The Rug Yank Phase of Fed Policy

Posted on December 15, 2017 by MN Gordon

The political differences of today’s leading two parties are not over ultimate questions of principles.  Rather, they’re over opposing answers to the question of how a goal can be achieved with the least sacrifice.  For lawmakers, the goal is to promise the populace something for nothing while pretending to make good on it.

Take the latest tax bill, for instance.  The GOP wants to tax less and spend more.  The Democrat party wants to tax more and spend even more.  We don’t recall seeing any proposals to tax less, spend less, and shrink the size of the state.  And why would we?

Today’s central planners and social engineers are enlightened and progressive.  They know much more about anything and everything than the rest of us.  In particular, they share a general sense that they know how to spend your money better than you.

At best, the central planners call your money to Washington so they can then distribute it back to your friends and neighbors.  In reality, the lawmakers call your money to Washington where they distribute it to their friends and neighbors – not yours.  This is not a matter of opinion.  It’s a matter of fact. Continue reading →

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The Zealous Pursuit of State-Sponsored Collapse

Posted on December 8, 2017 by MN Gordon

Government intervention into a nation’s economy is as foolish as attempting to control the sun’s rise and fall by law or force.  But that doesn’t mean governments don’t meddle each and every day with the best – and worst – of intentions.  The United States government is no exception.

Over the years, layers and layers of interference by various federal, state, and local agencies have built up like grime on a kitchen window.  The grease shines and smells of something fierce.  The layers of government grime also drip and ooze into every crack and crevice of the economy.

These days, for example, it’s impossible to carry out a simple private transaction with your barber or barista without some form of government interference.  Has your barber obtained the required license and paid the obligatory fees to be able to legally taper your neck line?  Has your barista’s espresso bean grinder passed city health inspection?

Is the hot cup of joe served in a paper cup of appropriate recycled material composition?  Did the hot beverage exceed the legally accepted temperature standard?  Did state and local governments receive their tax exaction upon payment? Continue reading →

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The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Being an Idiot

Posted on December 1, 2017 by MN Gordon

There are many things that could be said about the GOP tax bill.  But one thing is certain.  It has been a great show.

Obviously, the time for real solutions to the debt problem that’s ailing the United States came and went many decades ago.  Instead of addressing the Country’s mounting insolvency, lawmakers chose the expedient without exception.  They kicked the can from yesterday to today.

Presently, there are no good options left to fix the mathematics bearing down on us all.  Hence, in the degenerate stage of an overburdened nation-state, style over substance is what counts.  Without question, Congress and President Trump played their parts to push the bill with much bravura.

On Tuesday, for example, President Trump, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and House Speaker Paul Ryan held a White House meeting with two empty chairs.  Apparently, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi didn’t want to participate in a “show meeting.”  Thus, they made a spectacle of themselves and ditched the meeting. Continue reading →

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Lessons from Squanto

Posted on November 23, 2017 by MN Gordon

Governments across the planet will go to any length to meddle in the lives and private affairs of their citizens.  This is what our experiences and observations have shown.  What gives?

For one, politicians have an aversion to freedom and liberty.  They want to control your behavior, choices, and decisions.  What’s more, they want to use your money to do so.

Here in the United States, bureaucrats, flush with authority, will stand in the way of a fellow who’s striving to find his own way by his own means.  Licenses, permits, fees, employer identification numbers, state board of equalization registrations, workers compensation insurance…you name it.  All this – and more – are needed prior to hanging out your shingle and making your first sale.

Many cities in the land of the free require school kids to get a permit just to operate a lemonade stand.  And don’t even think of opening an auto shop, let alone a medical practice.  You’ll spend your first year’s profits getting your hazardous materials business plan approved by the fire department. Continue reading →

Posted in Government Debt, MN Gordon | Tagged , , , , , | 12 Comments