Click here to see very interesting pictures of a major achievement of American socialism - the abandonment of Detroit.
When I have more time, I'll find pictures of another major achievement of American socialism, the slums of the Bronx in the 1970's that were caused in large part by rent control laws.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Failing to Win Because You Give Up is Not Admirable
Click here to see an excellent blog post titled "Colts are like my students who f-ailed" on the difference of failing to win because one gives up (like the Colts) and failure (in which the effort is still admired).
When the Taxpayers Subsidize Your Business - You Should Give it Your Best at All Times, Part Two
If your business does not depend upon explicit taxpayer subsidies, a decision not to give your customers the best may be fool-hardy, but it's your business and business plan. Customers can protest by refusing to buy your product or service.
However when your business relies on taxpayer subsidies and largesse, such as the big business Indianapolis Colts, then you owe your best at all times. It is hard for a taxpayer to refuse to subsidize your product or service when government takes the money away from the taxpayer whether you like it or not.
By the way, I'm curious if readers of this blog think that Lucas Oil Stadium is more important than putting the same amount of money into Indianapolis' sewers so the City stops polluting the White River with raw sewage? Our city "leaders" most certainly thought raw sewage in the White River was a lower priority than Lucas Oil Stadium.
However when your business relies on taxpayer subsidies and largesse, such as the big business Indianapolis Colts, then you owe your best at all times. It is hard for a taxpayer to refuse to subsidize your product or service when government takes the money away from the taxpayer whether you like it or not.
By the way, I'm curious if readers of this blog think that Lucas Oil Stadium is more important than putting the same amount of money into Indianapolis' sewers so the City stops polluting the White River with raw sewage? Our city "leaders" most certainly thought raw sewage in the White River was a lower priority than Lucas Oil Stadium.
When The Taxpayers Subsidize Your Business - You Should Give it Your Best at All Times
What say you Indianapolis Colts to the above? If you think I'm talking about you - I am.
My Thoughts about Today's Indianapolis Colts Display of a Lack of Character and Fortitude
Colts fans at the game should demand a refund of their money and I demand from the Colts and the City of Indianapolis a refund of "temporary" (since the mid-80's) restaurant tax used to support their stadium.
But should I be surprised by today's events by a big business in bed with big government?
But should I be surprised by today's events by a big business in bed with big government?
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Further Proof that the US Government is Dominated by One "Tax and Spend" Political Party With Two Factions Called the Republicans and Democrats
Click here and read this ABC News article and carefully review how the Republicans in Congress justify their "tax and spend" days during the immediate past Bush Administration.
It is further proof there is only one political party dominating the US Government which has as its main mission "tax and spend". It has two factions - the Democratic faction and the Republican faction.
It is time for all to vote for and elect Libertarians to office, the party for fiscally responsible and competent limited government.
Vote for Real Change and True Hope - the Libertarians!
It is further proof there is only one political party dominating the US Government which has as its main mission "tax and spend". It has two factions - the Democratic faction and the Republican faction.
It is time for all to vote for and elect Libertarians to office, the party for fiscally responsible and competent limited government.
Vote for Real Change and True Hope - the Libertarians!
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas - Blast From The Past - Libertarian Party of Indiana State Convention 2001
The 2001 Libertarian Party of Indiana State Convention was held in the Spring at the French Lick Springs Resort in French Lick, Indiana.
Libertarian Party of Indiana convention delegates. Jame Goldstein and Sam Goldstein are pictured at the left front table.
Current Libertarian Party of Indiana Chair Sam Goldstein (l) and past State Chair (2000-07) Mark Rutherford (r)
(From left to right) Past Indiana State Chair (1984-85, 88-89), past Libertarian Party National Chairman and past Libertarian Party Executive Director Steve Dasbach, Charlie Kennedy, Carla Howell (Massachusetts) and Bob Thayer.
Luncheon Speaker Andy Horning (past Indianapolis mayoral candidate and gubernatorial candidate).
Sam Goldstein introducing luncheon speaker Andy Horning.
Lunch (Eric Barnes in the sunglasses).
Former Libertarian Party of Indiana Executive Director Brad Klopfenstein at the podium and convention chair Cheryl Pearcy at the table.
Past State Chair (1989-96) Dr. Barbara Bourland.
Mark Rutherford (standing and arm raised) fund raising by asking for everyone to empty their wallets for the good of the order.
Past Secretary of State candidate (1994, 98) and current national president of NORML Steve Dillon (l) and convention speaker Carla Howell of Massachusetts.
French Lick Springs Resort in 2001.
Libertarian Party of Indiana convention delegates. Jame Goldstein and Sam Goldstein are pictured at the left front table.
Current Libertarian Party of Indiana Chair Sam Goldstein (l) and past State Chair (2000-07) Mark Rutherford (r)
(From left to right) Past Indiana State Chair (1984-85, 88-89), past Libertarian Party National Chairman and past Libertarian Party Executive Director Steve Dasbach, Charlie Kennedy, Carla Howell (Massachusetts) and Bob Thayer.
Luncheon Speaker Andy Horning (past Indianapolis mayoral candidate and gubernatorial candidate).
Sam Goldstein introducing luncheon speaker Andy Horning.
Lunch (Eric Barnes in the sunglasses).
Former Libertarian Party of Indiana Executive Director Brad Klopfenstein at the podium and convention chair Cheryl Pearcy at the table.
Past State Chair (1989-96) Dr. Barbara Bourland.
Mark Rutherford (standing and arm raised) fund raising by asking for everyone to empty their wallets for the good of the order.
Past Secretary of State candidate (1994, 98) and current national president of NORML Steve Dillon (l) and convention speaker Carla Howell of Massachusetts. 
French Lick Springs Resort in 2001.Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Republican Mayor Ballard Shows Anti-Second Amendment Side
Disappointingly, Republican Indianapolis Mayor Ballard has shown a pro gun-grabbing, anti-Second Amendment side to his administration.
He has asked the Indianapolis City-County Council to approve Frank Straub as the new Public Safety Director for the City of Indianapolis.
Straub has made it clear that he believes there are too many guns on the street, that there needs to be a national policy on guns, and that there has to be a control of the flow of guns between the states. (See Indianapolis Star article on Staub).
Make no mistake about it - these are code words for GUN CONTROL and IGNORING THE UNITED STATES AND INDIANA CONSTITUTIONS.
In Indianapolis it now appears there is no difference between most Democrats and Republicans - the elected officials from the two old parties support GUN CONTROL.
He has asked the Indianapolis City-County Council to approve Frank Straub as the new Public Safety Director for the City of Indianapolis.
Straub has made it clear that he believes there are too many guns on the street, that there needs to be a national policy on guns, and that there has to be a control of the flow of guns between the states. (See Indianapolis Star article on Staub).
Make no mistake about it - these are code words for GUN CONTROL and IGNORING THE UNITED STATES AND INDIANA CONSTITUTIONS.
In Indianapolis it now appears there is no difference between most Democrats and Republicans - the elected officials from the two old parties support GUN CONTROL.
How Government Bureaucracy and a Lack of a Free Market Kills a City
Read in the New York Times article "A City Shaken to its Core."about how government bureaucracy and a lack of a free market is doing more to destroy the Italian city of L'Aquila, Italy than a recent violent earthquake.
Editor's note - it reminds me of New Orleans, Louisiana, another example of governmental incompetence and a lack of a free market.
Editor's note - it reminds me of New Orleans, Louisiana, another example of governmental incompetence and a lack of a free market.
Republican Mayor Ballard Shows Pro-Regulation, Anti-Small Business Side
Disappointingly, Republican Indianapolis Mayor Ballard has shown a pro-regulation, anti-small business side to his administration.
Instead of pushing the City-County Council to get rid of unnecessary, small business-inhibiting regulations and fees, the Mayor proposes to raise licensing fees on 27 types of businesses.
If he wants to increase the tax receipts for the city, he needs to work on a program that will help small businesses grow and hire more employees.
Lastly, does he really think these small businesses will pay the increased fees? LOL. They usually pass it on to the consumers or reduce costs by firing employees. Here's to more unemployment in Indianapolis (which is already too high because of minimum wage laws whose real purpose are to keep the wealthy - wealthy; and the poor - poor).
Instead of pushing the City-County Council to get rid of unnecessary, small business-inhibiting regulations and fees, the Mayor proposes to raise licensing fees on 27 types of businesses.
If he wants to increase the tax receipts for the city, he needs to work on a program that will help small businesses grow and hire more employees.
Lastly, does he really think these small businesses will pay the increased fees? LOL. They usually pass it on to the consumers or reduce costs by firing employees. Here's to more unemployment in Indianapolis (which is already too high because of minimum wage laws whose real purpose are to keep the wealthy - wealthy; and the poor - poor).
Monday, December 21, 2009
D.C. Police Detective Shows Us How to Turn Snowball Fight into a Near Riot
Amazing.
What is amazing is how the Washington, D.C. police detective in this video turns a relatively peaceful snowball fight targeting Hummers into a near riot - and gives a lot of people lots of reason to distrust and disrespect the police.
A good police officer would have pulled over - said it is wrong to throw snowballs at vehicles, and ask they keep the snowball fight between themselves. However, this detective pulls a gun and does lots to incite the crowd (we are all criminals you know)!
I hope the leaders of law enforcement give this detective sensitivity lessons and lessons on how he serves the people, not the reverse. He also needs to be taught that we are not all criminals and that we are not all targets of the war on crime.
This detective/police officer has done great damage towards the public's respect for the rule of law. I haven't heard a citizen call a policeman a "pig" in years.
Sad. Most policeman get it - but this one doesn't.
What is amazing is how the Washington, D.C. police detective in this video turns a relatively peaceful snowball fight targeting Hummers into a near riot - and gives a lot of people lots of reason to distrust and disrespect the police.
A good police officer would have pulled over - said it is wrong to throw snowballs at vehicles, and ask they keep the snowball fight between themselves. However, this detective pulls a gun and does lots to incite the crowd (we are all criminals you know)!
I hope the leaders of law enforcement give this detective sensitivity lessons and lessons on how he serves the people, not the reverse. He also needs to be taught that we are not all criminals and that we are not all targets of the war on crime.
This detective/police officer has done great damage towards the public's respect for the rule of law. I haven't heard a citizen call a policeman a "pig" in years.
Sad. Most policeman get it - but this one doesn't.
Libertarian Party of Marion County Chairman Attends Indiana Equality Fund Raiser
On December 10th, Libertarian Party of Marion County Chairman Timothy Maguire attended the Indiana Equality holiday fund raiser in Indianapolis.
All three Marion County chairman of the ballot access political parties were there and a picture was taken of the three of them, together with leaders of Indiana Equality.
This was mentioned in yesterday's Indianapolis Star columnist Cathy Kightlinger's weekly column. The picture of the political party chairman accompanies the column.
Click here for a direct link to the picture.
Marion County Libertarians Mark Rutherford and Michael Schultheiss also attended the event.
All three Marion County chairman of the ballot access political parties were there and a picture was taken of the three of them, together with leaders of Indiana Equality.
This was mentioned in yesterday's Indianapolis Star columnist Cathy Kightlinger's weekly column. The picture of the political party chairman accompanies the column.
Click here for a direct link to the picture.
Marion County Libertarians Mark Rutherford and Michael Schultheiss also attended the event.
Monday, December 07, 2009
Nevada Senator Harry Reid - You Made a Big, Big Mistake But It Will Help Get Libertarians Elected
United States Senator Harry Reid has taken the rhetoric against his opponents on the health care debate to unbelievable levels. Interestingly, this is as he and his big government cohorts attempt to enslave United States citizens even further to the whims of the self-described political elite who have control of the United States government.
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Heart Disease Death Rate Increases By 16% in Indianapolis After Smoking Ban - Thus Smoke Free Indy Logic Suggests Smoking Ban Should be Rescinded!
Read the blog post "Heart Disease Death Rate Increased by 16% in First Year Following Indy Smoking Ban; By IOM Committee's Logic, Ban Caused Increase in Heart Attacks" for information on this drastic increase in heart disease after the passage of Indianapolis' Smoking Ban.
By using some of the logic applied by Smoke Free Indy in its attacks on the current Smoking Ban compromise, the general Smoking Ban enacted by the Indianapolis City-County Council in 2005 resulted in a 16% increase in deaths by heart disease in Indianapolis!
In my opinion this goes to show that Smoke Free Indy's efforts are not about the general health and welfare of people, but are about control and power over others, especially small and nascent businesses, by self designated elites including established big corporations represented by the local Chamber of Commerce (whose position on the Smoking Ban shows they do not represent the interests of small business owners). If this truly was about second hand smoke hurting workers, the statistics would show immediate health benefits, which they do not do.
By using some of the logic applied by Smoke Free Indy in its attacks on the current Smoking Ban compromise, the general Smoking Ban enacted by the Indianapolis City-County Council in 2005 resulted in a 16% increase in deaths by heart disease in Indianapolis!
In my opinion this goes to show that Smoke Free Indy's efforts are not about the general health and welfare of people, but are about control and power over others, especially small and nascent businesses, by self designated elites including established big corporations represented by the local Chamber of Commerce (whose position on the Smoking Ban shows they do not represent the interests of small business owners). If this truly was about second hand smoke hurting workers, the statistics would show immediate health benefits, which they do not do.
Is the Bloomington Herald-Times Inadvertantly Helping Criminals Be Better Criminals?
The Bloomington Herald-Times online web site is launching a new gun permit database for Monroe County and Bloomington, Indiana.
It is my opinion that this will make it easier for criminals, especially burglars, to target their victims in a way that minimizes the chance of a poor outcome (such as being shot).
A smart burglar will check the database and avoid areas in which there is a high number of homes with permit holders.
Below, from the Libertarian Party of Indiana Liberty Beacon is a reproduction of the news release about this from the NRA:
"On November 30, 2009, the Bloomington Herald-Times made the following announcement:
"This week, HeraldTimesOnline.com will launch its new gun permit database. You'll be able to search gun permit records by county, city or town and street."
The Herald-Times has begun receiving calls and emails, and their response is a defiant defense of their online gun permit database. Anyone who visits the newspaper website will be able to search the number of permits on a given street or neighborhood. Although at this point the names and house numbers are not listed, the newspaper's website treats law-abiding Indiana gun owners like sex offenders on a searchable database.
It is NRA's firm belief that there is no public good served by the publishing or cataloguing private citizens' gun ownership information, and that more harm is done by such an action. Law-abiding Hoosiers should not be subjected to the same treatment as sex offenders, and if the newspaper won't listen to their constituents and customers, then NRA Members and Indiana gun owners should send a financial message by cancelling their subscriptions to the Bloomington Herald-Times.
Please contact the Bloomington Herald-Times to respectfully voice your displeasure at the irresponsible action the newspaper has made."
It is my opinion that this will make it easier for criminals, especially burglars, to target their victims in a way that minimizes the chance of a poor outcome (such as being shot).
A smart burglar will check the database and avoid areas in which there is a high number of homes with permit holders.
Below, from the Libertarian Party of Indiana Liberty Beacon is a reproduction of the news release about this from the NRA:
"On November 30, 2009, the Bloomington Herald-Times made the following announcement:
"This week, HeraldTimesOnline.com will launch its new gun permit database. You'll be able to search gun permit records by county, city or town and street."
The Herald-Times has begun receiving calls and emails, and their response is a defiant defense of their online gun permit database. Anyone who visits the newspaper website will be able to search the number of permits on a given street or neighborhood. Although at this point the names and house numbers are not listed, the newspaper's website treats law-abiding Indiana gun owners like sex offenders on a searchable database.
It is NRA's firm belief that there is no public good served by the publishing or cataloguing private citizens' gun ownership information, and that more harm is done by such an action. Law-abiding Hoosiers should not be subjected to the same treatment as sex offenders, and if the newspaper won't listen to their constituents and customers, then NRA Members and Indiana gun owners should send a financial message by cancelling their subscriptions to the Bloomington Herald-Times.
Please contact the Bloomington Herald-Times to respectfully voice your displeasure at the irresponsible action the newspaper has made."
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