Why Tyrants Worldwide Are Trying to Resurrect Old Empires Washington's Blog

Russia probably led the way. What does it tell you when the former head of the russian secret police is the authoritarian leader of russia? Therein lays the difficulty of the foreign policy of any nation. How far to you go to prevent the rise of an "evil empire"? China certainly falls into this category, yet no one is suggesting the US could overthrow the Maoists in China even if they wanted to. Quite the opposite, really, since the chicoms are in bed with US politicians anyway.

What stake in the geopolitics is there in Iran? this seems to be the prize which both sides, east and west covet. The answer of course, is energy. Should the US be involved in the ME? Probably not. Should the sovereignty of Israel be upheld? Do treaties mean anything. How much history are we to revisit? 

If the US were to leave the ME, what would that mean to the region? It would have been better for all if the US had never entered into war in Iraq in the first place. To prevent anyone else from having control of the region's oil supply is a poor reason, or losing one life in defense of the status of the dollar as the world's reserve currency status. Yet, here we are. Not only is there no retreat, where do we go from here?

It bespeaks of a much more sinister plot than the resurgence of regional strong men. After all, these have been shown to be puppets. It isn't control over oil or natural gas supplies, or pipelines carrying these supplies, it's control over all of the inputs of production, including human capital, and there is only one power capable of even imagining such a scenario, and that is Satan and the Devil.

This enemy is not defeating by man's wisdom, but only by the word of God almighty, maker of heaven and earth and all that is in them, rightly divided and fitly spoken. Doing good is often enough, but when it is not, it is the truth of god's word which fills in the gap. Maybe it's enough to know the truth, however, some action must be taken. It requires wisdom to know the difference, and without the truth, there is no wisdom, only useful idiots. 

Why Tyrants Worldwide Are Trying to Resurrect Old Empires Washington's Blog:



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Warning: If You Live Anywhere Near Chicago, Brace Yourself For Massive Rioting

Hey, idiot, again, 

The oldest civilizations known to man are the Sumarians, Egyptians, and Israelites dating to around 8000 bce.

Laura M is correct, China is a police state. The same percentage of the global elite benefit from shipping jobs to this slave economy that benefited from the slave economy that existed prior to the American revolutionary war.

To put things in perspective for you, not that it matters since you're a reprobate anyway, Russia is a thugacracy, China is a police state, and the freedom we enjoy as Americans is in peril as social democracy is swept into the dust bin of history. At this critical juncture of human endeavor, one must choose between a future of individual freedom, or one of coercion by a totalitarian police state.

China is godless. Russia is godless. Will America prove to be the same? One can't have it both ways. Either love god and hate mammon, of love mammon and hate god. GV, you hate god and will receive your just recompense. I, for one, refuse to be coerced by the courts into accepting something which by it's very nature is offensive and repugnant to God and the divine.

Warning: If You Live Anywhere Near Chicago, Brace Yourself For Massive Rioting:



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Context for Paris Terror Attack: U.S. and Its Allies C-R-E-A-T-E-D ISIS Washington's Blog

I haven't heard any calls of the sort. I expect this is a time for reflection on what are our values. My government doesn't represent me, any more than yours does you.

The enemy is ignorance, and ultimately, satan. Blaming the western powers and saudis for the attack in Paris is ludicrous, even if they armed them and pay there salaries. Yes, there's a global push for totalitarian control, but these actors represent useful idiots, insomuch as the devil will surely destroy them the same as he would destroy all of us, were it within his power. There is no argument outside of this context which doesn't become distorted in it's perspective. Failure to recognize who is the enemy will ultimately lead to ruin.

Context for Paris Terror Attack: U.S. and Its Allies C-R-E-A-T-E-D ISIS Washington's Blog:



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Non-French War Deaths Matter Washington's Blog

It's a false position to apply western standards to the islamist state. From a standpoint of decency, what was the military target in Paris?

The author doesn't condemn the killings in Paris, except to say the perpetrators ought to be brought to justice. The inconvenient truth here is that isn't how wars are prosecuted.

Those who refuse to condemn the acts of terror committed by the islamists, can stop condemning the west.

Non-French War Deaths Matter Washington's Blog:



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10 Economic Facts that Power the Sanders Insurgency | naked capitalism

I don’t know anything about Bernie Sanders besides what I read in the MM, which isn’t a lot, but then, I didn’t know anything about Ron Paul 8 years ago, and voted for him in the 2012 primaries. Given that OWS and the Tea Party have been usurped by the respective national parties, and both movements are anti-status quo, my opinion is they should join forces. Also, considering there is little difference at the end of the day, between the republican and democrat parties, that they play both sides against the middle, if Trump and Sanders had an ounce of humility between them, they would both quit their party and run on a split ticket.

That’s the only way either one of them will win. I could get behind a Trump/Sanders ticket in 2016, as I’m sure most of you can. How about it? Anyone have any contacts in these camps to get this done?

10 Economic Facts that Power the Sanders Insurgency | naked capitalism:



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Hysteresis and Aircraft Maintenance: Don't Go Up In Any Large Planes | naked capitalism

You mean you could have done it yourself? Bill Gates, Larry Ellison, Warren Buffet, et al have successfully played the con game. Henry Ford and Thomas Edison came before them. Basically stealing other peoples ideas and profiting from them.



It's the profit motivator that drives the outsourcing. Hesterisis, then, is the momentum from which it is impossible to pull back from the brink. Equlibrium, then, is the lowest common denominator.



What I suggest, and what many on here will agree, is raising the LCD, in as much as it is possible. The wealth and income disparity we're currently experiencing is it's antithesis. Refer back to Gates, et al. Rinse and repeat.



Very nice article. A complicated way of explaining a simple concept, but one which needed to be stated.



Hysteresis and Aircraft Maintenance: Don't Go Up In Any Large Planes | naked capitalism:



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1-minute video: 5-year-old Palestinian schools Israeli soldiers on War Crimes · Washington's Blog · Disqus

Carl, I share your sentiments regarding war. However, as a Christian, I recognize and understand that a state of war exists. I'm not a pacifist and that isn't what the bible teaches, even in the new testament. One has a right and duty to defend oneself. 

Yes, the rockets fired into Israel could be false flag, so could the suicide bombs, and the videos of violence directed toward Israelis on their own streets. So, too, the reports genocide being perpetrated against Christians and non-muslims in the ME, could be lies.

The possibility exists, too, that these aren't false flags, or lies. If you're honest enough to admit that, then I think the most reasonable explanation, absent any evidence to the contrary, is that muslims are perpetrating these crimes against humanity. If that were to be the case, and I agree, we can't prove with 100% certainty either way, but if that were the case, then what do you suggest the world should do with these criminals. Likewise, too, if, as you say, these are lies and false flags, then those responsible should be brought to justice.

However, I don't see you offering evidence or proof, just condemnation of the Israelis. Why is that? What are your religious views? Agnostic, humanist, athiest? Why the hatred toward Israelis, and not all who commit violence towards others? I don't hear you condemning the acts of violence perpetrated against Israel. You claim they're false flags. That's rubbish and you know. I'm sorry I took the bait. I just want to understand your hatred of Israel, ostensibly for committing war crimes, and ignore those committed by muslims world wide. Why is that?

1-minute video: 5-year-old Palestinian schools Israeli soldiers on War Crimes · Washington's Blog · Disqus:



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"All Knew That This Interest Was Somehow The Cause of the War" | naked capitalism

Welcome to life in a primitive land, which it was until around the turn of the 20th century.



Don't get such a high and mighty attitude since this is also the history of the nation which includes those who profited the most, railroad barons who elected Lincoln and transitioned to Industrialization.



The first slaves arrived in the new colonies in 1511, less than 20 years after Columbus claimed the new land for Spain. And we all know what a delightful caricature was he.



I tend to agree modern day wage slavery is little different except the 99.99% are being coffled today, a testament to the advance of modern technology. Those to whom the benefit accrues and by whose hand the atrocities occur is about the same percent.



I will point out, however, that these same atrocities are being committed today by muslims against christians, and in whole populations of 2nd world countries, some if not most instigated by the CIA, esp. in the western hemisphere.



Where is the outrage against Chinese slave labor and human rights abuse. Made in China? Hey, it's cheaper! It's hypocritical then, to lambaste the same exploitation which was galvanized under Lincoln.



Schizophrenia abounds with the intellectual elite, profit above all! It's no wonder psychopathy follows close behind.



"All Knew That This Interest Was Somehow The Cause of the War" | naked capitalism:



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Will Adverse Selection Force ObamaCare into a Death Spiral? | naked capitalism

I’m sure single payer would solve everything, except this unmitigated disaster of social engineering from the liberal left would be hardly as damaging.

The way this plays out is a two tiered system of retirement and health care, one for the elite and those who can afford it, and one for everyone else. At least that’s the way the elite envision it. The inconvenient truth for them is the devil will as surely destroy them as well as everyone else.

Enjoy your croissants.

Will Adverse Selection Force ObamaCare into a Death Spiral? | naked capitalism:



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How Obama Could Beat the Debt Ceiling and Go Out a Hero | WEB OF DEBT BLOG

I've heard as high as a quadrillion dollars given for the actual US debt. That's why the ~ $18T debt listed at the fed can't be paid off. What would be done with the other $200T in outstanding federal obligation?



The feds are unable and unwilling to balance the budget, and have become fascists. They will resist any attempt to reign them in. Carter was the last POTUS to even attempt it. The 4th and 5th generations of federal bureaucrats will fight to preserve their way of life at any cost. Fascism is the path of least resistance for them. They are the shadow government of lore.



I'm a fan of Ellen's ever since I read the article on helicopter money. Those in control will refuse to relinquish control, and I for one, will refuse to acquiesce as long as there is strength in my body to draw breath.



There is a day of reckoning on the horizon, this super cycle of human events, and it can't come soon enough.



How Obama Could Beat the Debt Ceiling and Go Out a Hero | WEB OF DEBT BLOG:



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Time to Stop Tiptoeing Around the United States on Climate Change | naked capitalism

If the US isn't going to change, and change is irrefutably required in the face of catastrophic consequences, then we should expect catastrophic consequence.



The assumption is sea levels are going to rise, destroying coastal habitat. Climate change is blamed for the drought in the SW US and flooding in the East.



In fact, climate change was happening before man could possibly have effected it, and will continue regardless of man's impact.



Whether or not man, as a species, is rushing headlong into oblivion is another matter, but I wouldn't list climate change at the top of this list of causes, despite the absolute and utter hyperbole presented here.



The schizophrenia nature of this site is tiring. On the one hand, social change must be dictated by mandate to prevent Armageddon. On the other, that which is actually occurring and pushing our society closer to the cliff is the ACA, caused by mandate. You can't have it both ways.



Of all the issues with the potential to alter life as we know it for the worse, climate change is at the bottom of the list, since attempting to avert it will cause the same. At least you'll be able to say, I told you so.



Multinational conglomerates are going to have their way regardless of any activists efforts to the contrary. One of the ways this is accomplished is by group think, and that is exactly what this site promotes, liberal elitism. Lucky for you there's a cause de jour to get worked up over.



I realize my comment may not be well received, and I'll tell you why. My standard for the truth is the source of truth, God Almighty, and he's bigger than liberal intellectualism, humanism, and global warming. There is also a cause for the supernatural attacks against man, and that is the Devil, who's evil knows no bounds and would destroy that which God created, if it were possible.



Given there's a common enemy, the defense against which is accomplished only by truth, all other efforts are guaranteed to fail. You cannot negotiate, wish away, ignore, overlook, deny, or otherwise avoid what is reality for every person, the opportunity to accept the truth by confessing Jesus as Lord, and believe God raised him from the dead. Then you will be saved. (Romans 10:9 - 10). Saved from what? The wrath of God. It's the only way. One need only look at what happening in our country and in Europe to realize events are unfolding in a less than humanistic manner. Russia and China are already godless owing to their governments, what is left is Europe and the US. The Southern Hemisphere will follow the Northern. It is up to the individual to stand against the wiles of the devil, in all his forms. He is defeated one soul at a time.



While I agree, carbon monoxide emissions are a concern, I'm not sure what if anything can be done. There's no doubt the author of this article has a carbon footprint higher than would be acceptable in his Utopian society of alternative energy. So, basically, he or she would dictate everyone else do what he or she won't do willingly.



I can assure the author there are higher concerns.



Time to Stop Tiptoeing Around the United States on Climate Change | naked capitalism:



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Christian Persecution - Page 4

Christian Persecution - Page 4: "LDS are not even monotheists at their core, therefore cannot be true Christians.
Except that you're lumping all LDS together. God looks on the heart, not you.

I agree that the issue of monotheism is why LDS is considered a cult, like JW and others. If you want to have a discussion about the polytheistic doctrine of the trinity, let's have at it.

If a Mormon is saved, and follows the teaching of the church, then the church is responsible for what it teaches, not him. IOW, it's not a sin to be ignorant, it's a sin to be ignorant when it's available to not be ignorant.

Now, let's apply this to mainstream christianity. If a person is saved, i.e. confesses Romans 10:9-10, and their church follows the Council of Nicaea including the doctrine of the trinity, i.e. a triune god, is that person any less a christian?

Yet, that is exactly what you're saying. It doesn't feel so good when the shoe is on the other foot. I like ZG's response, which is the christian response. seminolebreakingwind and others who want to define christianity in their own image aren't doing themselves or anyone else any good, which is the opposite of what a christian should be.

We are warned of false prophets, and the church has been splintered ever since Rome corrupted it, if it were possible, with paganism in the 3rd century. Martin Luther split from that church, yet even he wasn't able to arrest the corruption of the trinity. It's time men and women began living as the 1st century church, loving one another and showing compassion for one another, not the aberration it has become.

Some things to consider,

God never told Paul to build buildings in which to worship him
God never established Sunday as a day of worship, the jewish sabbath is a Saturday, if you want to follow the law.
Bunnies don't lay eggs, but they're wonderful props for spring fertility rites
Christ wasn't born on the winter solstice

But the biggest lie perpetrated on the christian church is the doctrine of the trinity, which 80 percent of christians either don't understand, or don't care, and if they don't understand it and you explain it to them, they don't agree with it. The other 20 percent vehemently defend it.

To the OP, persecution of christians world wide is as bad today, than at any other time in history. This can be demonstrated with what's going on in the middle east. Yet, there are those who would say that because you don't profess your christianity a certain way, that somehow what you say is any less inspired of God. Go tell it to the easter bunny, but don't try to tell me or anyone else they're less of a christian, or worse, not saved. It really rankles me when someone starts questioning whether someone else is a christian because of how they choose to worship God. Jesus Christ is the head of the church, not their denomination.

Thankfully, this nation was founded on the principle of religious freedom. Don't believe me, read the 1st amendment. If you don't like that one, read the second. "



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Teachers getting screwed again!!! - Page 21

What is your issue, teacher pay or quality of education? They don't necessarily go hand in hand.



How do you propose raising teacher pay, by raising taxes? Don't get me wrong, I'm on your side. We could cut spending in other areas and raise teacher pay. I just don't see priorities changing all that much.



Thankfully, republicans didn't increase spending, and couldn't because we have been in a recession since 2008, but they're still spending as much as the dems. The only thing keeping the states afloat is federal deficit spending, at the expense of the future generations. Since it is mathematical certainty the federal government can't meet it's obligations, which we have been warned about since the sixties, our entire way of life is going to change drastically at some point.



Considering all of the other issues we face as a society, your rant about teacher pay falls short. The problem isn't teacher pay, it's spending priorities.



I read yesterday the unemployment rate using **real** numbers is above 22 percent. Those are depression level numbers. Yet you won't hear about that on the nightly news.



At the end of the day, providing a quality education is important, and I think we're spending too many resources on immigration and medicaid, both federal issues. So, if you want to complain, direct your criticism where it belongs, an out of control federal bureaucracy.



How then, do you reign it in. Jimmy Carter was the last POTUS to even attempt it. The federal deficit began to explode under Reagan, and each successive POTUS has been progressively worse, up to the present.



Any thoughts?



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Do you REALLY need that ham license?

Self-sufficiency comes in many forms and what you're describing, over-population and lack of economic opportunity, is pervasive everywhere. Welcome to global depression 2.0. In nature, over-population is a self-correcting condition.



You're self taught and have critical thinking skills. I would make the best of the present situation while you can.



Unfortunately, whether or not you believe the bible, things aren't going to get better anytime soon. At least not if TPTB have anything to do with it. They're too greedy. So, if those in power won't lift a finger to help the plight of man, what hope is there? Only one, to resist, and it comes back to self-sufficiency. It doesn't help that you're stuck on a prison island with little chance of escape. It sounds like you're already making the best of your circumstances.



If you believe the bible, then there's that hope, too. Either way, the world is what it is, and there isn't too much anyone can do about. On a local scale, there's lot's you can do regarding building community.



I can't help but think Australia is a legacy of the British feudal system, with much the same problems, made worse by over-crowding and socialist policies. The natural end of these dynamics will be simply wide scale riots, starvation, and death, thereby correcting the population problems and the big reset. If the problems are, there are too many people for too few jobs, there are three alternative, providing social welfare, which we've seen only creates generations of dependence. Providing more jobs, or culling the population. I think we're headed for the big cull. But we'll see.



Keep your head down, Freax, which may be difficult, depending on what you meant by your height being a detriment to employment.



Do you REALLY need that ham license?:



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Do you REALLY need that ham license?

Self-sufficiency comes in many forms and what you're describing, over-population and lack of economic opportunity, is pervasive everywhere. Welcome to global depression 2.0. In nature, over-population is a self-correcting condition.



You're self taught and have critical thinking skills. I would make the best of the present situation while you can.



Unfortunately, whether or not you believe the bible, things aren't going to get better anytime soon. At least not if TPTB have anything to do with it. They're too greedy. So, if those in power won't lift a finger to help the plight of man, what hope is there? Only one, to resist, and it comes back to self-sufficiency. It doesn't help that you're stuck on a prison island with little chance of escape. It sounds like you're already making the best of your circumstances.



If you believe the bible, then there's that hope, too. Either way, the world is what it is, and there isn't too much anyone can do about. On a local scale, there's lot's you can do regarding building community.



I can't help but think Australia is a legacy of the British feudal system, with much the same problems, made worse by over-crowding and socialist policies. The natural end of these dynamics will be simply wide scale riots, starvation, and death, thereby correcting the population problems and the big reset. If the problems are, there are too many people for too few jobs, there are three alternative, providing social welfare, which we've seen only creates generations of dependence. Providing more jobs, or culling the population. I think we're headed for the big cull. But we'll see.



Keep your head down, Freax, which may be difficult, depending on what you meant by your height being a detriment to employment.



Do you REALLY need that ham license?:



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Sunday hunting - Page 534

Do the bill writers envision requiring houses of worship to compensate property owners for the loss of use of their land?



CRC, not allowing SH on public lands isn't appeasement, it's surrender. Out of principle only, since I own the land I hunt, I oppose any restriction on SH other than those restrictions imposed on any other day.



"One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind."



(Romans 14:5 ESV)



Any restriction on days of the week for religious reasons is imposing your religious convictions on others. I'm a Christian above all. This is not taken out of context. Paul wrote it to the Saints in Rome. Show me in the scripture where God in his word tells man to worship on Sunday, and I'll oppose SH. Show me in the scripture where God in his word tells man to build "houses of worship" in the epistles or anywhere in the new testament, and I'll support the proposed "new law"



Either support SH or oppose it, but don't water it down, and don't do it in the name of God. Hunting is as old as man, at least since he was cast out of the garden. Of course, we accept seasons, days and limits to protect the population, but regulation imposed by anti's on GL's should cast aside as should restrictions on where one might hunt in proximity to other land uses except where they already exist. I'm familiar with the issue of waterfowl hunting on navigable waters near gated communities, and I know repeal could cause bring some GL agreements into question. In the first case, it doesn't stand to reason riparian rights should be restricted based on proximity to nearby development under any circumstances, but especially out of consideration to privilege. In the second case, if a land owner with land being part of a GL doesn't want SH on his land, then he can stipulate it so. These things can be worked out, and it would be a travesty to restrict SH on GL's simply to avoid the inconvenience of having to re-negotiate GL leases.



Opposition to repeal can be shown to be based on opposition to hunting in general, special interests including religious, or a lack of temerity in the legislative body. Given the Sportsman's Caucus' tendency toward compromise, and having stated my views, I will gladly support repeal or rewrite of existing unfounded statute, given that any rewrite will be equally unfounded.



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Getting Out of Our Lanes: Understanding Discrimination in the Digital Economy | naked capitalism

I suspect most of the readers of this site have very little to complain about in terms of discrimination, except perhaps they are the beneficiaries of the same. It's one thing to be "disturbed", and quite another to do anything about it. And even then, what would you do? I submit that the answers lay in the truth of God's Word.



Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. (John 4:16)



It's much simpler than getting a Juris Doctorate of Law. Neither do I subscribe to the defeatism of the progressive Left. Where has 50 years of the Great Society gotten us except where LBJ intended, a generation of Democrat voters? Where are the policies of today leading us, except down the same path, whether Democrat or Republican?



Poverty and discrimination? I would be more concerned with my eternal salvation. You haven't seen anything, yet, except that we are worse off as a society than we were 10 years ago, owing to decades of imperialist wars and western socialism.



Social advocates? I suppose we have them to thank for Ubamacare, and yes, the budget does matter, for those who are reading why the CBO doesn't matter. It doesn't, but for quite a different reason. For those beneficiaries of the status quo, and somehow believe that the Fed monetization of the debt can continue except by in increase in poverty and discrimination, you can't have it both ways.



The only thing that matters about digital surveillance or censorship is that we not allow it to happen. Not now, not ever.



Getting Out of Our Lanes: Understanding Discrimination in the Digital Economy | naked capitalism:



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The degradation of Society and morals and kindness and the rise of Selfishness.

I got involved with a home fellowship based Christian ministry 24 years ago, after having been raised in the church, serving in the military and graduating from a 4 year university. I had lots of odd jobs, started my own business, got into IT in 1997 and currently work in the public sector.



With all of the volatility in the world, there's isn't much hope anything is going to change for the better anytime soon. It's possible, but not very likely. The current world system could be tweaked to work for everyone, but it's being used to exploit the many for the gain of the few. The only sanity I have found, is the truth of God's word. The alternative is to accept people are greedy. I accept that people are greedy, that it is a part of human nature. That is a correct view. Is the solution then, to do as they do, or worse, since it seems the only way to beat them, is at their own game? Of course not! So, what is the answer? I had this same question, and I looked for the answer a lot of places, in world history books, etc. The history books are good at telling us what happened, but never the why. Of course, historians can postulate.



I didn't find any answers until I got involved with this Christian ministry 25 years ago, who taught me to read and understand the bible for myself. I don't proclaim to know everything, but I know who does.



I would encourage you to go around to different churches, until you find one you like. Just be yourself. A word of caution, however, if the leaders of the synagogue in Jesus' day were of their father, the devil, there's no reason to think the church is any different today. Christian doctrine was compromised with pagan beliefs to form a state religion in 3rd century Rome. This is where we get Sunday worship, Spring fertility rites at Easter, and Christ's mass at the winter solstice. However, we also have the truth of the one true God in his word, which has survived and is entrusted to us. Find a bible fellowship and don't give up on God. He hasn't given up on you.



So as not to offend anyone with my personal religious views, I'll pm you my personal e-mail and we can continue this discussion offline.



The degradation of Society and morals and kindness and the rise of Selfishness.:



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NC Budget and Economic Developement

I read with interest an article posted at Mises.org regarding economic development in the various states, and using North Carolina as an example. The article is located online at http://mises.org/library/bait-switch-economic-development-states

The article explains states wouldn't need to bribe businesses if their taxes and regulations weren't too high. To quote from the article, "In truth, the states should close their economic development offices, cut the size and expense of their governments, and reduce or eliminate the taxes levied on businesses. They should also cut the regulatory red tape required to start a business and then operate that business within their state."

Before the Republican takeover of both houses of the General Assembly in 2012, the state was spending $22B per year. The state is spending roughly the same amount today, not including what WRAL reports as "huge swaths of federal money the state is overseeing". How much is huge swaths? Who knows?

The 2012 General Assembly correctly cut spending, albeit nominally, and cut taxes. In concert, these actions have stopped the bleeding. However, it isn't enough, and why bribes must offered to businesses as explained in the article.

The state budget, as you know, is 90 percent salaries which includes an entire layer of state bureaucrats who are highly paid and perform very little service to the state. Many of these bureaucrats are nearing retirement, and it is in their best interest to continue earning their high salaries and not having to work too hard. It's in the best interest of the taxpaying citizens of this state that they retire. This is the tug of war in which Governor McCrory has been embroiled since 2012. We can't wait 5 years for this issue to sort itself out. One possibility could be to offer severance packages for those employees with over 30 years of service and full retirement to those who are nearing 30 years. The Legislature and the Governor's office should be looking long and hard at ways to reduce the management overhead in all state agencies. We didn't get here by accident, and we can't reverse the last 20 years of growth in state spending by ignoring it. The budget won't reduce itself and will continue to steal resources away from where they're needed, providing economic opportunity for all.

My concern is our economy appears to be headed for a downturn, as evidenced by the announced closing of thousands of retail stores across the country, low employment rates, and the high number of families on public assistance.   North Carolina cannot afford to be dependent on federal spending. Genuinely cutting spending and cutting taxes, will restore prosperity to this state, insomuch as any state is able to provide an environment for their citizens to prosper in these uncertain times.