Castro on Guns, circa 1959

We have all too frequently heard the phrase that if we do not study history, we are often doomed to repeat the misfortunes of its errors.  More so when history is in a modern form, as the chance to learn from those errors are too fresh in our minds and too easily dismissed to poor implementation rather than poor theory, principle, and asinine institutions.  Obviously, the worse the atrocity against freedom (specifically the right to personal defense and arms), the more quickly the lesson can be forgotten by those whom wish to wield great power.   

Hence our good buddy FerFal down in Argentina came across an archived speech from Cuba, circa 1959, which expresses Castro’s desire to have the counter revolutionaries “turn in their guns and stop smuggling them into caches.”  (You can see FerFal’s own thoughts on this speech here).  

It’s an interesting read, once you get passed the communist propaganda, but it does give us great insight into the minds of a despot and their attitudes towards the ability of the commoners to defend their freedom.  It is truly the same sad song that the gun-grabbers here in the USA use, stating that "why use violence when we can critically think and talk about our problems.”  Even better, Castro appeals to his audience members and revolutionaries that arms are not necessary to the individual, even though his “freedom fighters” used them to over throw the Cuban government.  (Paraphrasing here)  "If we want to solve problems now, we have a free press and a freer society than yesterday with which to solve problems.  If the people want us to go, please ask us and we shall leave."  Real rich philosophy right there. 

These are the lessons throughout the course of history that us armed patriots have taken note of and point to and respond with “ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ.”  In death, freedom reigns, under despotism, and even soft tyranny, there is no freedom.

Fixing the Country's Debt Problem: Nuclear Solutions

Fixing the Country's debt problems is proving to be no easy task.  Just yesterday, the Central Bank of Mexico went all in and pushed $600 million worth of dollar options.  Basically, Mexico just decided to become the next player in the global currency war in an effort to devalue the Peso to sustain their exports.  Well, I guess we should consider that they did it to sustain their legal exports, as I’m sure the drug trade has been thriving during this downturn as people need every ounce of delusion that they can get; especially those at the SEC or Federal Reserve.

Currently, this means that nearly ever central bank in the world is doing their best to pay tribute to Gutenberg, as they steam full forward towards the iceberg of inflation.  Of course, to those who run the asylum, this old parlor trick that has never worked is sure to work with just the right people pulling the levers and turning the knobs right?  Better hold on to our hats, as they may become worth more than our paper dollars in about a year’s time.  

I know dear reader that I have been a bit behind in my postings, so I tell you the above to show you this article.  Behold!  Our solution to the mountain of debt is before us!  (Or it is at least one author’s solution to the problem).  The "Smoking Ruin Solution.”  

While the “smoking ruin solution” is effectively a nuclear option, it would be the quickest solution to our problems.  Using a “if it doesn’t kill the patient" approach, it would put us ahead of the entire world on the path to default, which is really a path to finding out what things are really worth.  Forcing our creditors (China, Japan, Oil Sheiks, et al) to accept dimes on the dollar will certainly ruffle a few feathers, but to me and the author (David Galland) it seems like a real solution instead of the “let us pretend we’re solvent” Keynesian solution.  

Obviously, forcing a debt restructuring of the world’s sovereign obligations doesn’t come without costs, but the costs aren’t all bad.  A removal of the “weight of oblivion” that is the Federal Government would quickly free the economy to purge its bad debts, and thus start real wealth creation.  Advocating for stricter meddle-proof currency, Galland believes that the dollar may even be able to retain its reserve status, which will help capital inflows to rebuild the “smoking ruin” back into the greatest economic engine that man has ever known.  Destroying the national debt through default rather than inflationary burn would also destroy the bureaucracies that accompany our sovereign obligations.   This would force a natural reordering of labor and would potentially send our illegal immigrant problem packing!  What’s not to like!  

Well, as simple as Galland said, it is too simple and too painful for the average Joe or government politician to like.  Thus, we’ll continue to add a few more zeros to the notes that we use as our medium of exchange.  Maybe Helo-Ben has a green magic marker he’ll lend me that I can use to add the zeros to my stash of C-notes.  Don’t bother robbing me readers, they aren’t worth anything anyways. 

QOTD: Marginal Rates

Today's QOTD comes from AKFan paraphrasing CNBC. 

CNBC reporting that when the Bush tax cuts expire, the top marginal rate will be 39% on all income over 250k.  In 1913 when the federal reserve act was passed, the top marginal rate was 7% on any income over 500k.  Adjusted for inflation, that same 500k would be 11 million today.

Thank you Marxists!  You have done an exceptional job over the last 97 years to fully implement Marx's dream for a progressive income tax upon corporations and the people.  If it is not obvious to anyone who has half a brain, it is these burdens that will suffocate the people further in an effort to rebuild our nation.  So nice that Congress adjourned to leave us to this mess until after the election.  I thought Nancy Pelosi was supposed to be the new Sheriff in town and didn't want to play politics? 

MD Gov Caught Scrubbing State Job Report Numbers

Over at Red Maryland, a two part series cropped up yesterday detailing how the Owe'Malley Administration has been attempting to scrub and cleanse the state's job numbers.  (Part I & Part II).  Of course, this story breaks right at the same time that our illustrious President debuts in a radio spot for our glorious Governor today in the Baltimore market.  Considering the polling has been dead even now for several weeks between former Governor Bob Ehrlich and Owe'Malley, I'm sure bad jobs figures that could hurt the Governor in an election year isn't exactly the news he wants the public to see.

Typical of a true statist, scrub the numbers, pull the report, issue a rosy press release, and do your best to cover up the sanitation.  I can't imagine that these numbers are so bad that they would remind the people of the 20% sales tax hike, the business income tax increase, the millionaires tax increase, the vehicle excise tax increase, BGE rate hikes, and numerous other increases in costs for Marylander's now would it?  Seems that the Owe'Malley campaign is worried, and enough so that he has turned to the poison pill of the President for help.  All I have to say is, go ahead Mr. President, help away!

Updating SAF Against MD's CHP Laws

Just a quick blurb that on Monday Sept 20th, the state of Maryland met their deadline to respond to the Second Amendment Foundation's suit against the permitting scheme's severe bias to 2A rights. 

Excellent analysis from the initial filing, as well as the latest on the response (post 816) can be found on the Maryland Shooter's forum linked in this sentence.  Of course, there is the possibility you need to be a member to access that portion of the forum, but you will definitely need to be a member to download the PDF attached briefs. 

I will do some analysis next week after reading this weekend and promise to give updates to the next wave of Gura lawsuits as I get them.