Unintended Consequences

So I had an epiphany the other day, think of the rule of unintended consequences. The IRS... So to avoid taxes and grow wealth the banks and Wall Street have come up with ever more exotic products in response to government regulations and the tax code.The more they create the greater the risk as well as having many more hands in the process which leaves more money on the table for Wall Street and the banks, and less in our pockets. Would the financial collapse have not occurred if the federal government had stayed out of the system?

Global

This is why I have such a hard time finding an economist for my book. They are all on board with the "tax and transfer" policies. Now those policies are going global... If the sovereign is to the subject as Rousseau stated 1 in 10000 there is stake and share, but if it is 1 in 6 billion what is his stake, share or voice? It is far easier to control the mass with their differing needs for some time, but eventually this social ponzie scheme will be overcome by the social "wants" that are fulfilled to placate each group so as to hold power.

GR

Dear Mr. Dubner,

I applaud your use of well based logic in this world of emotional decision making. I have been trying to vet a probable solution to our rising social costs and deficits before we go the way of Rome, and after many years of watching and weighing the ideas put forth by those in government with less end results and greater costs I think there might be a logical solution. My ideas are based solely on a pragmatic view that top down social services are not attune to the actual needs of the end consumer. These ideas are not currently based in economic fact as that field is not my area of expertise. I would be interested in your input, and if these ideas are valid I think publication would creates change that has not been seen in over a century.
If groups of people at the local level were to provide for those who are in need and actually service these people we might end the need for government run social programs, and in doing so massively cut the costs of providing for those in need as well as the tax burden levied across the population. The economic questions to be answered include what the benefits in tax liabilities and reductions in tax contributions to individuals or corporations would be for donations of assets, time, or cash in the following areas. Housing, food programs, medical care. The theory is to privately provide quality housing in areas that have more employment opportunity, a food program that includes necessities such as soap, toothpaste and toilet paper, and a volunteer doctor and hospital referral network to provide medical services. As individuals enter the work force they would start to contribute to their living situation, and as their income grows they would work their way out of the programs.
Basing and servicing the programs locally through existing organizations staffed by volunteers and resourced by local persons who have connections within the community to acquire the assets that are unused in the community would cut overhead costs that consume social spending dollars, and best deliver the exact services in a streamlined manner. If this is done privately there is no need for government contribution.
It roughly seems that if the private sector could provide the necessary housing, food and medical care from unused resources and donations delivered by volunteers we could eliminate at least 40% of federal spending, let alone the savings to the individual states and local governments.

Thank you for your time and consideration of these ideas.

GR

Did they say Pirate Party? lmao But then I think I would vote for a pirate vs a Dem or Rep... Taking away the ability for a voter to understand what an independents views are is why we are a Republic! if you dont know what a politicians platform is, DONT FOR THE LOVE OF GOD VOTE FOR THEM as they probably do not represent your views... When I vote I read up on the candidates, their views, platforms and their past actions and will abstain from those who do not espouse my views. I do not vote for judges as they are not allowed to stump in my state. To vote only for a specific party is not only lazy but as foolish as you can act in our society. You have the right to be a fool as I have a right to call you to task, and ask that you make an educated decision based on your values.

GR

Wow their math sucks, that would be $188,405.00 per teacher. I also find it interesting that there were supposed to be NO teacher layoffs from the money in stimulus! If we take the logical path when considering these facts it seems to indicate that teachers get paid $188k per year, and that congress missed on its goal by 138,000 teachers. Where is the rest of the slushie going? If the average salary is $40k per year that would mean that the funds would provide for 650,000 teachers... Does congress need to go back to school? do the teachers that taught congress need to be fired, or are we just getting snowed...

GR

Corporations are considered legal persons, pay taxes and are subject to the rule of law. Look at what happened to BP, they were told to hand over $20 Bil without Due Process. Since Corporations are not Real Persons and have no individual vote they still need a way to protect their interests. It is our job to see that those corporations are treated fairly, and not given undue advantage, restriction or punishment. Voting Rights were originally for those who paid taxes. If you owned property you paid taxes and there fore you voted no matter your race or sex. I have long believed that the right to vote should not be restricted by age or the courts due to felony prohibition. Either all can vote, or they should be exempt from taxes. We may not like the ends, but if we pursue the means and keep politicians in check by being aware of their actions we can help to keep a fair legal balance. I have argued on several occasions in court over traffic violations that I live in a statutory state and we follow the letter of the law, not what someone assumes is its intent. We should never go down the road saying that it would be easier to abandon the law, then to do our due diligence at the polling place, as well as prior to our vote. I could go on for pages about the folly of great regulation as it only leads to intrenched corporations with little chance of new competition, but all you have to do is to remember Tucker.

GR

This is another reason that you should see 135 candidates for governor.lol We should do all we can to make public officials uncomfortable in their positions. "When the people fear their government there is Tyranny, when the government fears the people there is Liberty" Lately some have felt uncomfortable over large issues and the pressure placed on them by the people, but it is the small issues that are collectively a greater threat. What might happen if we educate our selves on each bill, then ask the Congressperson who supposedly authored the bill specifics in the bill. Then when they have no idea what you are talking about as them who really wrote the bill. Then when that is answered ask them why they should be sent back to Washington if they are not doing the work. Do this on all issues large and small, and ask them about amendments they authored and to explain why they did so. If they dont know what they are doing or why, it will shine light on the roaches. We can put the fear of civilian life in them, and it is honest, logical, and powerful. Spread these ideas to all your friends, practice them as well and the news will eventually catch on and show the tactic, then the light of truth will shine.

GR

Frank, it seems that we are on the same page when it comes to the problem, but there are many snakes in Arizona and through my years I have shot some and walked around others that were sunning them selves on my path. I would like to find a solution to the problems before it descends to dissolution or violence. As you have pointed out many elected officials are lazy and stupid, so why not use that to our advantage? Stupid usually denotes fear and the threat of making politicians write bills may get them to show their true colors and further disenfranchise them from their populous base. If such an amendment were passed we prey on their sloth and in doing so less s written which in the end costs less, and also opens up more for challenges through litigation. The alternatives are less attractive. Secession and revolution lead to a potential new system that could be ever more oppressive or even worse...

GR

Frank, I am not looking to secede just to point out that the logic of socio-political diversity is flawed as it is our own diversity from district to district that throws new ideas into the ring. Special interest groups have one agenda and if that conflicts with your views your representative is beholding to them and not you. They write the plan, submit the legislation, work to prevent challengers from arising, including but not limited to the topic here, Ballot Access. I vote for MY representative, I do not vote for the NRA's Rep or SEIU's Rep. If Ballot Access opens so that anyone can get on the ballot with little effort and cost the special interest groups are fighting an up hill battle financially with little return on investment. To run now you need to have large financial backing to get out petitions just to get on the ballot, then you need the funding for registration and advertising and this is mostly funded by special interest groups including the Democrats and Republicans. Special interests fund candidates, write legislation and work to prevent others from running in opposition. All I was suggesting was that Congress actually writes the bills, that is what we hired them to do in the first place....

GR

There is a place for group interest in government, but these days how many are writing the current legislation? If we elect a person to serve us should that person represent us, or another group? Do you know who authors each bill, and if it is not our duly elected representative what the hell do we need them for? How about this idea; a Constitutional amendment that requires all bills on a Federal level to be written in ink on the floor of either the House or Senate with at least three witnesses... We vote for people to represent us in our district and in our interest. Or do you actually vote for a candidate to represent someone else's interests? Voting for a politician that serves special interest is as worse than voting for the opposing party! Remember the courts are designed to handle the inequity in life, and hiring a politician to serve special interest is like hiring someone to work for a competing company and paying them out of your pocket...

GR

Wane, to quote Rousseau the "Social Contract" is a double edged sword that can take man to the despot, king or where ever he chooses. "Under bad governments, this equity is only apparent and illusory; it serves only to keep the pauper in his poverty, and the rich man in the position that he has usurped...." It is our diligence that keeps the balance, and logic that cuts through the demagoguery used to enslave the population. The second part of that quote goes to the use of rules to prevent people from rising up in power and wealth. Without rules there is no corruption, and the greater restrictions the more the populous is kept in its place... The first step to change is to ask why, to doubt and question as we apply logic and reason. From there we can see what change is necessary. We choose what "Social Contract" we have and can choose to change it as we see fit. Our Founders changed it from King George, but have we gone back down that road?

GR

Jeremiah, Let us place the blame squarely where it belongs. If we look logically at what has prevented a quick resolution to this situation it is Government regulation. First let me say that there can not be any corruption without regulation. The Deep Water Horizion rig was first permited by the state of Louisiania in just 500 feet of water, but ... See Morewas moved to 5000+ feet by the Feds. Logically this is the first cause and effect that has created the initial controll problem. Then the Neatherlands and other prrivate firms offered large skimmers that clean up the water and would be able to prevent the spread of the slick and this was in the first four days. The feds told them no, and did not wave the Jones act. It got so bat that after the Governer of Louisiania contracted barges they were accosted by the costguard and sent back to port till media and public outrage prevailed. I could go on and write a small book here, but remember what Gen. George Rogers Clark said, "Inspiration occationally comes to a man, but never a Congress." Oh and by the way I am currently working on an alt energy design that would be affordable and pragmatic... Logic Prevails, but without the debate we do not move forward so lets use truth and logic to solve our problems and debate with vigor;)

GR

Have we forgotten the fate of the reform party? Have we forgotten what those in power will do to hold power? But these days I believe that those who hold power hold far more power through law and regulation than ever before. Both power and corruption come only when there is law and regulation. Without regulation there is no corruption, and far ... See Moreless power for those who rule. Most states have consolidated their legal codes and doing so have made the rule of law easier to follow. Regulation however never seems to be culled, and in many cases only benefits those who lobby for such regulation. Remember Tucker and the wonderful car that was regulated out of existence.



Also with regulation comes big government, people are needed to write and enforce the regulation. Then to justify their existence they continue to regulate and expand enforcement leading to even larger government.



I do not know how long law has been written by outside sources, but it seems to be a disturbing trend. The Stimulus package and the healthcare reform act were not written by Congress. They were not written by those we duly elected. How much more law is being written by non elected persons and groups? How much power is created by those persons and groups to maintain power for those who rule? And yes I did not say "serve" as it seems we are no longer served but ruled...

GR

Wow, a cabal, who would have thought that a political group had to hide an agenda... Any time a political group needs to hide information it is to prevent the general population from having actual knolege of their true agenda. With truth and conviction as your shield and sword there is no battle you can not loose, and no group you can not sway with logic... To hide is done out of fear alone and proves that your agenda can only move forward with deception and faulty logic.

I am going to start to add my general ......

I have decided to start to add my general rambelings to catalog my responces to various things I have read. It may not fit into the the running theme of the pursuit of slack...