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Time to Legalize Counterfeiting
By Harold WitkovMany Americans today believe certain illegal vices in our society should be decriminalized, taxed, and regulated. The most popular of these vices include marijuana smoking, prostitution, and all forms of gambling. The proponents for decriminalization believe that the new tax revenues produced would help support schools, healthcare, and the impoverished, ease the pain of taxpayers, and reduce the deficit. They also believe that transgressions such as these will take place no matter, but, if properly regulated, would be safer for society in general. It would be a win, win... (Read Full Article)
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May 21, 11:21 PM |
Brilliant. Thankfully we here in New Zealand are not going down the road of huge fiscal stimulus so hopefully our inflation will remain under control. Worldwide the tax and spend policies of the left have been shown to be unsustainable. California is a case in point. Sustainable growth can only be achieved through continuous measures to lower tax rates and reduce central spending. Sadly it does not appear America will get this response from either of the two main parties.
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May 22, 01:11 AM |
I want to hear factual cases regarding marijuana legalization. I personally believe it's like beer to many people. I don't smoke it, but I don't like to see young people get in so much trouble for something so relatively mild and tame.
Meanwhile, we have people in power breaking the law with impunity - unless stealing is now legal. Well, if you're a bankster - your friends in DC can help you steal millions, billions, and even TRILLIONS!! these days.
I say open up the prisons and let everyone but the violent offenders go.
I have no faith in our government, no faith in our criminal justice system - and no longer believe most of the people in jail should really be in jail if they have not physically threatened or harmed someone with physical violence. Let 'em go.
I am not certain how much these corrupt politicians and banksters realize how little respect the average American is going to have for them - or the "justice system" in the days to come.
All we have is organized crime in power in the United States of America. Shame, shame, shame on this nation. Let everyone out of jail - especially for things like marijuana useage. It is an absolute travesty that the worst criminals are running our government and banking systems.
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which is stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all."
Listen - there is no more justice is in this nation. Our liberties are being taken away from us. There are banksters and organized crime at the highest levels of government. Also, this President said this is not a Christian nation (thus not a nation under God).
I REFUSE TO PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THIS NATION EVER AGAIN.
It's divisible. It was indivisible as long as it was under God and provided liberty and justice for all. That's now longer true. Divide it. States - secede lawfully through your state legislatures.
There can be no patriotism nor any respect for this nation. Things have gone too far. We need a new flag and a new government OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE, AND FOR THE PEOPLE... because this one has gone straight to hell.
Meanwhile, we have people in power breaking the law with impunity - unless stealing is now legal. Well, if you're a bankster - your friends in DC can help you steal millions, billions, and even TRILLIONS!! these days.
I say open up the prisons and let everyone but the violent offenders go.
I have no faith in our government, no faith in our criminal justice system - and no longer believe most of the people in jail should really be in jail if they have not physically threatened or harmed someone with physical violence. Let 'em go.
I am not certain how much these corrupt politicians and banksters realize how little respect the average American is going to have for them - or the "justice system" in the days to come.
All we have is organized crime in power in the United States of America. Shame, shame, shame on this nation. Let everyone out of jail - especially for things like marijuana useage. It is an absolute travesty that the worst criminals are running our government and banking systems.
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which is stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all."
Listen - there is no more justice is in this nation. Our liberties are being taken away from us. There are banksters and organized crime at the highest levels of government. Also, this President said this is not a Christian nation (thus not a nation under God).
I REFUSE TO PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THIS NATION EVER AGAIN.
It's divisible. It was indivisible as long as it was under God and provided liberty and justice for all. That's now longer true. Divide it. States - secede lawfully through your state legislatures.
There can be no patriotism nor any respect for this nation. Things have gone too far. We need a new flag and a new government OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE, AND FOR THE PEOPLE... because this one has gone straight to hell.
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May 22, 03:56 AM |
For a site called american thinker, this is perhaps the most inane article I have ever read. Disappointing and definitely not up to usual standards.
Witkov misses the fundamental difference between counterfeiting and drugs/gamnbling/prostitution. Harm to others. Counterfeiting by definition means engaging in a false contract with others, giving them something other than you promised. These other activities on their own are engaged in by people of their own volition, and if properly regulated do less harm to others than if procured on the black market.
Witkov gives away his true motivation with his use of the word "vice." Government should only be using its monopoly on force to punish peeple for behaviors that harm others. Use drugs, hurt yourself, your problem. Drive under influence, go to jail (or maybe get elected president - chief law enforcement officer).
Witkov misses the fundamental difference between counterfeiting and drugs/gamnbling/prostitution. Harm to others. Counterfeiting by definition means engaging in a false contract with others, giving them something other than you promised. These other activities on their own are engaged in by people of their own volition, and if properly regulated do less harm to others than if procured on the black market.
Witkov gives away his true motivation with his use of the word "vice." Government should only be using its monopoly on force to punish peeple for behaviors that harm others. Use drugs, hurt yourself, your problem. Drive under influence, go to jail (or maybe get elected president - chief law enforcement officer).
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May 22, 04:37 AM |
Why would we need to legalize counterfeiting? The Fed and the Treasury are doing such a good job of flooding the world with ever more worthless paper every day. I'm sure the single company that supplies the government with its paper (yes it is only one company), has a hard enough time these days keeping up with the growing demand from Washington.
As for controlling the denominations that can be printed by income class or political affiliation, the government seems to be doing an excellent job of income redistribution on its own so far. Sure the UAW or ACORN could always use an extra couple of billion here or there, but the government isn't don't showering money down on these two groups yet. Not by a long shot. Both these groups are slated to get billions upon billion more each year for as far as the eye can see.
What the government needs to do is ramp up production of wheelbarrows. After all, as it prints more and more money, the value of each dollar decreases. As the value of the dollar decreases, the cost of goods and services increases. At the rate we're printing money and flooding the world markets with ever cheaper dollars, it won't be that long before we'll need wheelbarrows full of cash to buy anything. By stepping up wheelbarrow production now, the government would be heading off a shortage of wheelbarrows in the future.
As for controlling the denominations that can be printed by income class or political affiliation, the government seems to be doing an excellent job of income redistribution on its own so far. Sure the UAW or ACORN could always use an extra couple of billion here or there, but the government isn't don't showering money down on these two groups yet. Not by a long shot. Both these groups are slated to get billions upon billion more each year for as far as the eye can see.
What the government needs to do is ramp up production of wheelbarrows. After all, as it prints more and more money, the value of each dollar decreases. As the value of the dollar decreases, the cost of goods and services increases. At the rate we're printing money and flooding the world markets with ever cheaper dollars, it won't be that long before we'll need wheelbarrows full of cash to buy anything. By stepping up wheelbarrow production now, the government would be heading off a shortage of wheelbarrows in the future.
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May 22, 05:17 AM |
An interesting idea, except for one big point....and this point is REALLY BIG - What would we then purchase? As Zac D commented, "Then I wouldn't have to work." And there you have it. If we have plenty of that paper stuff, but no product to purchase, then that paper stuff IS really worthless.
This is a point Obama is out to destroy - the ability of capitalists to produce a product for the market. He would have us all become social workers with the most productive among us forced out of business and then forced in to voluntary/mandatory service to the "less fortunate among us". What is destroyed in all this Pol Pot idea of sending the professional class to re-education camps disguised as rice farms is the ability to provide citizens with products like food, clothing, and shelter...along with the niceties of life like electricity, hot and cold running water, cell phones, trucks/suvs, and satellite tv.
So, how long is that former CEO going to be able to keep that lawnmower in service so he can mow the yard of an illegal immigrant for free?? hhhhmmmmm?
This is a point Obama is out to destroy - the ability of capitalists to produce a product for the market. He would have us all become social workers with the most productive among us forced out of business and then forced in to voluntary/mandatory service to the "less fortunate among us". What is destroyed in all this Pol Pot idea of sending the professional class to re-education camps disguised as rice farms is the ability to provide citizens with products like food, clothing, and shelter...along with the niceties of life like electricity, hot and cold running water, cell phones, trucks/suvs, and satellite tv.
So, how long is that former CEO going to be able to keep that lawnmower in service so he can mow the yard of an illegal immigrant for free?? hhhhmmmmm?
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May 22, 05:41 AM |
What a great idea! But I suggest we take it a step further.
Every day, Mexican citizens are allowed to freely violate our laws without consequence. I think it is only fair that the same right be granted to American citizens. We could call it something like "Comprehensive Opportunity Reform". Each American citizen could choose a law that he/she could disregard without fear of prosecution. I think that armed bank robbery would be fun. It would have a similar result as counterfeiting but wound be so much more dramatic and exciting than sitting home printing money.
It is remarkable how Liberal policies, followed to their logical conclusion, always seem to fall apart.
Every day, Mexican citizens are allowed to freely violate our laws without consequence. I think it is only fair that the same right be granted to American citizens. We could call it something like "Comprehensive Opportunity Reform". Each American citizen could choose a law that he/she could disregard without fear of prosecution. I think that armed bank robbery would be fun. It would have a similar result as counterfeiting but wound be so much more dramatic and exciting than sitting home printing money.
It is remarkable how Liberal policies, followed to their logical conclusion, always seem to fall apart.
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May 22, 06:01 AM |
Dan 1 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> What a great idea! But I suggest we take it a step
> further.
> Every day, Mexican citizens are allowed to freely
> violate our laws without consequence. I think it
> is only fair that the same right be granted to
> American citizens. We could call it something
> like "Comprehensive Opportunity Reform". Each
> American citizen could choose a law that he/she
> could disregard without fear of prosecution. I
> think that armed bank robbery would be fun. It
> would have a similar result as counterfeiting but
> wound be so much more dramatic and exciting than
> sitting home printing money.
>
> It is remarkable how Liberal policies, followed to
> their logical conclusion, always seem to fall
> apart.
I would like the privilege of not paying my federal income tax. I'll take maximum deductions, resulting in minimal withholding. The government can keep the few dollars it gets from every check and I won't file my tax return.
Counterfeiting applies to more than money. What about patents? Once the product is on the market then forget about intellectual property or copyrights. Every movie that comes out should be copy-enabled. My DVR should let me copy anything and everything. It's mine. I bought the machine. I bought the movie. I bought the blank discs. Let me make as many copies of it as I want.
-------------------------------------------------------
> What a great idea! But I suggest we take it a step
> further.
> Every day, Mexican citizens are allowed to freely
> violate our laws without consequence. I think it
> is only fair that the same right be granted to
> American citizens. We could call it something
> like "Comprehensive Opportunity Reform". Each
> American citizen could choose a law that he/she
> could disregard without fear of prosecution. I
> think that armed bank robbery would be fun. It
> would have a similar result as counterfeiting but
> wound be so much more dramatic and exciting than
> sitting home printing money.
>
> It is remarkable how Liberal policies, followed to
> their logical conclusion, always seem to fall
> apart.
I would like the privilege of not paying my federal income tax. I'll take maximum deductions, resulting in minimal withholding. The government can keep the few dollars it gets from every check and I won't file my tax return.
Counterfeiting applies to more than money. What about patents? Once the product is on the market then forget about intellectual property or copyrights. Every movie that comes out should be copy-enabled. My DVR should let me copy anything and everything. It's mine. I bought the machine. I bought the movie. I bought the blank discs. Let me make as many copies of it as I want.
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May 22, 06:18 AM |
There is much merit to the logic behind this article. Why not allow people to print their own money, backed by the US government? It would enable the poor, women and children to get out of poverty. Bush and Cheney ruined the ecomomy of this country, so this may be the only way out of the mess we inheirited. Good article. As long as we tax this activity and regulate it, it will be successful.
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May 22, 06:32 AM |
Witkov is throwing up an outrageous straw man. There are victims of counterfeiters. I can sympathize with his dilemma. It is virtually impossible to articulate a logical reason to imprison pot smokers, a drug with zero deaths to its credit over time versus cigarettes and alcohol, with millions or even billions. Since any rational consideration of our current drug policy reveals the complete lack of rationality of same, these types of maneuvers are necessary to maintain the status quo.
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May 22, 07:29 AM |
Me - yes, I see where you are coming from... forgive me, economics is not my strong suit.
Lou: this article is a trick - it doesn't take into account the Printer Disparity Gap which would result from free market capitalism's inherent unfairness. That is why printing money doesn't work.
Lou: this article is a trick - it doesn't take into account the Printer Disparity Gap which would result from free market capitalism's inherent unfairness. That is why printing money doesn't work.
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May 22, 07:31 AM |
Lou Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> For a site called american thinker, this is
> perhaps the most inane article I have ever read.
> Disappointing and definitely not up to usual
> standards.
>
> Witkov misses the fundamental difference between
> counterfeiting and drugs/gamnbling/prostitution.
> Harm to others. Counterfeiting by definition
> means engaging in a false contract with others,
> giving them something other than you promised.
> These other activities on their own are engaged in
> by people of their own volition, and if properly
> regulated do less harm to others than if procured
> on the black market.
>
> Witkov gives away his true motivation with his use
> of the word "vice." Government should only be
> using its monopoly on force to punish peeple for
> behaviors that harm others. Use drugs, hurt
> yourself, your problem. Drive under influence, go
> to jail (or maybe get elected president - chief
> law enforcement officer).
This is satire. He's being critical of the government thinking that it can solve our financial difficulties with printers instead of policy.
-------------------------------------------------------
> For a site called american thinker, this is
> perhaps the most inane article I have ever read.
> Disappointing and definitely not up to usual
> standards.
>
> Witkov misses the fundamental difference between
> counterfeiting and drugs/gamnbling/prostitution.
> Harm to others. Counterfeiting by definition
> means engaging in a false contract with others,
> giving them something other than you promised.
> These other activities on their own are engaged in
> by people of their own volition, and if properly
> regulated do less harm to others than if procured
> on the black market.
>
> Witkov gives away his true motivation with his use
> of the word "vice." Government should only be
> using its monopoly on force to punish peeple for
> behaviors that harm others. Use drugs, hurt
> yourself, your problem. Drive under influence, go
> to jail (or maybe get elected president - chief
> law enforcement officer).
This is satire. He's being critical of the government thinking that it can solve our financial difficulties with printers instead of policy.
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May 22, 07:37 AM |
Lou Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> For a site called american thinker, this is
> perhaps the most inane article I have ever read.
> Disappointing and definitely not up to usual
> standards.
>
> Witkov misses the fundamental difference between
> counterfeiting and drugs/gamnbling/prostitution.
> Harm to others. Counterfeiting by definition
> means engaging in a false contract with others,
> giving them something other than you promised.
> These other activities on their own are engaged in
> by people of their own volition, and if properly
> regulated do less harm to others than if procured
> on the black market.
>
> Witkov gives away his true motivation with his use
> of the word "vice." Government should only be
> using its monopoly on force to punish peeple for
> behaviors that harm others. Use drugs, hurt
> yourself, your problem. Drive under influence, go
> to jail (or maybe get elected president - chief
> law enforcement officer).
Lou -
2 things:
1) get a sense of humor.
2) you have no concept of the collateral damage drug and alcohol abuse does.
-------------------------------------------------------
> For a site called american thinker, this is
> perhaps the most inane article I have ever read.
> Disappointing and definitely not up to usual
> standards.
>
> Witkov misses the fundamental difference between
> counterfeiting and drugs/gamnbling/prostitution.
> Harm to others. Counterfeiting by definition
> means engaging in a false contract with others,
> giving them something other than you promised.
> These other activities on their own are engaged in
> by people of their own volition, and if properly
> regulated do less harm to others than if procured
> on the black market.
>
> Witkov gives away his true motivation with his use
> of the word "vice." Government should only be
> using its monopoly on force to punish peeple for
> behaviors that harm others. Use drugs, hurt
> yourself, your problem. Drive under influence, go
> to jail (or maybe get elected president - chief
> law enforcement officer).
Lou -
2 things:
1) get a sense of humor.
2) you have no concept of the collateral damage drug and alcohol abuse does.
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May 22, 07:37 AM |
But then Tim the elf (a minor demon) would have nothing left to do!
This is funny - but misses the point a little and actually understates how bad it is, the Governments goal is to bankrupt everyone between the millstones of inflation and taxes just as Lenin said it should be done.
To turn the world back to it natural order that was disrupted 200 odd years ago and transform the world back to one with a ruling class that makes all the rules and controls all the commerce and the surfs that must toil endlessly under them.
Should one ever find a way to raise himself up - a rule gets changed somewhere to hammer him back down and the greedy pols swoop in for their cut of the action. As BHO said, we're not going to ban coal we are just going to bankrupt anyone trying to develop it as an alternative energy source. That's how it works now.
So in your example the people got to spend some of their own wealth - not gonna happen - everything you worked for and saved even over generations - that theirs for the taking - they'll make it evaporate with inflation and if you have any left they're gonna tax it. They already control the currency with no transparency, they own the banks, large industry, soon they will control all health care, the media continues to fall to their sway.
What's left to stop them?
This is funny - but misses the point a little and actually understates how bad it is, the Governments goal is to bankrupt everyone between the millstones of inflation and taxes just as Lenin said it should be done.
To turn the world back to it natural order that was disrupted 200 odd years ago and transform the world back to one with a ruling class that makes all the rules and controls all the commerce and the surfs that must toil endlessly under them.
Should one ever find a way to raise himself up - a rule gets changed somewhere to hammer him back down and the greedy pols swoop in for their cut of the action. As BHO said, we're not going to ban coal we are just going to bankrupt anyone trying to develop it as an alternative energy source. That's how it works now.
So in your example the people got to spend some of their own wealth - not gonna happen - everything you worked for and saved even over generations - that theirs for the taking - they'll make it evaporate with inflation and if you have any left they're gonna tax it. They already control the currency with no transparency, they own the banks, large industry, soon they will control all health care, the media continues to fall to their sway.
What's left to stop them?
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May 22, 07:38 AM |
Great idea! I can't wait to get my kit.
I know one person who believes this is a seriously great idea - Mike Norman, who appears on the Fox Business block (forget which show). He actually said that government can never go broke because they can always print more money. Ka Ching!
I'd take investment advice from Bozo the Clown over that oaf (and when I say "Bozo the Clown," I mean Tim Geithner).
Guess the word "inflation" applies only to balloons and tires with these guys.
In five years, when there's a run on wheelbarrows so folks can pay for bread at the local grocery, the extent of Mike Norman's wisdom on the topic would be to invest in Wheelbarrow makers!
I know one person who believes this is a seriously great idea - Mike Norman, who appears on the Fox Business block (forget which show). He actually said that government can never go broke because they can always print more money. Ka Ching!
I'd take investment advice from Bozo the Clown over that oaf (and when I say "Bozo the Clown," I mean Tim Geithner).
Guess the word "inflation" applies only to balloons and tires with these guys.
In five years, when there's a run on wheelbarrows so folks can pay for bread at the local grocery, the extent of Mike Norman's wisdom on the topic would be to invest in Wheelbarrow makers!
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May 22, 07:53 AM |
Lou Wrote:
------------------------------------------------------
"For a site called american thinker, this is
perhaps the most inane article I have ever read.
Disappointing and definitely not up to usual
standards.
Witkov misses the fundamental difference between
counterfeiting and drugs/gamnbling/prostitution..."
Lou, lighten up. This was a satirical jab at what our new president
is doing when he orders the treasury to print more money to cover
his deficits. And in that vein it is briliant and hilarious.
------------------------------------------------------
"For a site called american thinker, this is
perhaps the most inane article I have ever read.
Disappointing and definitely not up to usual
standards.
Witkov misses the fundamental difference between
counterfeiting and drugs/gamnbling/prostitution..."
Lou, lighten up. This was a satirical jab at what our new president
is doing when he orders the treasury to print more money to cover
his deficits. And in that vein it is briliant and hilarious.
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May 22, 07:55 AM |
Wow. This has got to be the worst idea I've heard since . . . no, it's just the worst.
The Fed already counterfeits money. ALL of our printed greenbacks are counterfeit. They aren't based on any real wealth, they're just meaningless paper. The Fed recently printed up another trillion of them. This irresponsible printing of "money" is what causes the value of the dollar to fall as rising inflation. As a result, some nations that have suffered massive inflation now have to print "million dollar" notes. Creating currency does not create wealth, it just changes the numerical dialogue we use when we talk about our wealth. Real wealth is productivity. So if you want more wealth, don't ask your government to bail you out or stimulate your wallet, try this: work harder! I know, it's a radical concept to most people, but it does yield actual results, especially when coupled with a free-market economy. The Fed's printing of funny money is one of several fundamental reasons that our economic bubble keeps inflating, but eventually, inevitably it's going to pop.
The Fed already counterfeits money. ALL of our printed greenbacks are counterfeit. They aren't based on any real wealth, they're just meaningless paper. The Fed recently printed up another trillion of them. This irresponsible printing of "money" is what causes the value of the dollar to fall as rising inflation. As a result, some nations that have suffered massive inflation now have to print "million dollar" notes. Creating currency does not create wealth, it just changes the numerical dialogue we use when we talk about our wealth. Real wealth is productivity. So if you want more wealth, don't ask your government to bail you out or stimulate your wallet, try this: work harder! I know, it's a radical concept to most people, but it does yield actual results, especially when coupled with a free-market economy. The Fed's printing of funny money is one of several fundamental reasons that our economic bubble keeps inflating, but eventually, inevitably it's going to pop.
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May 22, 08:18 AM |
This article by Harold Witkov is also published here today: [www.intellectualconservative.com]
We are under the control of a two-headed, one party political system. Wall Street controls our financial lives; the media controls our minds. These systems cannot be changes from within. There is no alternative. Without a revolution, these institutions will bankrupt the country, keep fighting failed wars, start new ones, and hold us in perpetual intellectual subjugation. Gerald Celente [tinyurl.com]
We are under the control of a two-headed, one party political system. Wall Street controls our financial lives; the media controls our minds. These systems cannot be changes from within. There is no alternative. Without a revolution, these institutions will bankrupt the country, keep fighting failed wars, start new ones, and hold us in perpetual intellectual subjugation. Gerald Celente [tinyurl.com]
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May 22, 08:36 AM |
Aldstan Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Wow. This has got to be the worst idea I've heard
> since . . . no, it's just the worst.
>
> The Fed already counterfeits money. ALL of our
> printed greenbacks are counterfeit. They aren't
> based on any real wealth, they're just meaningless
> paper. The Fed recently printed up another
> trillion of them. This irresponsible printing of
> "money" is what causes the value of the dollar to
> fall as rising inflation. As a result, some
> nations that have suffered massive inflation now
> have to print "million dollar" notes. Creating
> currency does not create wealth, it just changes
> the numerical dialogue we use when we talk about
> our wealth. Real wealth is productivity. So if
> you want more wealth, don't ask your government to
> bail you out or stimulate your wallet, try this:
> work harder! I know, it's a radical concept to
> most people, but it does yield actual results,
> especially when coupled with a free-market
> economy. The Fed's printing of funny money is one
> of several fundamental reasons that our economic
> bubble keeps inflating, but eventually, inevitably
> it's going to pop.
Does nobody understand satire anymore?
-------------------------------------------------------
> Wow. This has got to be the worst idea I've heard
> since . . . no, it's just the worst.
>
> The Fed already counterfeits money. ALL of our
> printed greenbacks are counterfeit. They aren't
> based on any real wealth, they're just meaningless
> paper. The Fed recently printed up another
> trillion of them. This irresponsible printing of
> "money" is what causes the value of the dollar to
> fall as rising inflation. As a result, some
> nations that have suffered massive inflation now
> have to print "million dollar" notes. Creating
> currency does not create wealth, it just changes
> the numerical dialogue we use when we talk about
> our wealth. Real wealth is productivity. So if
> you want more wealth, don't ask your government to
> bail you out or stimulate your wallet, try this:
> work harder! I know, it's a radical concept to
> most people, but it does yield actual results,
> especially when coupled with a free-market
> economy. The Fed's printing of funny money is one
> of several fundamental reasons that our economic
> bubble keeps inflating, but eventually, inevitably
> it's going to pop.
Does nobody understand satire anymore?
|
May 22, 09:02 AM |
Unapologetically American Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hitchhiker must have been picked up by Lou...he
> doesn't get it either.
I think they are riding together on the same choo-choo train.
Maybe we could all print out our own birth certificates too. Illegals could become legal. How many times could I vote if I had a birth certificate for every county/parish in this country? That would really be patriotic. Plus I could run for president even if I wasn't a citizen! Maybe I could print out a college degree too. It would probably be worth more than the real thing now nowadays. And for the gays/lesbians, you could print out your own marriage certificate. Who needs government?
With the current state of our economy, I imagine the FBI and Treasury are watching closely.
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hitchhiker must have been picked up by Lou...he
> doesn't get it either.
I think they are riding together on the same choo-choo train.
Maybe we could all print out our own birth certificates too. Illegals could become legal. How many times could I vote if I had a birth certificate for every county/parish in this country? That would really be patriotic. Plus I could run for president even if I wasn't a citizen! Maybe I could print out a college degree too. It would probably be worth more than the real thing now nowadays. And for the gays/lesbians, you could print out your own marriage certificate. Who needs government?
With the current state of our economy, I imagine the FBI and Treasury are watching closely.
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May 22, 09:35 AM |
Actually there was believe it or not counterfeiting in the Weimar Republic during the hyperinflation of the early 1920’s. Partly that was due to the fact that money could not be physically printed fast enough and folks demanded more and more pay increases to keep up with price increases. With electronic banking, we won’t have that problem. Amazingly few in Germany (and none in power) connected the supply of money with price increases. Considering Germany’s standing in science and technology throughout the 20th century this is doubly amazing. They learned their lesson the hard way and it was very hard indeed. Although I have hopes that on 11/04/2010 especially given the recent vote in CA that we might be able to begin a reversal of the current third world banana republic economic policies, I fear we will learn the same lesson the hard way also.
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May 22, 09:44 AM |
A very funny article, I enjoyed it very much. There is, of course, a big problem with the comparison you are trying to draw. In the case of legalizing marijuana or gambling or prostitution, it actually IS financial sound even if its of questionable morality. There are already robust markets for all of the items, and legalizing and taxing them really would put money into the states hand instead of into the hands of criminals. You may, of course, question whether the financial gain is worth the moral cost, but unlike counterfeiting it is unquestionably a feasible source of real revenue. Also, I always like to point out that laws against controlled substances and gambling and prostitution are a government action designed to alleviate a social ailment: Hi, welcome to socialism.
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May 22, 09:58 AM |
anonymouse Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> It's divisible. It was indivisible as long as it
> was under God and provided liberty and justice for
> all. That's now longer true. Divide it. States
> - secede lawfully through your state
> legislatures.
Actually, the founding fathers never intended for our nation to be indivisible.
The pledge of Allegiance is only about 110 years old, and it was written by a man (Francis Bellamy) who was a socialist. Go figure.
-------------------------------------------------------
> It's divisible. It was indivisible as long as it
> was under God and provided liberty and justice for
> all. That's now longer true. Divide it. States
> - secede lawfully through your state
> legislatures.
Actually, the founding fathers never intended for our nation to be indivisible.
The pledge of Allegiance is only about 110 years old, and it was written by a man (Francis Bellamy) who was a socialist. Go figure.
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May 22, 09:58 AM |
Unfortunately, Mr. Witkov's suggestions are not so far from the truth. Counterfeit U.S. money is commonplace. A friend of ours, at one time the manager of a local branch of a major U.S. bank, drew out funds from that bank for her husband who was planning a trip with a friend to Las Vegas. She drew out a sum in $100.00 bills. He arrived in Vegas only to be arrested at one of the casinos for trying to pass counterfeit money.
Those of us who spend much time south of the border in Mexico are accustomed to being turned down when attempting to purchase or pay with U.S. $100.00 bills. I doubt if most of our bankers would agree to talk about just how commonplace the circulation of counterfeit bills really is today.
Those of us who spend much time south of the border in Mexico are accustomed to being turned down when attempting to purchase or pay with U.S. $100.00 bills. I doubt if most of our bankers would agree to talk about just how commonplace the circulation of counterfeit bills really is today.
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May 22, 10:05 AM |
This is an intriguing idea and is sure to stimulate some thought in Washington ( I'm kidding) Alas I cannot support the concept because of ethical restraints . I think we should leave crime in the hands of the criminals . And who better than our ELECTED criminals. So this idea falls short but is genuinely original and worthy of praise.
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May 22, 10:09 AM |
Thanks to all of you. I have just added an editor’s note at the end, acknowledging the obvious, that this is satire. I want to explain to you all our policies on satire.
Numerous rejected satirists could testify that I am extremely strict and hard to please. We do not print untruths as satire. And usually, if there are any doubts, I label what little material survives as satire when I first post it.
But this piece was different. First, it is a proposal, an advocacy, completely tongue in cheek, but subtle. "It works for you." Then, the words “Federal Reserve” appear in the article, so the reference to the object of the satire is clear to an intelligent reader. A literary wink and nod.
I knew there were going to be people who don’t get it. I thought it might be entertaining to watch them protest. Bait the trolls, as it were.
The outed themselves here and at Lucianne, too. [www.lucianne.com]
Numerous rejected satirists could testify that I am extremely strict and hard to please. We do not print untruths as satire. And usually, if there are any doubts, I label what little material survives as satire when I first post it.
But this piece was different. First, it is a proposal, an advocacy, completely tongue in cheek, but subtle. "It works for you." Then, the words “Federal Reserve” appear in the article, so the reference to the object of the satire is clear to an intelligent reader. A literary wink and nod.
I knew there were going to be people who don’t get it. I thought it might be entertaining to watch them protest. Bait the trolls, as it were.
The outed themselves here and at Lucianne, too. [www.lucianne.com]
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May 22, 10:33 AM |
Thomas Lifson Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Thanks to all of you. I have just added an
> editor’s note at the end, acknowledging the
> obvious, that this is satire. I want to explain to
> you all our policies on satire.
>
> Numerous rejected satirists could testify that I
> am extremely strict and hard to please. We do not
> print untruths as satire. And usually, if there
> are any doubts, I label what little material
> survives as satire when I first post it.
>
> But this piece was different. First, it is a
> proposal, an advocacy, completely tongue in cheek,
> but subtle. The words “Federal Reserve” appear in
> the article, so the reference to the object of the
> satire is clear to an intelligent reader. A
> literary wink and nod.
>
> I knew there were going to be people who don’t get
> it. I thought it might be entertaining to watch
> them protest. Bait the trolls, as it were.
>
> The outed themselves here and at Lucianne, too.
> [www.lucianne.com]
Hey, until somebody says "Sike" at the end of their satire, it's pretty damn hard to tell nowadays. There are so many out there who do think that insane policies are perfectly sane, that we really need to be clear on where we stand. A person who hasn't been well informed could read this, think it was a marvelous idea, and start disseminating it to other idiots. Happens all the time. Why else would you say socialism spreads so quickly?
-------------------------------------------------------
> Thanks to all of you. I have just added an
> editor’s note at the end, acknowledging the
> obvious, that this is satire. I want to explain to
> you all our policies on satire.
>
> Numerous rejected satirists could testify that I
> am extremely strict and hard to please. We do not
> print untruths as satire. And usually, if there
> are any doubts, I label what little material
> survives as satire when I first post it.
>
> But this piece was different. First, it is a
> proposal, an advocacy, completely tongue in cheek,
> but subtle. The words “Federal Reserve” appear in
> the article, so the reference to the object of the
> satire is clear to an intelligent reader. A
> literary wink and nod.
>
> I knew there were going to be people who don’t get
> it. I thought it might be entertaining to watch
> them protest. Bait the trolls, as it were.
>
> The outed themselves here and at Lucianne, too.
> [www.lucianne.com]
Hey, until somebody says "Sike" at the end of their satire, it's pretty damn hard to tell nowadays. There are so many out there who do think that insane policies are perfectly sane, that we really need to be clear on where we stand. A person who hasn't been well informed could read this, think it was a marvelous idea, and start disseminating it to other idiots. Happens all the time. Why else would you say socialism spreads so quickly?
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May 22, 10:43 AM |
VHG Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> It's not a bad idea at all Mr. Witkov. After all
> the counterfeit version would have the same value
> as the genuine article!
You are correct VHG...just like the respect and adoration received by the current occupant of the White House!
-------------------------------------------------------
> It's not a bad idea at all Mr. Witkov. After all
> the counterfeit version would have the same value
> as the genuine article!
You are correct VHG...just like the respect and adoration received by the current occupant of the White House!
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May 22, 10:58 AM |
This sounds so kind and compassionate, I'm waiting for this administration to actually impose it! The only changes that might be necessary would be to insist that counterfeiting be limited to minorities, illegals and lay-abouts. The rest of America would be required to accept this money as atonement for making real money -- sounds Obamarrific!
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May 22, 12:13 PM |
Mr. Witkov,
1. Congratulation! First on being published here & secondly, because Rush Limbaugh read it out loud on the radio today, for an audience in the tens of millions.
2. Satire is not only a fine weapon, it lowers blood pressure, too.
3. When we print our own money, can be maybe use scented paper? Or for gift-giving, print money with a picture of the graduate or birthday person on it? I like that better than having a picture of O on it.
1. Congratulation! First on being published here & secondly, because Rush Limbaugh read it out loud on the radio today, for an audience in the tens of millions.
2. Satire is not only a fine weapon, it lowers blood pressure, too.
3. When we print our own money, can be maybe use scented paper? Or for gift-giving, print money with a picture of the graduate or birthday person on it? I like that better than having a picture of O on it.
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