...I wish that I may never think the smiles of the great and powerful a sufficient inducement to turn aside from the straight path of honesty and the convictions of my own mind.
--David Ricardo
Walter Williams: The Entrepreneur As American Hero
Dr. Walter Williams has served on the faculty of George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, as John M. Olin Distinguished Professor of Economics, since 1980; from 1995 to 2001, he served as department chairman. He has also served on the faculties of Los Angeles City College, California State University Los Angeles, and Temple University in Philadelphia, and Grove City College, Grove City, Pa.
Watch this excellent video below, if you cannot see it, you may view it by clicking this Link: The Entrepreneur
In Praise of Capitailism, Enlightened Capitailism:Please read the following Article on Capitalism: Reinventing Capitalism: Putting Soul in the Machine, A Quick Re-Vision of Western Civilization by Howard Bloom.
It is remarkable in it's defense of the Western Way of life as well as clear in the power of economics. Bloom reports, "Here's a basic fact of the Western way of life: Hard as we may find it to conceive, capitalism offers more things to believe in than any system that has come before. Nearly every faith, from Christianity and Buddhism to Islam and Marxism, promises to raise the poor and the oppressed. But only capitalism delivers what these ideologies and religions profess, century after century. Capitalism lifts the poor and helps them live their dreams. The proof is in the mega-perks we tend to take for granted."
Healthcare
Review this excellent 20/20 Report on the Comparision between the United States superior healthcare and that of the Nationally run healthcare of Canada.
Why the Bailouts are a Bad Idea (The Psychology of Panic)
When I read last Friday’s headlines about Europe’s economy recovery, I thought it was odd that the MSM didn’t mention Europe’s resistance to America’s massive stimulus proposals. Was there a relationship?
We witnessed that rarest of things last week—a politician's public humility. When France, along with Germany, reported an unexpected uptick in economic growth for the second quarter, French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde called the return to growth "very surprising." Imagine that—a major global economy stops shrinking, without the benefit of trillion-dollar stimulus packages or major reforms, and a politician doesn't rush to claim credit for the achievement.
Politicians don't "grow" an economy like a vegetable garden, and the reasons behind economic growth in the global economy are at least as mysterious to our political class, if not more so, than they are to the rest of us.
…it's refreshing to hear the minister responsible for France's economy speak the truth about growth. It is the product of literally millions of decisions made by millions of people about what to produce, buy and sell. Politicians can influence all that decision making, especially by increasing or decreasing the incentives to produce, work and innovate. But they can't control today's multi-trillion-dollar economies, no matter how much they'd like to take credit for doing so …
France and Germany were among the countries in Europe that resisted Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner's imprecations to join the U.S. on the megastimulus bus, and on present evidence this fiscal restraint does not appear to be hurting their chances for recovery.
From Katlyn August 4 at 10:46am Dr S, I am sorry to bother you but you are the only person who I think will be able to answer my questions. I am worried about the state our government is in and want to know what I can do to change things? I am watching the American people hand over their freedom with ignorant smiles! Of course, I know you work in health care and I was planning on it myself, but is that really a way I can support my family with this up coming nightmare? I cannot, by any means, call myself an extremist when it comes to politics but I do believe in freedom and the preservation of it. Thank you for your time, I hope to take another class of your soon :) Thank you, Katlyn
Dear K : Wow, what a great series of questions. I know it can be difficult in these trying times for anyone who loves freedom and liberty to watch what has become of our beloved nation. But it is not too late! Firstly let me see if I can answer your questions one at a time.
1. First You asked, " I am worried about the state our government is in and want to know what I can do to change things?" Get involved! It's really that simple. You can get involved on a number of levels. The first thing that must be done is ask yourself some hard questions about what you believe. Then be able to articulate those beliefs to others. When you base your arguments or decisions upon a set of values, then you can better stand up to those who want to debate you. On a personal level, I have one simple "core" belief, Personal Liberty. I always ask, when thinking about or debating any policy, proposed bill or law, does this further the cause of personal liberty or restrict it? If it restricts it, then why? I believe in freedom to the extent that you can do anything you want as long as you do not interfere with another's personal liberty. This video is a great one that simply puts the Philosophy of Liberty beliefs in a way that is easy to understand:
After you know what you believe and can defend it, then begin talking about. First with others who think like you then with those that do not. Always debate with respect when confronting another's belief, even if you do not understand it right away. Try to use some empathy to figure out why they believe differently. Try to debate the other side of what ever policy or issue that is in the argument, this allows you to see all sides and become better informed. I find when I simply "follow the money" I find the answer as to why a person may take a given stance. Often, those of us who grew up with a family that ran small businesses understandably decide to vote for people and policies that are friendly to small business (less taxes, less government regulation, less interference in our lives). Because that's where our resources came from. We were rewarded for hard work. Conversely, if a person comes from a family where they got their money from some Gov. entity or program (i.e. the school system, state or Federal Jobs), then they'll likely advocate for more Gov. money to fund these institutions (which means more Gov. taxes, more Gov. regulation, more interference in individual lives). I don't blame those who advocate the latter not the former, I just try to challenge their beliefs and help them to see that they're desires are interfering with my freedom. This is a general idea though and isn't always the case. I have friends who work for the state who are arch Conservatives/Freedom advocates. (I haven't met anyone who owns their own business though that advocates for more Gov. control and taxes). Another of my favorite ways to articulate what they Government should be doing is through this analogy:
You have a problem. You wish to solve this problem. To solve it begin by thinking and asking yourself all the various ways you as an individual could solve it. If you cannot, then go ask your immediate family if they can help solve it. If they cannot help solve it, then ask your extended family. Then your closest friends, then any friend, if that doesn't solve it, then go to your Church or civic group or organization. If that doesn't work, go to your Neighborhood, then City, then County, then State, then FINALLY, if the combined efforts of all those people cannot help you solve the problem, THEN and only then go to the Federal Government to help you solve it. Unfortunately, many these days are solving problems using this method but in reverse. Those in power do not want anyone to believe they, as an individual, can do anything for themselves.
At this point, when you know what you believe. Write to your Congressional Representative, Senator, And President. Write the Governor, State Rep. and Senator. Write you county commissioner, the Mayor of your city, the city commission. Write them all about issues you want to advocate for or against. Go to Town hall meetings, and bring as many people who think like you do with you. Respectfully ask to talk and have a 4 or 5 sentence statement prepared. Call your Gov. representative and schedule a meeting. I've lobbied a number of times on various issues. You'll be surprised how much you'll be able to say in 5 minutes. Use all the Social networking sites you can to articulate your beliefs and challenge others. Start a blog or pop-cast or make a video and upload it to You tube. For example, last year I asked all my friends who voted for Obama to give me 5 positive, non-Bush hating reasons they were voting for him. Not even one could do this. This told me alot about the election and prepared me for what is happening now.
2. Second you asked, "Of course, I know you work in health care and I was planning on it myself, but is that really a way I can support my family with this up coming nightmare?" As my grand-daddy always said, "The cream will rise to the top." So don't worry about a given profession or what others might say about it. If you have passion for it, then you'll certainly find a way to make a living in it. But let's look deeper into the issue. When debating another person (including congressional member or Gov. employee), ask them why they think like they do. For example, if they believe in nationalized health care ask them why? Ask them to provide examples of where Gov. run health care has worked else where. If they say something like, "It's barbaric not to provide health care." Then ask them who is going to pay for it? Many times, asking simple child-like questions helps to get to the heart of the matter. I use my Philosophy of Liberty to debate this. In order to make any Gov. run health care system work, the Gov. MUST take away someone else's Freedom (by limiting choice), or their Property (by imposing draconian taxes during a time when we can least afford them), and most of all Life (By denying care to the elderly or others who have "little chance to benefit from expending costly health care dollars").
I try to defend Individual Freedom where-ever I go or in whatever capacity I find myself. This may sometime get you into trouble but one of my favorite quotes is from the 19th century economist, "I wish that I may never think the smiles of the great and powerful a sufficient inducement to turn aside from the straight path of honesty and the convictions of my own mind."
Believe me, few Professors and fewer Universities will take the time to educate you in the Philosophy of Liberty. This is a task you'll have to undertake on your own. But once you embrace a world-view, you feel very comforted by it. It gives you a feeling that you know where you are going in life and how to get there. You have a firm foundation to stand upon and will not be swept away by the next political or even religious so-called messiah, guru, or policy-wonk. You'll have the convictions of your own mind and the freedom to live your life on your own terms.
Katlyn
Dr S, Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions. I am inspired and ignited in the thought that I can get involved to create a positive change! I am not proud to admit it, but I am often guilty of purposeful ignorance of American politics, it seems I can no longer afford to be silent. Edmund Burke was completely right when he said “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” The link you provided examines that issue and really hit a nerve in my belief system. I have decided to reevaluate what I believe to be important and what I want for my future and the future of America. It appears that so many are uniformed and willing to be bulldozed by the “social contract” and what they believe to be “fairness.”
I am saddened by the complete absence of truth I have found talking to my peers. I recently discussed the issue of the health care reform with a friend and was shocked when the only pro they could give me was, “It cost too much to go to the hospital.” I empathize with those who have less and are suffering because of the how expensive it is to get medical care (I am going through the same situation in my life right now). The problem is no one is taking the time to understand what government controlled health care really means. My father was a Vietnam vet, my whole family received health care at the VA hospital, basically government controlled health care. Yes, I got to see a doctor and yes, it was cheap or free BUT when my mother had a serious health condition or my father became ill, the VA did not (and could not) provide us with immediate help. My father passed away in the care of a physician we paid and my mother finally had to give up waiting because her condition was urgent, and see another doctor not associated with the VA. It seems no one I know understands that it is impossible for the government to give you health care and actually be able to take care of you.
I am definitely going to start getting involved in a productive way and appreciate the tips on how to do so. I am taking your advice and I am going to start with talking to the people around me, a single voice has so many times changed the masses. KatlynSphere: Related Content
