Speech given earlier this year at a 9/12 event. Gives an excellent history of the State Sovereignty issue and is a must watch to better understand what we need to do and why!!!
By Abigail Billings:
by Jim Ramsay
Recently on the PBS program Kentucky Tonight, there was an enlightening discussion of proposed tax law changes in the state. The lessons however go far beyond Kentucky and illustrate both the tactics (a classic logical fallacy: appeal to pity) and underlying problematic philosophical constructs of redistribution of wealth.
Kentucky State Representative Jim Wayne gave an example of a maid making $7.15 per hour to clean hotel rooms. He said that the current federal “earned income tax credit” brought her salary up to $8.50 per hour. He was proposing a state earned income tax credit that would raise her salary to $9.00 per hour. As often is the case, this argument sounds kind, generous, and compassionate. On its surface, the argument portrays two characters: the poor downtrodden worker and the benevolent government bestowing symbolic bread to the poor. However, as is the case with any forgotten man problem, this example only tells part of the story by leaving out a key player in the tale. That participant is known as the forgotten man.
To analyze the argument, we need to first evaluate its components.
We begin with his subject: the job of cleaning a hotel room. This job, while physically taxing, probably takes 90 minutes to train someone to thoroughly perform the tasks required. The wage for the job the market sets at $7.15. The majority of the work force would be capable of filling the position. Therefore, given the large supply of potential workers as compared to the number of hotel rooms to clean, society and the market have valued the position at this rate.
The next component of his argument is the earned income tax credit. This sum of money is paid directly to the worker from the federal government. Despite it being called a “refundable” tax credit, it was never paid by the worker in order to be refunded. Rather, the worker receives a direct payment from the government in addition to a refund of any income taxes they paid. Similarly, the representative was proposing a state earned income tax credit where the state would send additional money to the worker.
This brings us to the next actor in the story: the state. The state produces nothing nor does it print money; therefore, the only source for this payment is taxation. When we look at taxation, first we will address the source. The representative was an advocate of a “progressive” tax code, meaning that he wants to “target” (his word) the highest earning workers. Each of these targets is the forgotten man.
Salary surveys show the highest paid jobs include doctors, lawyers, business owners, business executives, etc. For the sake of argument, we will look at two: the most respected, doctors, and one of the most vilified, business executives. In each case, we begin with a requirement for intelligence. Follow that basic intelligence with years of education and residency, often taking 12 years of training for the doctor. In the case of the business executive, the educational requirement often includes an MBA for a total school time of 6 years. There are usually years of internships and working up through the ranks for the position. In both cases, we see lengthy training periods with high education costs and the debt that goes with it. Based on the intelligence, education, study requirements, and specialized skills, the percentage of the population capable of filling these types of responsibilities, is extremely small. We do not choose doctors or business executives by drawing lots; those interested in those positions possess not just natural skills, but perform years of work, education, and skill development. Society and the market values these positions at the top of the salary range.
Now that we understand the players, we need to look at the core of the argument. What the representative was saying was that the free market and society are wrong and unjust. He was saying that that the eye surgeon who returns our sight is paid too much while the person who vacuums the floor in a hotel room is paid too little. He wanted to reduce the reward for the excellence and years of hard work and commitment of one person to transfer to another with an hour and a half of training. One key is that the market determined those wages. The representative has decided that; if a business produces higher quality products due to the decisions of an executive, and millions of consumers judge with their dollars to purchase the better product, those millions of decision makers were wrong: instead, a small group of planners second guess those millions and confiscate those dollars to provide largess in the form of a “credit” to whomever they wish. Are the planners and the politicians correct, or is the market correct in their free exchange of value for value?
Beyond the core argument, there are ancillary issues with this proposal which could be explored at another time. Examples include the fact that in between the “target” of the taxation and the beneficiary of the largess lay a massive bureaucracy that devours a significant percentage of those dollars; compliance costs of satisfying the tax code, opportunity costs of tax shelters, and other political manipulation. This argument results in the state placing an albatross around our neck. To say it more plainly: these all add up to a massive destruction of effort.
by Webmaster:
The Kentucky chapter of The 912 Project introduces the next issue of our monthly newsletter, The KY9/12 Defender. Regular and rotating features will include: "Call to Action" on issues needed urgent attention, "Events" notices, and "In Honor of a Kentucky Hero", recounting the extraordinary actions of a Kentuckian towards the protection of the commonwealth or nation, contributions from members like you, and much more.
The latest issue went out Nov 2nd to over 1,100 patriots that have already signed up for monthly updates.
Newsletter Vol 1 Issue 2
“We will not share or sell any list of member’s names of this group or those that sign up for the newsletter. We will ensure that information will always be maintained in a private database for the purposes of disseminating information for the KY912 group ONLY.”
Chandler heard our voices. The house did pass devastating and freedom destroying healthcare last night and Chandler voted NO! He heard our voices, call and tell him great job on the NO vote! When an employee performs up to job expectations it is our job as their boss to praise them! When a group of Kentuckians met with Chandler on Thursday in his DC office he had "concerns" especially on the effects for rural Kentucky. He didn't know the number this would affect positively and that the bill was difficult to not only read but understand. Please take a moment call and tell him great job! I am personally sending a hand written thank you note.
In actions that can only be described as lacking the most basic humanity, the U.S. Congress has turned off the water to Central Valley farmers of California, leaving their land dry, their fields fallow, and their dreams and ambitions scattered in the dust. Tens of thousands are unemployed and waiting in food lines because of the federal government, proving once again that the government is the problem, not the solution.
The Central Valley Tea Party group naturally reached out to network, and across the nation the response was overwhelmingly positive. From this nationwide web, the Farmer Relief & Freedom Relay was formed.
The Northern Kentucky Tea Party group is hosting a stop for the Tea Party Patriots Farmer Relief & Freedom Rally. They are doing a swing through the nation and are going to stop in Kentucky on 12th of November from 3:00pm – 6:00pm. We’re expecting thousands of people. It’s going to be held at the Richwood Flea Market, 10915 Dixie Hwy, Walton, KY 41094-7462 – right off I-75.
For more information: Farm Relief Freedom Rally
By Chris Southworth:
A year ago, not many people understood that The Fed provides the funding for our federal government's deficit spending, and as long as The Fed maintains their inflationary loose money policy, our non-representatives in DC will continue to spend far beyond our means.
The first step to any real fiscal conservancy in our federal government will require a thorough audit of the secretive Federal Reserve. I suspect that after the audit, the next step will be shutting down the Federal Reserve, once we learn that they cause the destructive economic cycles where every artificial boom is followed by a bust, and while the poor investments that The Fed causes are bad for individuals and our economy at large, they are profitable to the privately owned Federal Reserve and their Wall Street bankster buddies, in what is starting to look very much like the Wall Street crime syndicate.
Yes, The Fed is a private company and not a federal agency as they pretend to be whenever it's convenient for them to do so, and Americans are finally awakening to that fact. We need to keep up the pressure.
Accountability for The Fed is something that most people hadn't considered until recently, but we're finally starting to "follow the money", and that's a good way to solve most crimes.
I hope you can join us on November 22nd at 2:00pm, outside the Federal Reserve branch in Louisville as part of the nationwide educational protests against The Fed. The date was chosen as the 96th anniversary of the founding of the Federal Reserve.
Where:
Federal Reserve - Louisville
101 S 5th St
Louisville, KY 40202
by Jim Ramsay
At a meeting with other liberty minded folks, I was asked, “does the Constitution really matter?” The question surprised me at first, but it inspired me to address the topic. To analyze that question, we have to ask, what is the Constitution? The Constitution is the chief governing document of the United States that lists the exact powers of the federal government and goes so far in the tenth amendment to state, "the powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." This clearly says any power not explicitly spelled out is retained by the States or people. The entire document limits the authority of government.
Why is this basic understanding of the document crucial? To answer that question, we need to understand the high level categories of government. There are two categories of government: the rule of men and the rule of law.
The rule of men is based on the momentary desires of men. A variant of this category of government is democracy. We often think we live in a democracy, and there are factions in our country attempting to make it so, but this is not the case. Thomas Jefferson described democracy as, “…nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine.” If our rights are controlled by the whim of men, then the motivation to manipulate and mislead voters is strong: the rules can be changed relatively easily. This encourages back room deals, alliances, and oligarchy. The cost of this model is that the society is built upon sand. Men stop acting and are reduced to fear and following. Government devolves into Tyranny.
The rule of law is based on long term stable principles recorded and protected in written law. A variant of this category of government is a Constitutional Republic. When asked what form of government the founders had created at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, Ben Franklin responded, "A republic if you can keep it.” The role of the Constitution was also spelled out by Jefferson when he said, “in questions of power, let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution.” Men are wont to commit mischief. A society based upon stable values, protected by law, is capable of greatness. The United States and our attempt to follow the rule of law have brought the world more progress in technology, freedom, and creativity than any other country in the history of the world.
The Constitution is not merely important, it is crucial to every aspect of our civilization. Dismissing or trivializing it can only be done at our peril. Is this a harmless question amongst politically disaffected citizens? If only it were.
Nancy Pelosi was recently asked by a CNSNews reporter, “Madam Speaker, where specifically does the Constitution grant Congress the authority to enact an individual health insurance mandate?” Her response was, “Are you serious? Are you serious?” Pelosi's press spokesperson, Nadeam Elshami later showed that this was not an off handed remark by the speaker, when he said, “You can put this on the record. That is not a serious question. That is not a serious question.” Did they really mean that questions of constitutionality are not serious? Dismissing a question of constitutionality smacks of arrogance of power and shows the disregard some in congress have for the rule of law and the governing principles of our republic. Telling a reporter something like this is one thing, but the question can and should echo in our minds.
The real response to the underlying question from the speaker’s office is worse than her comment above. The document states, “But the Constitution gives Congress broad power to regulate activities that have an effect on interstate commerce. Congress has used this authority to regulate many aspects of American life, from labor relations to education to health care to agricultural production. Since virtually every aspect of the heath care system has an effect on interstate commerce, the power of Congress to regulate health care is essentially unlimited.” Let that last sentence sink in for a minute. They believe their power to regulate health care is unlimited.
Could they tax certain foods because they are too fattening as some localities are already doing? Could they insist you follow a government specified diet, say force you to be a vegetarian to ease global warming? Could they have a panel, such as they have in Great Britain , where they decide what if you will receive treatment? Could they insist on forced abortions and sterilization to reduce population as happens in China? If they believe their power is unlimited, their answer to all these questions is, “yes we can!” At the heart of the health care takeover being discussed in congress are the beliefs that your mind and body belong to the state and that they have unlimited power over every aspect of our lives. Some may think this is hyperbole, but please read that statement again: “the power of Congress to regulate health care is essentially unlimited.” The word unlimited has a specific meaning. They believe all of these things and more are within their power.
If we value the rule of law, we must deconstruct the comments of those in authority. We must evaluate both their premises as well as the implications of their arguments. Our civilization, lives, and liberties hang in the balance.
I have stated that Glenn is not our leader, but he is admired and respected by many of us for what he has begun and continues to do.
As many of you may know Glenn underwent surgery today for an appendicitis. He is doing well and is in all of our prayers. He sent this out with his updates today that I wanted to make sure anyone that was not signed up for his updates still receive.
Greetings fellow Patriots!
It's hard to believe that we are less than nine months in to our mission; we've come so far! As we continue to grow and strengthen everyday, we look back to ensure that the foundation we've set is sturdy, as we still have a long way to go. Right now, we need your feedback. This survey takes less than four minutes and will help us to understand how we can be more effective going forward.
The information that you supply is completely anonymous and will not be shared with anyone outside of our KY 912 organization. I thank you in advance for your feedback and look forward to building a stronger organization with you.
Best regards,
Susan Bennett
Marketing@ky912.com
Many that are unable to go to DC this week are asking to do more. Some of the people that are able to attend are offering to hand deliver to Chandler’s or Yarmouth’s office any personal letters. In addition we are making available the healthcare postcards (don’t do it fast do it right) that anyone can sign and we will deliver as well.
Please if you are able take a moment and write a letter or take the time to come in and sign a postcard. Even if you have done both already please consider doing it again.
Our drop off or postcard pick-up and signing will be at Bar None for the next day and half: Place: Bar None 431 Old Vine Street in Lexington
Please come in and sign a card to be sent to our Congressman in person.
Also don’t forget every Tuesday night is KY9/12 night at Bar None 6:30pm-8:00pm.
This is nothing formal but a great opportunity to get together with other 9/12ers and like minded people in a family friendly environment. Tomorrow will be a special night with a chance to watch the election results from VA, NJ, & NY 23rd with fellow patriots.
Come in and get your postcard to sign, just ask for the healthcare postcard and drop it off up front.
If you want ideas or sample letters that you could write go here: http://www.ky912.com/2008/10/letters-to-copy-paste.html
I realize that this week’s trip to DC is only with days notice. I realize as well that many of you (including myself) will not be able to take the time off work or have commitments at home or elsewhere that will not permit you to make it. I realize finally that this though is vital and a must in the fight for our freedoms.
There comes a point when all of us must rise up, we all must make sacrifices, and we all must do what we can or we will wake up tomorrow and find it is too late.
Thank you for those that are making this sacrifice and taking time off work, taking time out of your schedules, and dipping into your pockets again to go back to Washington DC this week. I respect your patriotism and sacrifices and thank you for going on all of our behalf and representing everyone that is unable to make this trip.
For those that will go:
Contact Jenn Weyland
jennweylandart@earthlink.net
859-234-4705
- Cost for the room is estimated at $100 but we may be able to get a discount if we have over 10 rooms and can qualify for group rate. make reservations and stay at the Best Western Pentagon, 2480 Glebe Rd (contact Saena at 703-979-4400)
- We will have a large passenger van cost is estimated around $45 a person BUT WE WANT TO SUBSIDIZE AND ELIMINATE THIS COST IF POSSIBLE
For those that will not be able to go:
We need to step up and help those that are going! There is no need for them to carry this burden alone.
Please consider supporting those that are going and help pay for their trip. They are doing their part in representing all of us, let us do our part and take a little bit of that responsibility and donate and at least take care of the bus or van.
Please I have given $25 personally, please if you are not able to go please consider matching what I have done or give what you feel appropriate.
KY9/12 PayPal Account for Donations:
Michele Bachmann Congresswoman of Minnesota announced on the Sean Hannity Show that she will be on the steps of the Capitol Building in Washington DC on Thursday, November 5, 2009 at high noon to confront Nancy Pelosi and other members of Congress. She is asking for other concerned Americans to come to Washington DC next week to protest this socialist bill being forced on the American public. She stated that many Democrats are on the fence and need to hear from their constituents.
The Official National 9/12 Project is rallying around this call to action and 9/12ers will be coming in from around the nation to show our support to help voice their concerns in person this Thursday.
WILL YOU HEED THIS CALL!! You have said we need to do more, you were disappointed you could not make it on 9/12, you are frustrated they are not listening; make this trip and let your voice be heard.
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