets or restaurants.
Just think, coupon clipping for food discounts would be obsolete. Newspapers and mail carriers will be delighted not having to print and deliver coupons.
If you have other good ideas how a SPFS (Single Payer Food System) would be best for the country let me know at BenBachrach@gmail.com.
Jorge Santayana on Opinions
From Letters of George Santayana
“”… I too am too old, and my feelings spring from too many deep and remote sources in the past, for me to change, or to be influenced by newspaper arguments. When I read them I form perhaps a new opinion of the newspaper but seldom a new opinion on the subject discussed. We must put up with other people’s irrationalities, and with our own, which are far more troublesome.”
When the Muslims Become the Boogeyman
Secession and Subsidiarity
Fabio Andreotti gives a European viewpoint of the importance of subsidiarity, and the increase in interest in secession as a political process.
https://fee.org/articles/why-freedom-is-favored-by-secession-and-subsidiarity/
Income Inequality Discussion Points
Professor Steven Horwitz clarifies points needed when discussing Income Inequality.
https://fee.org/articles/4-questions-to-ask-when-debating-inequality/
- Are we talking about inequality or poverty?
- Are we talking about income, wealth, or consumption inequality?
- What about income mobility?
- What exactly are the problems caused by inequality?
The Bergland Freedom Train
Articles, videos and social media posts on the internet have called out certain people as not Libertarians. I am sure even a causal user of the internet has seem some of these. Many are directed at Gary Johnson and Bill Weld, but others seem to be used against anyone who has made statements with which the poster does not agree.
In rebuttal, I reintroduce the Freedom Train concept that I first heard from David Bergland, the 1984 presidential candidate of the Libertarian Party.
I searched for a reference about Bergland’s Freedom Train with little success, but did find an article by my friend Brian Wright that mentions it.
Excerpt from Brian Wright Article
The Freedom Train
David Bergland during his Libertarian Campaign for president in 1984 popularized the metaphor of the ‘Freedom Train’ as a marketing tool: “Freedom is one thing you cannot have unless you’re willing to share with others. We all want to be free to do something in life. So climb aboard the Freedom Trail and we’ll take you as far as you want to go. Others may want to proceed to subsequent stops, and we can all live and let live about that”.
end of excerpt.
Lets encourage everyone to get on our Freedom Train. If they want to get off at a earlier stop than you, then don’t denounce them, but rather thank them for sharing part of the ride.
I am willing to call everyone a Libertarian who agrees they are on the Freedom Train, until they decide government is small enough and moral enough that they get off.
Ben Bachrach
Welfare Policy Should Not Affect Immigration Policy
Jacob Hornberger explains why two wrongs do not make one of them right.
Excerpt:
“The best way for libertarians to fight tyranny is not by supporting more tyranny…”