We learn from history that we learn nothing from history.
The eight (8) most economically prosperous countries in the world are those that most closely follow Adam Smith's economic model (The Wealth of Nations, circa 1776). The eighty (80!) or so least economically prosperous are those that are the furthest from that model. We have just voted a president, who, combined with a Congress so in lock step, has promised "fundamental change." That fundamental change is intended, yes intended, to take us further from Dr. Smith's 8 and more toward the 80. Pure and simple. THAT is what "spread the wealth around" means. Just two days ago, a congressman from Virginia, Jim Moran, said that it is about time that we disabuse "the simplistic Republican notion that those who have wealth should get to keep it." That is VERY close to a direct quote.
Yes, he said that... The word "wow" comes to mind... So if I spend my lifetime building a stamp collection, or numismatic coin collection, or antique furniture collection, bank account, IRA, business, or any such so-called wealth, it is time to disabuse me of the notion that I should get to keep it?
The last time this country elected a socialist, redistributionist president who promised "change" (Mr. Carter), it got what it wanted - change. Boy, did it get change! This socialist, redistributionist, economic mentality has never worked at any time, in any place.
But this time, yes this time, it will be different. If on nothing else then certainly on the many demonstrated, past successes and diverse, lush résumé of our new president, this time, it will work! HE will make it work! "Yes [he] can!"
I am to believe that this time, finally, socialism and appeasement will work!
We learn from history that we learn nothing from history.
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC 
Based in Bristow, serving all of Northern Virginia.
Office (703) 330-6388 Cell (703) 585-7560
Let's just say change must work and I am confidant it will. Obama will be a great leader.
Kathy - I love you, but - confidence based on what?!
I hope you're right. Me, I'm worried.
I have no problem donating to several charities and taking care of those less fortunate, in fact I spend thousands a year doing so. What I do have a problem with is the government telling me I have no choice in the matter. Good, worthwile charities are going to suffer even more so than are are now because those that have the ability to support them, no longer will. Once more, I fear the ambition to succeed will be lost because working hard to get ahead and make a good living will be outweighed by staying at home, being taken care of and living okay.
It's a scary time indeed.
If you always do what you always did you will always get what you always got.
History proves that in this country the national debt has risen under a republican president and has fallen under a democrat. History is also proving, again, that individual greed is ultimately destructive, look at the recent economic collapse, those who have wanting more and giving less.
I had a broker who made in excess of $200,000 one year and he boasted at an office meeting that he paid taxes on only $20,000, he paid less tax than his assistant, he said he was blessed because the tax laws allowed him to keep more of what he earned. His assistant was blessed by the same laws and she paid the full amount, like so many Americans who work hard for wages and only get to keep a small amount. Redistributing wealth means that the tax laws should favor no one group, they should spread the tax burden according to ability to pay.
President Clinton left a surplus in place of national debt and a nation in employment and paying taxes.
The outgoing president has squandered that surplus and allowed the country to stagger under the burden of debt and greed.
Taking care of your neighbor is not socialism it is what built this country. Barn raising, harvesting together, piling sandbags at a broken levee it is the American way. Just like paying your fair share of taxes, it is the American way.
Change is necessary.
I've posted this as well. Socialism is here and this could be the Carter admin already. Obama said last night that we may have to re-think the expectations he put forth. Of course he did. I pray that God keeps His hand on our country. I'm sad, but it's time to move on.
I don't think the president has as much power as you do. As policies are implemented, the congress will need to answer to the people. If this thing starts to unravel, they will be forced to abandone ship.
After 200+ years, we will not turn on a dime. We needed more change than McCain was offering. Now we will find out if Obama is too much.
Sorry, Mike, but freedom of voluntary, economic exchange and personal liberty is what built this country. Currently the top 24% in income pay 86% of the taxes (they paid 84% under Clinton). If you want "fairer" than that how much more would you tax them? Do you realize how many people right now pay NO taxes? When that number reaches 50%, and we are approaching that, we are screwed. It will kill the goose that laid the golden egg.
I lost my job under Carter. Many did. I was a young man then and had little to lose. Instead of waiting on the government to bail me out I started my own business. And here I am. I am an older man now and have a great deal to lose, in a market that is very tied to the economy. I have worked very, very hard for many years, six days a week, some weeks 80 hours, to build what I have. My last vacation was 1991. Even so, I am told that I should not have the simplistic notion that I get to keep what I have worked for. That is FRIGHTFUL! I have played by ALL the rules... including taxes.
No government ever, ever, ever has taxed itself to prosperity. No government ever, ever, ever has eliminated poverty buy transferring wealth to "fix" it. The only thing that will fix it is the thing that built this country's wealth - the people allowed their voluntary exchange in a free market setting. Show me otherwise...
I have two degrees in economics. If you would like some books on economics I can oblige with some great ones. Two of my favorite economists are Thomas Sowell and Walter E. Williams. Look them up! My favorite economic story is "The Little Red Hen." You may have read it to your kids. Read it again!
As to the charities comment, yes, but even in bad times charities do pretty well - not great, but well.
Randall and Larry - YES!!
I hope you're right. Me, I'm worried.
I have no problem donating to several charities and taking care of those less fortunate, in fact I spend thousands a year doing so. What I do have a problem with is the government telling me I have no choice in the matter. Good, worthwile charities are going to suffer even more so than are are now because those that have the ability to support them, no longer will. Once more, I fear the ambition to succeed will be lost because working hard to get ahead and make a good living will be outweighed by staying at home, being taken care of and living okay.
It's a scary time indeed.
Hi Richard - I did not know the first comment was yours. This country has always been so generous, even in tough times. Charities might not do as well as in prosperous times, but they do well.
Jay,
There is a lot of truth packed in this post. It reminds me of the saying...
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://edge.quantserve.com/quant.js"></script> <script>var tcdacmd="dt";var ANBCH="2";</script> <script src="http://an.tacoda.net/an/12030/slf.js"></script>
<!-- END Burst Network CODE -->"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
Albert Einstein
Hmmmm...Einstein was a pretty smart dude, too!!
BTW...thanks so much for praying for my daughter. I am happy that your wife survived this disease! PRAISE GOD! I KNOW my daughter will be healed. I KNOW!
I'd like to add you as an associate. GBU!
Thanks Elizabeth...!
For those interested, Erin is decidedly unstable and a local problem for all. I inspected a house for one of his clients the day he posted this. His timing was intentional...
Actually, he is a good friend who goes about trying to post contrarian comments on friend's blogs to engage and rabble rouse. Take what he says with a grain of salt.