By Dick Bachert – While an excellent argument can be made for term limits (which, along with elimination of the fat pensions, perks and LAME DUCK SESSIONS I favor), I would offer that, currently, our chances of getting them are somewhere between slim and none. The sad fact that we are even discussing them is a manifestation of the even sadder fact that, until recently, Americans have grown complacently inattentive … Read more...
Treasury Debt and “Trust Funds”
By Tom Kiser
So…..What would happen if all of the balances that are currently being carried in all of the federal government’s so-called “trust” funds were written down to balances of zero?
Two things would happen:
… Read more...
Rep. Paul Ryan’s (R-WI) Response to the SOTU
In case you missed it last night, here is Rep. Ryan’s excellent response to the President’s State of the Union Address:
Madison Forum Book Club
Each month the Madison Forum will post a featured reading for discussion and evaluation. This month will are offering William Sharp McKechnie’s Magna Carta; A Commentary on the Great Charter of King John.
You can read the entire book on the website or download your own PDF copy. Then start the discussion below the book on the “Featured Reading” page under the “Library” tab.
… Read more...State of the Union Live Chat
Join us this evening as we host a live chat covering Barack Obama’s State of the Union Message. You can also comment below or via Twitter using the hashtag #madforum.
Live blog archive below the fold.
… Read more...Two (short) Questions
Question one: Is climatology a science or is it an ideology?
Question two: Is supply-side or Keynesian economics a science or is it an ideology?
… Read more...The laws of Nature’s God in Action
Observations©
By Donald S. Conkey
This past week we who live in North Georgia witnessed firsthand the unbendable “Laws of Nature’s God” in action. Georgia’s snow and ice storm hit everyone equally – no forgiveness for friends or relatives caught in the ravages of this storm. Those prepared were able to ride out the storm; those caught unprepared paid a price. That is God’s law – everyone is treated … Read more...
Downsizing In Georgia – Supersized
By J. Randolph Evans
Governor Nathan Deal has started downsizing the size of government in Georgia, kicking off the process in his proposed state budget with the de-authorization of thousands of government jobs that are currently unfilled.
Next, Governor Deal plans a steady re-organization of state government with an eye toward eliminating redundancy, streamlining services, and applying technology to move Georgia into the 21st Century. These are the necessary fundamentals … Read more...
Just the Numbers, mam
By Les Dunaway
This is Vol 1 Issue 1 of a weekly discussion intended to lead to better understanding of financial issues facing our country.
I will, each week, take some issue from the current/recent news and discuss the issue itself and how it impacts our country and our way of life. I hope that there will be an ongoing discussion through comments to my posts.
I’m beginning this discussion … Read more...
Arizona Shootings
by Les Dunaway
There’s been a lot written about this tragedy and a lot said. A good bit of both has been unseemly and/or self-serving.
It’s refreshing to read something which addresses the issue and offers something positive to do.
… Read more...In the Beginning…
By Tom Kiser
IN THE BEGINNING…..WE, THE PEOPLE …..BUT THEN WE PLACED TOO MUCH TRUST IN TOO MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE PROVEN TO BE UNTRUSTWORTHY
Something to always keep in mind: All of a nation’s governments must stand on the shoulders of the working people whose efforts and energy is keeping the nation’s economy operating and producing whatever prosperity that a nation may have: Working people whose feet are on … Read more...
Fair Tax vs. Flat Tax
BY JOHN D. VAN BRINK
Preface – Benjamin Franklin mused, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Due to a revolution in medical technology, including mapping the human genome, nano machines, and advanced pharmaceuticals, some predict that mankind is on the verge of conquering death.
As for taxes, well, not so fast. If we start with the premise that government is necessary, and … Read more...