A country dies slowly. Those living during the decline of Rome were likely unaware that anything was happening. The decline took over a couple of hundred years. Anyone living during the decline only saw a small part of what was happening and likely never noticed it as anything other than ordinary. Countries don’t have genetically…
Recently, I began reading Garry Reed’s book, “Selected Salvos from the Loose Cannon Libertarian” and found myself enjoying every page. Garry Reed’s writing style is something bordering H.L. Mencken and Groucho Marx. His quick wit and colorful turn of a phrase gives the reader something to chuckle about while being informed. After having read volumes…
Over 100 years ago, in 1903, Italian economist and scholar Amilcare Puviani published his book, ”The Theory of Fiscal Illusion.” The Italian scholars at that time were profoundly curious about the effects of government on young democracies. They asked the question, “How could politicians best use the power of the purse to pursue their projects…
I recently watched the critically acclaimed independently produced movie, “Blue Collar Boys” by director/producer Mark Nistico. What I experienced was an emotional ride with a blue collar family struggling to keep their construction business alive during the 2008 financial meltdown. The viewer can see, first hand, how such misguided Fed policy and political maneuvering damaged…
How many have gotten themselves into that usual Twitter or maybe a Facebook debate about “capitalism” or “the free market” with someone who doesn’t even understand the definition of the terms? It can be equally frustrating because these social media environments aren’t really suited for an honest debate. When anonymity is introduced during any discussion, the…
Recently, fast food workers across America have been striking for higher pay, to include a “living wage”. Complaints have been that a fast food worker can’t afford to raise a family on slightly above minimum wage. Better yet, congress has held hearings over the last few weeks about the possibility of raising the national minimum…
There have been some recent comments on the web of how bad of a year 1913 was. With the creation of the Federal Reserve System, the passing of the 16th amendment (income taxes), 17th amendment (removal of States power by electing Senators directly) and 18th amendment (alcohol prohibition) much of the liberty Americans once had…
The Blue Collar Economist 