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That's What I Thought...
by Gene DeNardo (libertarian)
About The Author
Gene De Nardo is a carpenter, bicycle builder and jazz musician [and Blazer fan!] with an devoted interest in Economics and the world. About The Column
My column is an effort, with varying sucess, to get to the heart of things and to leave behind Ideology and Group Think. Party line is often a kind of indoctrination, what we are told to think with little basis in truth. If we can try to understand opposing viewpoints, we can only strengthen and clarify our own. The Necessary Alliance of Social Welfare and State Corporatism.
Published: November 7, 2009
The cooperation of political monopoly industry and progressive welfare reform is a fundamental componet of the corporate state.
The Tall Tale of Economic Overproduction
Published: October 27, 2009
Many of the assumptions of status quo economics, such as the idea of aggregate overproduction, resemble fairy tales more than actual observation.
"The Poor Will Always Be With Us".
Published: October 22, 2009
Examining the validity of that common perrenial phrase.
The United States Forest Service and a "Funny" Bird!
Published: October 13, 2009
The listing of the Spotted Owl as an endangered species in the nineties highligted some of the peculiar economic mechanics of federal forest ownership.
A Critique of Murray Rothbard's Critique of the Georgist Argument.
Published: September 30, 2009
The land question has been with us since day one. A look at Murray's take on the observations of Henry George.
How Our Government Secures the Unsecurable.
Published: September 24, 2009
When it comes to debt and contracts, the actions of government are hardly impartial.
Valuation of Capital
Published: September 18, 2009
Much of our economic problems and injustices stem from forced and excessive valuation of Capital.
Tragedy of the Collective
Published: September 13, 2009
A tragedy the "Commons" certainly are, but the core reason is not "human morality" but the use of Collective force.
Oregon Experiences Double Digit Health Insurance Rate Increases.
Published: September 9, 2009
What is revealing is not the rate increases themselves, but the reasons given.
Missed Tax Reform Opportunity for Liberals and Conservatives.
Published: September 5, 2009
Income tax could be reformed in a simple way that should be backed by both Liberals and Conservative, yet gains the support of neither.
Proper Intellectual Property
Published: September 3, 2009
Our coercive system of patent and copyright protection is monopolistic in nature. Could this system be improved utilizing principles of the free market?
Libertarians, Liberals and Conservatives.
Published: August 28, 2009
Confused? You are probably not talking to a Libertarian!
Health Care Suggestions.
Published: August 22, 2009
Any Social solution would add more money and more coverage to the mix. The Status Quo Corporate view sees no need to disturb the excellent bottom line, other than maybe another tax subsidy or two. Real reform involves radical alteration of entrenched special interest market controls.
Psuedo Competition Within the Health Industry.
Published: August 16, 2009
Insurance, which can be extremely beneficial to the consumer, can also be used to their disadvantage in controlled markets.
Clunkers and the Environment
Published: August 11, 2009
Touted as a "green stimulus", what is the effect of the extended "Clunker" program on the environment? Will we all breathe easier or is just another special interest giveaway under the guise of the "common good"?
American Health Care and the Intrusion of Insurance.
Published: August 6, 2009
The history of American health care is the study of an attempt to bring health care to all and to satisfy the demands of special interests at the same time.
Do Systems Development Fees Really Work?
Published: July 30, 2009
Is the Systems Development Fee, a common fee imposed during the construction process, a good example of a true "user" fee or is it simply another misdirected tax?
Water, Beer and the EPA!
Published: July 25, 2009
The actions of Federal agencies are often redundant and unnecessary. Maintaining accountability at the local level is often the most efficient and cost effective method.
Cap and Trade the Tax!
Published: July 14, 2009
It may be possible to eliminate one of the most confiscatory taxes in history and cool down the greenhouse issue at the same time.
Land: The Last Free Parcel
Published: July 9, 2009
The transition from "free" land to "valued" land and private property can expose the shortcomings of some of our basic assumptions.
Debt: Secured and Otherwise
Published: July 3, 2009
Looking at Debt as what it really is might straighten things out a bit.
Freeing the Limits of Incorporation: Final Solution.
Published: June 27, 2009
The fundamental way in which we view and interpret the Creditor-Debtor relationship resolves the very same issues Liability creates.
Freeing the Limits of Incorporation.
Published: June 23, 2009
Our current economic condition is mired in the privlege of "limited liability". While we search for trillion dollar answers, there are remedies that are fairly painless.
Closure of the California Parks and Collectivity.
Published: June 19, 2009
State budget cuts may hoist the axe to California parks. What effect does this have on basic Property Rights?
Property: Private, Common and Collective.
Published: June 10, 2009
Common thoughts on Land as Private Property.
Flat Tax? We already have one!
Published: June 5, 2009
We have had a flat tax in America for going on 70 years. How is it working?
Say's Law and Debt
Published: May 27, 2009
Jean Baptiste-Say is credited for the guiding principles of a truly "free market". Known as "Say's Law", it earns little respect from careless debt.
Fuel Efficiency Without Rules and Regs
Published: May 20, 2009
New fuel efficiency standards have been enacted by the Federal Government. The same end could be reached in a much more direct way.
Health Care Cartel Announces Price Cut
Published: May 15, 2009
Representatives of the Health Care Industry offer to adjust prices for the President.
The Myth of Saving.
Published: May 9, 2009
Americans are being scolded for "saving" too much. It seems our meager savings rate could further depress the economy. We seem to be behaving badly!
Sounding Off on Money: Part Two
Published: May 5, 2009
Is it possible to return to sound money?
Sounding Off on Money: Part One
Published: May 1, 2009
Simplifying the concept of Money and discerning between "sound" money and otherwise.
Profit, Where Art Thou?
Published: April 25, 2009
We hear about Profits or lack of them all the time, where exactly do they originate from?
Force and Scarcity
Published: April 20, 2009
Ramblings on the Use of Force and the role of Scarcity.
A Crisis of Liability
Published: April 15, 2009
We haven't heard much about the role that "limited liability" has in our current economic situation. The role is large and the silence is telling.
Tax Time: 1040, Reform the Form
Published: April 3, 2009
When it comes to Income Tax, when zero doesn't seem to be an option, simpler can definately be better.
The Last Great Recession
Published: March 28, 2009
Differences and Similarities between the early eighties recession and our current one.
Getting Something For Nothing!
Published: March 24, 2009
The Federal Reserve loves to make big purchases but they always get by the check out counter without spending a dime!
AIG, Truth and Consequence.
Published: March 20, 2009
The bigger they are, the harder they fall, unless you have the strong arms of the Federal Government to break your fall!
AIG upholds Executive Minimum Wage Law!
Published: March 16, 2009
AIG Corporation does its best to follow the guidelines of the Federal Corporate Executive Minimum Wage Law with the help of the US Treasury.
Mortgage Backed Securities, Whose Fault?
Published: March 11, 2009
These mysterious securities are not really that complicated and the cause for their "toxicity" isn't really that mysterious!
Surplus and Capital, Part Two
Published: March 7, 2009
Surplus Production and the resulting effects of Capital in a limited land access Society.
The Land Value Fee, Why It Works.
Published: March 2, 2009
All taxes but one confiscate produced value. The "Single Tax" is as simple as it is just.
Non-Socialized Responsible Non-Investing
Published: February 26, 2009
Actions speak much louder than words!
Surplus and Capital, Part One
Published: February 20, 2009
Tracing Surplus and the formation of Capital in a "Landed" Society.
Socialism Part Three: Warfare and Welfare
Published: February 13, 2009
The relationship of the federal budget with regard to the Socialization of Warfare and Welfare.
Fakete's Capital Erosion and the Economic Crisis
Published: February 8, 2009
Antal Fakete blames the current economic crisis on "Capital Erosion". An excerpt from an interview stating his reasoning and some related observations.
A Little More on Preferences and Plunder
Published: February 3, 2009
Extrapolating on three excellent recent articles, a "World" side effect of this "preferential plunder".
The Stimulus Package Could Work.
Published: January 31, 2009
Unsound economic actions based on shaky principles can sometimes be effective in a goofy world.
Socialism Part Two: Infrastructure
Published: January 27, 2009
Second part of a three part series on Socialism. Brief examination of United States Infrastructure and its relationship to Socialism.
Theories of Value and the Recent Downturn
Published: January 23, 2009
The recent economic problems are brought to light under the two classic theories of value. It's highly probable the way we look at value can claim much of the blame for our economic woes.
Banking Part Three: Investment
Published: January 18, 2009
Analysing the investment aspect of banking and how it affects the depositor. Some suggestions for a more honest and efficient approach.
Banking Part Two: Demand Deposits
Published: January 14, 2009
Demand Deposits aren't what they claim to be. Some simple solutions to bring them within the confines of United States laws and provide the service they are meant to provide.
Banking Part One: Origins and Purpose
Published: January 9, 2009
Touching on the history of banking and its role in the economy.
Defining Socialism, Part One: The Land Mass
Published: January 5, 2009
Defining Socialism in relation to the formation and present state of the United States and the treatment of its land mass.
Root of Financial Blunder
Published: January 2, 2009
A Letter to the Editor of the Oregonian Newspaper expressing dismay at an article blaming average folks for the financial meltdown.
Deflation the Great Wealth Builder
Published: December 27, 2008
Deflation is usually a natural reaction of the economy rather than something to be avoided at all costs. It can inflict considerable damage but also restores equity and balance.
Shut the Door on Your Way Out, George!
Published: December 22, 2008
Examining the 2002 National Security Council document with regards to the "Bush Doctrine".
The Capital Gains Hoax
Published: December 16, 2008
Accepting the reality but not necessarily the justice of an income tax, is there a sound basis for preferential rates on Capital Gains?
MV=PT A Classic Equation and Monetary Policy
Published: December 7, 2008
Using Irving Fisher's famous economic "Equation of Exchange" to analyze the differences between "Fiat" monetary policy and a "Fixed" currency .
A Bonehead Solution to End Government Debt
Published: November 28, 2008
With a bit of Yankee ingenuity, we can virtually eliminate our Federal Debt, light years faster than it was accumulated. But hurry, limited time offer, we must act now!
Dwell In This!
Published: November 21, 2008
Observations on the current housing deflation, analysis of contributing factors, ideas on the importance of housing in the overall economy.
Corporations and the Free Market
Published: November 14, 2008
Exploring how Corporations came to be, what that entailed and how they affect a free marketplace.
Abortion and War
Published: November 10, 2008
Author's look at the basic contradictions that lie within the two most commonly held viewpoits on Abortion and War.
Is There A Just Tax?
Published: November 6, 2008
A look into the means Government uses to raise revenue.
Fiat Monetary System Harms Environment
Published: November 2, 2008
A simple explanation why our present monetary policy can only be bad for the Earth.
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