Maggie's Farm

Regarding economics, government in one sense is the largest blotch on capitalism. Government interference in markets is one of the major contributing factors to the current economic storm and the current government intervention will not be exempt from the law of unintended consequences.

I had a discussion today with the CFO of a consumer products company where we discussed the role of government regulation. We agreed that regulation creating disclosure and market mechanisms (e.g. exchanges or clearinghouses) were of great importance because those regulations foster the dissemination of information people can use to make decisions. We also discussed how government can harm markets by using regulation and law to achieve economic outcomes that otherwise would not be supported by markets. Examples include affordable housing (i.e. CRA, GSEs), energy and health care.

Politicians, corrupted by greed, have manipulated the system to achieve political purpose not enhance economic outcome where the most good can come to the most people. The only way to fix this is to do the things that take money out of the politicians hands as best as possible. Term limits and a flat tax would be the places to start.

Habu,

In principle, I agree with you about term limits. I have opposed the concept for a long time. While you and I, Meta and many others may perform our due diligence on the candidates, many people abdicate that responsibility.

I am convinced, albeit without philosophical conviction, that term limits are a practical measure that can help protect us both from the corrosive tendencies of incumbency but also from the segment of voters who apparently suffer from ADD. It is by no means perfect.

I do not know how moral suasion can be effective when from my perspective moral awareness seems almost non-existent.

I have been called an extremist for my libertarian values which I believe are highly consistent with the values of our Constitutional framers - who would be called radical today. If it wasn't so sad, the ignorance of some would be amusing.

Virtually everyday, I engage the people around me to think about what is being done and why and how conservative principles could bring about the most favorable resolution to the mess we are in.

Best regards,

That is why voters either have to wake up and throw the bums out or establish term limits.

Everyone should read The Federalist Papers.

In fact, it should be required reading in history classes at every high school in America.

You are very right to say that America is more than a place for economic pursuit.

What is means to be an American is not taught in schools anymore. This is another casualty of the multi-culti world that proclaims all cultures, religions and moral codes are equivalent. Now you are criticized for calling such an idea hogwash.

We could start by making English the language of America.

I agree in principle. However, campaigns have become nothing more than promises that are often undeliverable to the uninformed voter.

I am struggling with the practical application of "elections and lengths of terms are term limits." We have an entrenched political class. This was never intended and the consequences are not good. Term limits are a way to deal with the unfortunate reality of uninformed voters who do vote.

I see no need for last minute registration for voting. Everyone knows when there will be elections. Registering should be difficult. I would like to see real qualifications for voting. You have to take a test to become a citizen why not to vote? (And yes, I can see the problems.)

By the way, I never encourage someone who does not want to vote to do so. It is usually a dilutive decision.

KRW,

It would be very interesting to see a real study on redistricting. I know it has been manipulated to the fullest extent possible.

The question is how do you establish non-partisan districts. I don't know enough about the details. Do you suggest following zip codes?