You, too, can be vilified as a heinous criminal

I agree.

"So the next time you see a brief news blurb about some "evil" offender who ran afoul of the law with seeming disregard for public safety, and who is publicly vilified in government press releases, keep in mind that there may be more to the story. You could well be looking at another Krister Evertson, who hurt nobody, intended no legal violation, and was tripped up by a maze of laws of the sort that you yourself may unknowingly violate every day."

You, too, can be vilified as a heinous criminal

Socialized Healthcare vs. The Laws of Economics - Thomas J. DiLorenzo - Mises Institute

Excellent outline of what we can expect in United States healthcare the further we go toward socialized medicine.

Socialized Healthcare vs. The Laws of Economics - Thomas J. DiLorenzo - Mises Institute

Right of Revolution -- New Hampshire constitution

Interesting clause in the Bill of Rights of the constitution of the state of New Hampshire.

[Art.] 10. [Right of Revolution.] Government being instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security, of the whole community, and not for the private interest or emolument of any one man, family, or class of men; therefore, whenever the ends of government are perverted, and public liberty manifestly endangered, and all other means of redress are ineffectual, the people may, and of right ought to reform the old, or establish a new government. The doctrine of nonresistance against arbitrary power, and oppression, is absurd, slavish, and destructive of the good and happiness of mankind.

NH.gov - The Official Web Site of New Hampshire State Government - State Constitution, Bill of Rights

My vision for U.S. healthcare reform

Here is my vision for U.S. healthcare reform.

Get the companies and governments out of the picture.

Have companies drop healthcare plans and put the savings into their employees paychecks.

Everyone pays healthcare providers directly out of pocket for all routine expenses, analogous to the way we pay for oil changes and tires for our cars out of pocket, rather than having those items covered by our vehicle insurance policy.

The only health insurance most people would carry would be for unexpected major medical expenses. The cost for this type of coverage should be relatively low, since there would be relatively few claims.

The result of these reforms would be higher quality care and lower costs, since the mindset would be one of free-market competition among providers, competing directly for the consumers' dollars.

Addendum Thu, 30 Jul 2009, 9:16 am EDT

Congress should equalize the tax benefit so the individual gets the same tax break for buying his own healthcare and health insurance directly that his employer is getting now to buy it for him.

This would result in minimal or no financial incentive to accept whatever healthcare option is offered through the employer versus what the individual could purchase directly on the free market.

This would help to put natural, non-governmental, free-market regulation back into play, helping drive down healthcare costs and drive up quality as providers and insurers compete directly for the individual's healthcare dollar, and individuals are free to shop directly for the best value between competing suppliers.

The Myth of the Level Playing Field by Samuel Bostaph

Why trying to "level the playing field" by government intervention is bad for consumers and bad for the economy.

The Myth of the Level Playing Field by Samuel Bostaph

REVOLT OF THE MISESIANS

Excellent little story about Guatemala and the threat that sound economic policy poses to the powers that be.

REVOLT OF THE MISESIANS

Why Do Conservatives Always Side With the Cops? | The Beacon

I agree with Anthony Gregory. So long as many consider rudeness to a cop to be an arrestable offense, we will never have our sweet land of liberty.

Why Do Conservatives Always Side With the Cops? | The Beacon

School Competition Begets Greater Quality: Newsroom: The Independent Institute

Good arguments for consumer choice in public education.

School Competition Begets Greater Quality: Newsroom: The Independent Institute

Consumers Don't Cause Recessions

Good, easy-to-follow, economic analysis by Robert Murphy.

Consumers Don't Cause Recessions

Libertarianism 101: What's the libertarian position on foreign policy?

I agree. "Mucking around in the doings of other countries isn't foreign policy; it's just arrogant muscle flexing."

Libertarianism 101: What's the libertarian position on foreign policy?

The Roots of Racial Profiling: Why are police targeting minorities for traffic stops? - Reason Magazine

Great article showing the connection between racial profiling and draconian drug and asset forfeiture laws.

"It should be obvious that there's something nutty about a legal system that assumes suspects in murder, robbery, and rape cases are innocent until a trial proves otherwise, but assumes that a landscaper carrying some cash is guilty of drug trafficking"

The Roots of Racial Profiling: Why are police targeting minorities for traffic stops? - Reason Magazine

The Liberty Papers »Blog Archive » Why Do We Need Expensive College Degrees to Get A Simple Job?

Eye-opening analysis of an issue I have been wondering about for some time.

The Liberty Papers »Blog Archive » Why Do We Need Expensive College Degrees to Get A Simple Job?

Will the Republicans Save Us? by Laurence M. Vance

I agree with Laurence M. Vance. If we’re looking to the Republicans save us, we’re doomed.

Will the Republicans Save Us? by Laurence M. Vance

The Dangerous Minimum Wage Mirage: Why raising the minimum wage will hurt workers and worsen the economy - Reason Magazine

Excellent article. Steve Chapman explains why raising the minimum wage will hurt workers and worsen the economy.

The Dangerous Minimum Wage Mirage: Why raising the minimum wage will hurt workers and worsen the economy - Reason Magazine

Campaign For Liberty — Romans Chapter 13 Revisited | by Chuck Baldwin

Excellent discussion of the U.S. Christian's responsibility to obey man versus God.

Campaign For Liberty — Romans Chapter 13 Revisited   | by Chuck Baldwin

The Case for Separation of School and State

Good Q/A of the case for separation of school and State.

The Case for Separation

Chinese tire ban won't save jobs | detnews.com | The Detroit News

I agree with Ross Kogel, Jr: Chinese tire ban won't save jobs.

Chinese tire ban won't save jobs | detnews.com | The Detroit News

A Free Market in Health Care Is the Only Solution by Jacob G. Hornberger

I agree. We need separation of medicine and State.

A Free Market in Health Care Is the Only Solution by Jacob G. Hornberger

Shame on Conservatives by Jacob G. Hornberger

I agree with Jacob Hornberger that libertarians "inevitably remind people of what conservatives once were and what they have become."

Shame on Conservatives by Jacob G. Hornberger

Campaign For Liberty — Collectivist Republicans Losing Their Fight? | by Tom Mullen

Tom Mullen points out that "the Republicans have continually sold us free markets, smaller government, individual liberty, and then delivered. . . socialism."

Campaign For Liberty — Collectivist Republicans Losing Their Fight?   | by Tom Mullen

Gentle Nock at Our Door - Frank Chodorov - Mises Institute

Little sketch worth the read. I like what I have read by Nock so far.

Gentle Nock at Our Door - Frank Chodorov - Mises Institute

Washington drops hammer on state gun plan

Glad to see states standing up for their rightful, Constitutional sovereignty.

"This is a free state and it's time to tell the thieves in Washington to butt out."

Washington drops hammer on state gun plan

Lawmakers, read the bills before you vote - The Boston Globe

I agree with Jeff Jacoby. Fewer and shorter laws more carefully thought through would be a vast improvement over today’s massive bills, which are assembled in the dark and enacted in haste.

Lawmakers, read the bills before you vote - The Boston Globe

The Right to a Guilty Verdict: Obama's empty promise of due process for terrorism suspects - Reason Magazine

I agree with Jacob Sullum. "When freedom is not a real possibility, due process is just for show."

The Right to a Guilty Verdict: Obama's empty promise of due process for terrorism suspects - Reason Magazine

Liberty and Safety by Andrew P. Napolitano

I heartily agree with the judge. "President Bush argued frequently and forcefully that his first job was to keep us safe. He was wrong. The Constitution tells us that his sole job was to enforce the Constitution; and that means keeping us free."

Liberty and Safety by Andrew P. Napolitano

Minimum Wage, Maximum Stupidity

Very easy-to-follow explanation by Peter Schiff.

Euro Pacific Capital

The Madoff Scandal Exposes Government Failure by Sheldon Richman

Great article on the poor cost-to-benefit ratio of government "regulation".

The Madoff Scandal Exposes Government Failure by Sheldon Richman

Bernie Madoff Was Only a Petty Crook Compared with Uncle Sam | The Beacon

Robert Higgs writes, "The U.S. government, however, does not bother to claim any prowess in investing the money it forces people to surrender to its scheme. It admits that the “client’s” return is now close to zero (varying a bit according to the client’s age and other factors). Nor does it carry out its admitted Ponzi scheme in a civilized way. Not only is participation in the scheme involuntary, but the government threatens violence against anyone who fails to participate as it commands him."

Bernie Madoff Was Only a Petty Crook Compared with Uncle Sam | The Beacon

I Was Just Following Orders by Laurence M. Vance

Great commentary on the double standard for U.S. and non-U.S. soldiers.

I thoroughly agree with Mr. Vance. "Just think what it would mean to the peace of the world, not to mention the U.S. defense budget, if American soldiers limited their activities to actually defending the United States – guarding American borders, patrolling American coasts, protecting American citizens, enforcing no-fly zones in American skies – and refusing to follow orders to do otherwise."

I Was Just Following Orders by Laurence M. Vance

Kill the Monster by Thomas E. Woods, Jr.

Great arguments against the Fed.

Kill the Monster by Thomas E. Woods, Jr.

Government Creates Human Suffering by Llewellyn H. Rockwell, Jr.

Excellent explanation of why mandated health care and full employment are mutually exclusive.

Government Creates Human Suffering by Llewellyn H. Rockwell, Jr.

If Ten Percent Is Good Enough for Jesus

Dated but incredibly timely tune by Ray Stevens.

If Ten Percent Is Good Enough for Jesus

Legendary CBS anchor Walter Cronkite dies at 92 - Yahoo! News

Good write-up on Walter Cronkite; RIP.

Legendary CBS anchor Walter Cronkite dies at 92 - Yahoo! News

Libertarian Quotes: "If once the people become inattentive to the public affairs, you and I, and Congress and Assemblies, Judges and Governors, shall all become wolves."

Jefferson's prediction has come true, with a vengeance.

Libertarian Quotes: "If once the people become inattentive to the public affairs, you and I, and Congress and Assemblies, Judges and Governors, shall all become wolves."

David Knowles - Paradigms Lost - Texas Gov. appoints creationist to run state’s Board of Education - True/Slant

I'd like to see more commitment to balance like this.

David Knowles - Paradigms Lost - Texas Gov. appoints creationist to run state’s Board of Education - True/Slant

Three National Treasures - Llewellyn H. Rockwell, Jr. - Mises Institute

Great review of the work of three great economists.

Three National Treasures - Llewellyn H. Rockwell, Jr. - Mises Institute

Campaign For Liberty — Bring Back the Declaration of Independence | by Matt Hawes

Great arguments for more liberty and less government.

Campaign For Liberty — Bring Back the Declaration of Independence   | by Matt Hawes

Tenth Amendment Center | Tenth Amendment Talking Points

Great article on the limitations of the federal government.

Tenth Amendment Center |  Tenth Amendment Talking Points

A New Stimulus? Washington Never Learns by Sheldon Richman

I agree with Sheldon Richman. The “stimulus” isn’t working because it can’t work. A new “stimulus” is therefore idiotic. Freeing the economy is the only path to sustainable prosperity.

A New Stimulus? Washington Never Learns by Sheldon Richman

Why Not Permanently Cancel Aid to Honduras? by Jacob G. Hornberger

I agree with Jacob Hornberger, "good news and bad news about the coup in Honduras. The good news is that the U.S. government has suspended $16.5 million in military-assistance programs to Honduras and threatened that another $180 million in aid could be at risk. The bad news is that it’s only a temporary suspension and only a threat of a cutoff, not a permanent termination of foreign aid to Honduras and its military."

Why Not Permanently Cancel Aid to Honduras? by Jacob G. Hornberger

Campaign For Liberty — Liberty Is An Absolute | by Tom Mullen

Excellent argument for liberty and against misguided attempts by government to prevent crime.

Campaign For Liberty — Liberty Is An Absolute   | by Tom Mullen

Campaign For Liberty — Hands off Honduras! | by Philip Giraldi

I agree with Philip Giraldi. Far better to leave Honduras alone and let the Hondurans sort it out.

Campaign For Liberty — Hands off Honduras!   | by Philip Giraldi

Campaign For Liberty — TSA: Tyrannical, Silly Agency | by Becky Akers

Becky Akers rakes the TSA deservedly over the coals.

Campaign For Liberty — TSA: Tyrannical, Silly Agency   | by Becky Akers

EDITORIAL: Rewriting economic history - Washington Times

Good analysis of the effect of government "stimulus" spending. It just moves money from what Americans would have spent it on to things the government prioritizes instead.

EDITORIAL: Rewriting economic history - Washington Times

Minimum-wage folly - The Boston Globe

I agree with Jeff Jacoby. Minimum-wage laws don’t make low- and unskilled Americans more productive, more experienced, or more desirable. They merely make them more expensive - and more likely, therefore, to be unemployed.

Minimum-wage folly - The Boston Globe

The Founders' Rights Stuff | CommonDreams.org

Rosa Brooks writes, "Sometimes I wonder: If the founders could have foreseen this, would they have bothered to fight the Revolutionary War?"

The Founders' Rights Stuff | CommonDreams.org

The Essence of Americanism | Foundation for Economic Education

Excellent article by Leonard Read encouraging individuals to take leadership in fomenting liberty.

The Essence of Americanism | Foundation for Economic Education

Real Change on Cuba by Jacob G. Hornberger

Excellent recommendations on U.S. foreign policy toward neighboring country of Cuba.

Real Change on Cuba by Jacob G. Hornberger

Boundless Ignorance versus Self-Government by James Bovard

American's must educate themselves about history, economics, and government if we are to preserve what little liberty we have left and make inroads on restoring all that we have lost.

Boundless Ignorance versus Self-Government by James Bovard

Government growth challenges liberty - Washington Times

Excellent article.

Government growth challenges liberty - Washington Times

Campaign For Liberty — Life, Liberty, and Property Are Inseparable | by Tom Mullen

Excellent article. Tom Mullen writes, "Our government ultimately gives us what we ask for. For the past century, we have increasingly asked it to make us slaves, seduced by the siren's song of comfort and security without responsibility. This can only be provided to each of us at another's expense and can only be provided to others at ours. Once we reject the idea that we can claim a right to another human being's life, the chains that bind us will be broken. Then, it will matter not who makes our laws."

Campaign For Liberty — Life, Liberty, and Property Are Inseparable   | by Tom Mullen

Congressman Ron Paul - Celebrating the Fight for Freedom on the Fourth - Texas Straight Talk

Great Independence Day message from Congressman Ron Paul.

Congressman Ron Paul - Celebrating the Fight for Freedom on the Fourth - Texas Straight Talk

Ambrose: Spending our way to disaster | ScrippsNews

I agree with Jay Ambrose. You take money out of the private economy so you can put it back in and then assume it now has newly acquired powers? Laughable.

Even more so after you take into account the political brokerage deducted by the bureaucrats (to borrow a phrase from Indiana House Concurrent Resolution Number 2, 1947).

Ambrose: Spending our way to disaster | ScrippsNews

Health Care Is Not a Right by Jacob G. Hornberger

Great explanation!

Health Care Is Not a Right by Jacob G. Hornberger

The American Revolution: Was it an Act of Biblical Rebellion?

Excellent analysis of the motivations of America's Founding Fathers.

WallBuilders - Issues and Articles - The American Revolution: Was it an Act of Biblical Rebellion?

Why freedom remains fragile despite its appeal | detnews.com | The Detroit News

Excellent commentary by Kevin Schmiesing on the prerequisites for liberty.

Why freedom remains fragile despite its appeal | detnews.com | The Detroit News

The Roots of Limited Government

Very good article. My first exposure to Alan Barth.

The Roots of Limited Government

Congressman Ron Paul - Cap and Trade Will Lead to Capital Flight - Texas Straight Talk

I agree with Congressman Ron Paul.

"Contrary to claims repeated over and over, there is no consensus in the scientific community that global warming is getting worse or that it is manmade. In fact over 30,000 scientists signed a petition recently directly disputing the claims on which this policy is based. Legitimate environmental claims should instead be directed towards the public sector. The government, especially the military, is the most serious polluter in the country, and is exempt from most EPA regulations."

Congressman Ron Paul - Cap and Trade Will Lead to Capital Flight - Texas Straight Talk