Something for Nothing, By Libertarian George Baumler

Something for Nothingers?
By George Baumler

(Law of Conservation of Matter: During an ordinary chemical change, there is no detectable increase or decrease in the quantity of matter. The Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed but can change its form. The total quantity of matter and energy available in the universe is a fixed amount and never any more or less.)


Why do otherwise rational people fall for the “something for nothing swindle”? The free lunch come-on works as well today as it ever did, in spite of fact the well-known tactic is simply the act shuffling of cost of one commodity or service to another. Everyone except the most naive is keenly aware of the nature of the ploy, but it still works. It can be seen on countless TV commercials; “For a limited time only buy get one free! You pay only (exorbitant) shipping and handling.” The most troubling of all is when elected representatives enact this scheme as fiscal policy, making the taxpayers the victims. I know these legislators are truly representatives of the vast majority of voters and are only following the desires and moral constraints of their constituents.

That the ploy works is not arguable; it is the “why” it works that I am trying to understand in my own mind. What has gone wrong in the minds of the taken or am I the one with the mental defect? Sure there is basic greed but even the greedy must realize the foolishness of accepting the premise that there is a free lunch. Basic laws of physics, known even to those with just a small exposure to natural science scream that there is no free lunch or perpetual motion, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Yet “something for nothing” seems to be one of mankind’s most widely held delusions.

I have no particular animosity towards any religion except when religious tenets are enacted into civil codes; “Something for nothing” being the present topic is just such a tenet. However, religions have made “something for nothing” an article of faith or maybe more like a grand bonus for believing the unbelievable. I find this perfectly acceptable in the pews on Sunday but highly objectionable when carried into the legislature.

Children are taught to believe in Santa Claus, Easter Bunny and/or the Tooth Fairy. Perhaps the belief in magic or mystical powers that are contrary to basic physical laws during childhood lays the foundation for such gullibility later in life. Children believing in fairy-tales is one thing, but rational adults believing in this sort of tripe is quite another. Is it possible that the foundation for the belief in folly is laid during infancy and childhood? Is the illogic fortified by religious doctrine during adulthood? The assumption that human beings have a supernatural nature that somehow exempts us from natural physical law is as absurd as any fairy-tale. Still this thinking seems universal and part of every culture on the planet.

This is the same notion that leads to the belief that the, miles per gallon; achievable in an automobiles are unlimited. Perpetual motion machines, free energy, pyramid power of the 1970’s and countless other wacky ideas all are related to the same “something for nothing” scam. Amazing magnets that cure arthritis or when they’re clamped around a fuel line suddenly boost fuel economy, again part of the same scam.

Perhaps the most despised are those who refuse to accept the notion of unprovable rewards in the hereafter. I have firsthand knowledge of how unpopular it is to tell small children the facts about Santa Claus et al. If an atheist were to run for public office and openly declare his lack of faith regarding “the supernatural” he wouldn’t stand a chance. Indeed in the recent election where each candidate attended church was of inflated importance.

Another group, perhaps more troubling than those who believe that there is “something for nothing” is the vast horde who believe it is within their right to demand that others pay for all of their needs and desires. These is a whole different can of worms and for the sake of keeping on topic lets just acknowledge that they exist as a large voting bloc to be examined in more detail in another time in another article.

Debasing or inflating currency is another facet of the “something for nothing” scheme. The idea that money can be created out of mere ink and paper shows a fundamental lack of understanding of the true function of money. Those who believe that the government creates money are the ones who fail to grasp the significance of the basic value of money. Money allows us to freely, conveniently trade goods or labor and to store against difficult times. I doubt that any free civilization could exist without money. Inflation amounts to little more than the government writing bad checks and backing them with still more bad checks. The scheme will ultimately fail history is full of examples so the excuse; “I didn’t know” is pure deception. (E.g. Angolan kwanzas, Argentine pesos, Austro- Hungrian krones, Hungarian pengo, Weimar marks, Soviet rubles etceteras ad nauseam.) The idea that here in the USA we are somehow miraculously exempt is self-deception. As I write this, the dollar is worth approximately 1/45th of its pre-Roosevelt (FDR) value as measured in precious metal. (An ounce is still an ounce.)

Another way to envision the devaluation of the dollar is to compare it to a glass of water. Say a glass of water that once held 16 ounces now holds about drop or so more than two teaspoons yet is still referred to as a glass of water. Yes it is still a glass of water in just exactly the same way a dollar is still a dollar. Inflation is perhaps the final fiscal result of the “something for nothing” mindset. But with the collapse of money I suspect, if history hold any lessons, collapse of most freedom will follow.

Though I observe that the notions and results of the “something for nothing” scam are clear I still cannot fathom what would possess one to entertain such notions that are so clearly irrational. Could I be the one with questionable sanity for not believing the illogical? If a vote were taken, my view would surely come in last place. I welcome and would like to believe that I am susceptible to logical argument, yet none has been offered only condemnation for my negative attitude. Believing something no matter how avidly does not necessarily make it so. Being in the majority is not a guarantee any degree of rationality.

"More Guns;Less Crime" sent from a " Friend"

So, is Gun Control Really a Good Thing?

Whether you agree with "gun control" or not, it's an interesting lesson in real history. Something to definitely reflect upon...

In 1929, the Soviet Union established complete gun control. From 1929 to 1953, about 20 million dissidents whose only crime was disagreeing with "government" policy, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.


In 1911, Turkey established complete gun control. From 1915 to 1917, 1.5 million Armenians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.


Germany established complete gun control in 1938. From 1939 to 1945, 6 million Jews and 7 million other Europeans who were unable to defend themselves were rounded up and exterminated.


China established complete gun control in 1935. From 1948 to 1952, 20 million political dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.


Guatemala established complete gun control in 1964. From 1964 to 1981, 100,000 Mayan Indians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.


Uganda established complete gun control in 1970. From 1971 to 1979, 300,000 Christians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.


Cambodia established complete gun control in 1956. From 1975 to A. D. 1977, one million "educated" people, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.


Defenseless people rounded up and exterminated in the 20th Century because of gun control: conservatively estimated at fifty-six (56) million. It has now been 12 months since gun owners in Australia were forced by new law to surrender 640,381 personal firearms to be destroyed by their own government, a program costing Australian taxpayers more than $500 million dollars. The first year results are now in: Australia-wide, homicides are up 3.2 percent Australia-wide, assaults are up 8.6 percent Australia-wide, armed robberies are up 44 percent (yes, 44 percent)! In the state of Victoria alone, homicides with firearms are now up 300 percent.

(Note that while the law-abiding Australians turned their guns in, the criminals did not, and criminals still possess their guns!) While figures over the previous 25 years showed a steady decrease in armed robbery with firearms, this has changed drastically upward in the past 12 months, since criminals now are guaranteed that their prey is unarmed. There has also been a dramatic increase in break-ins and assaults of the ELDERLY.)

Australian politicians are at a loss to explain how public safety has decreased, after such monumental effort and expense was expended in "successfully ridding Australian society of guns." The Australian experience and the other historical facts above prove it. You won't see this data on the American evening news or hear our president, governors or other politicians disseminating this information.

Guns in the hands of honest people save lives and property. And, yes, gun-control laws affect only the law-abiding people, not criminals.

Take note my fellow Americans.....before it's too late!

The next time someone talks in favor of gun control, please remind them of this real history lesson.

With our Second Amendment "Arms", we are constituent Members of the American Body Sovereign.

Without them, we are merely subjects / slaves to the "will" of corporate "government".

If you truly value your freedom, please spread this anti-gun control message to all of your friends!

If you value your freedom, Please buy guns and ammo, and lots of it.

Its only a matter of time before guns are outlawed in America. Be Vigilant and be prepared!

My Philosophy of Life

My philosophy of life

Posted in Liberty Rant by R Lee Wrights on September 24th, 2007

by Donna Mancini

"The issue today is the same as it has been throughout all history, whether man shall be allowed to govern himself or be ruled by a small elite."

- Thomas Jefferson

Hi! I am a native Louisvillian, consummate freedom lover and Libertarian activist. My mantra is, "Live and Let Live!"

I have had far too much of government nannies and dictators telling me what to do and how to do it. I am sick to death of bureaucrats, at all levels, stealing large chunks of my hard-earned money (aka taxes) to redistribute and blow on destructive, wasteful bureaucracies and schemes that "rob Peter to pay Paul," and actually hurt the very people they purport to help!

Needless to say WAR is the mother of all stupid, evil, destructive government programs which make absolute fools of the citizenry who blindly follow their so-called "leaders" into the battlefield and are convinced that they are somehow protecting our "freedom." We have given up far too much Liberty in America in the eternal quest for safety and security.

The idea makes no sense.

The more choices and resources a person has to provide for and protect himself and his loved ones increases his safety and security, not the other way around. FREEDOM WORKS!!

I want to restore our freedom and natural human rights to life, liberty, property and the pursuit of happiness in America, because quite frankly, I don't like being told what to do and being a slave to a bunch of privileged moronic thugs!

If you think and feel like I do, let's be friends! Just say NO to governments' so-called "Authority!" We are such a bunch of idiots to play along with these creepy criminals.

"It is hard to imagine a more stupid or more dangerous way of making decisions than by putting those decisions in the hands of people who pay no price for being wrong."

-Thomas Sowell

Donna Walker Mancini is a columnist for Liberty For All. Find out more about Donna at www.myspace.com/donna4freedom.

Reject Authority;or, Who Gave you the right to tell me what to do?

Reject authority; or, Who gave you the right to tell me what to do?

Posted in Liberty Rant by R Lee Wrights on October 28th, 2007

by Donna Mancini

"As good as you are, as bad as I am. I am as good as you are, as bad as I am."
(One of my grandmother's favorite toasts)

- Donna Gosnell Walker (1893-1974)

The main thing that continues to boggle my mind in life is, even if the dead founders, or current ruling elites, have made "laws" that pass constitutional muster initiating the income tax; business licensing and regulation; gun control; the military draft; prohibitions of alcohol, drugs, trans fats or smoking… SO WHAT? I did not agree to follow any such rules or grant a so-called "representative" control over my life, nor did anyone I know for that matter!

I admit that most people I know think I am nuts. They wonder why I am unhappy with the status quo, which is, in my humble opinion, nothing less than slavery. My critics proceed to give me the old and tired, "Get-over-it-this-is-the-best-country-in-the-world story. The majority of these people have never been out of the region, much less the country.

Doesn't anyone question authority anymore or even care about freedom and personal responsibility, and see the two as a necessity or an advantage in life?

Government is a legitimate "servant" only if it has the permission and/or consent of the governed. People that lived before us cannot write a contract for us or put us, their heirs, into bondage. It is like paying off your mother's debt. You don't owe it!

I can only speak for myself. I pay my taxes and follow the "rules" because I am scared the government will confiscate my money and property; and, if worse comes to worse, imprison and kill me! These so called "public servants" are nothing more than armed thugs, also known as the enemy. In reality, where do these predators get off calling themselves public servants? Who do they serve? Certainly not me!

This past weekend in Louisville, KY, the government set up police-state style "Safety & Security Roadblocks" supposedly to catch drunk drivers. What a crock of authoritarian bull droppings! They wound up citing people for not wearing seat belts and hauled a bunch of people to jail who might have had a few; but, had not demonstrated any signs of reckless driving, broken any "laws" or hurt anyone. As a result of this "protection" peaceful people will end up losing their jobs, insurance, paying fines and attorney fees, and otherwise have their lives destroyed!

Practically all laws are arbitrary, "rules" designed to control people and plunder their money and assets. Laws and rules have nothing to do with right or wrong. Victimless acts (no one is complaining) should not be punishable crimes! Laws are tools the predatory elite uses to manipulate, rob and murder the rest of us laid-back, docile types.

Contrary to conventional wisdom that demands we not discuss religion or politics:

We freedom lovers should talk politics loud and clear, on a daily basis, to everyone we encounter, or at least give it a try! How about, "I am mad as hell and I just won't take it anymore for an introduction?" We should tell everyone within earshot we are sick and tired of being told what to do what not to do, and having our cold hard cash extracted from us by bullies that spend it on other people and things that we despise.

Then, when the State-worshiping crowd tells you to get out of the country if you don't like it, stand firm and say NO! I love my home and family; and, I am into the tough job of preserving Liberty, solving our American problems, and making things better for ourselves and future generations. Demand that our government bring our troops on foreign soil home now and stop trying to RULE the WORLD! Declare that war is evil and they are stupid to sacrifice their lives, fortunes and "our children" on the altar of the State.

We all know deep down that keeping your big mouth shut means you agree with what is being said, or at least you are afraid to confront your opposition for one reason or the other. That's why we Libertarians need to keep our big mouths open, (except when they are full of food).

To paraphrase Adam Smith: Self-interest works!

AND

According to me: Freedom is LIFE.

Donna Walker Mancini is a columnist for Liberty For All. Find out more about Donna at www.myspace.com/donna4freedom.

What is there to Like about Government ?

What is there to like about Government? Government is bullies and know it all's who use physical force, or the threat of physical force to take your hard earned money and property and force you to live by their RULES and value system. People don't need to be forced to do what is good for them. Voluntary co-operation, SELF INTEREST and social control keep us on the straight and narrow, and the few who don't can be dealt with individulaly, without the Government monopoly on force known as the POLICE. Think about it, Everything the Government does and forces us to do is illogical, dumb, and always proves to make matters worse. History will confirm this statement. Look at education, health care and retirement/poverty.... Three of the Governments Main Projects are in deep do-do. For America to become Free and the Land of opportunity for all, the Grassroots People have to wake up and understand what government is, and why Government or FORCE is wrong and bad, and how it prevents people from living a Fully Human life and subjugates us to serfdom and slavery. People should shop for what they want, and pay for what they get, with their OWN money in the marketplace. Government and Political solutions do not Work. Never Have , never will.