Common Sense 101

It's Not the Money, It's the Rule of Law

The Progressive movement (which created the modern income tax under President Wilson) saw America as a democracy rather than what it really is: a Republic. The distinction is not subtle and our Founders were clear in the belief that a democracy always led to mob rule. But the Progressives (both Republican and Democrat) felt that democracy and socialism are twins since both ultimately had their power stem from the people. If the people felt that someone or some group made too much, they could level the playing field for the good of all.

The tax code has never really been about raising revenue as much as it is about punishing opponents, helping friends, or as President Obama says, instituting a system of "fairness." Government bailouts are similar. Did all of those companies really need that money, or was it in the government's interest to force it down their throats so they'd have some control over them?

Consider these examples of the Government seeking control:

• The U.S. House of Representatives used its power to target a group of AIG insurance executives who collected a bonus they were contractually and legally allowed to receive, by passing a bill that would have imposed a 90% retroactive tax on their bonus money.
• New York state attorney general Andrew Cuomo threatened to reveal the names of AIG employees who were paid a contractual bonus and wouldn't voluntarily return that money.
• GM was required to fire its CEO as a prerequisite to receiving any additional federal bailout money even though the CEO didn't engage in any criminal or corporate malfeasance.
• Banking executives were threatened to accept government bailout funds or risk increased scrutiny and audits.
• Government officials are seeking authority to seize any company that could pose---in their sole opinion---a "systemic" economic risk.
• The sacrosanct "secret ballot" is under assault by union leaders who feel it's more important to get new members than protect free elections.
• The government has suggested it will force states to accept federal stimulus money eve if they don't want it.
• The state of Connecticut has considered legislation that would retroactively raise the state income tax on high-wage earners.
• The rich are being vilified and targeted because they are rich. (Class warfare is always politically popular, but common sense tells us that people won't work if they can't keep what they earn. It also tells us that what starts as government taking on the "rich" always trickles down---remember, in 1913 the income tax was applied to only the wealthiest 1%).
• Executives at AIG, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac are all on the federal dole and have received billions in corporate welfare. Executives at all companies received bonuses, but while AIG executives were targeted by Congress and unions, executives at Fannie and Freddie received scant attention due to their ties to government.

Is any of this in accordance with the rule of law? These abuses must stop!

While our current president and political leaders repeatedly assure us that giving government more power is the only answer, George Washington calls out from the past to remind us that government itself is usually the problem: "Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action."

But an increasing number of Americans don't see it that way. A recent poll revealed that a slim 53% of Americans believe that "capitalism" is a better system than "socialism." A full 1/5 of Americans think that socialism is the better system and an embarrassing 27% are "not sure."

Wake up, America! You have bought into the lie that Capitalism is only about money, corporations, greedy businessmen, and corrupt politicians who cut backroom deals. Capitalism isn't about money, it's about Freedom---the freedom to try and fail that made the United States the richest industrial nation in the world by 1905 and the freedom that has kept us there ever since. (Glenn Beck, Common Sense) (photo: http://www.instantcreditapproval.com)