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Government and the Railroads During World War I: Political Capitalism and the Death of Enterprise
Libertarian Alliance ^ | 2003 | Dr Chris Matthew Sciabarra

Posted on 12/6/2005, 6:33:23 PM by Marxbites

"Whatever one's views of the mixed record of President Ronald Reagan," Sciabarra says, "his comment about 'government's view of the economy' is particularly apt in this context:

'If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.'

I hope this essay will shed some light precisely on some of the techniques by which an intrusive government destroys competition and freedom."

http://www.libertarian.co.uk/lapubs/histn/histn045.htm

(Excerpt) Read more at libertarian.co.uk ...


TOPICS: Constitution/Conservatism; Government
KEYWORDS: rail; wwi
This is the best, most cogent, explanation of America's current condition I have yet seen.

I hope Reagan & Constitution fans will find it valuable against the left.

1 posted on 12/6/2005, 6:33:23 PM by Marxbites
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To: Marxbites
Hello again! Got to run, will check out this article soon.

Have you seen this article?

Wal-Mart made news last month when it called for a raise in the federal minimum wage--something Democrats typically welcome. Despite its reputation for paying slave wages, Wal-Mart on average pays its hourly full-time employees $10.53 per hour, according to the company's website. The current federal minimum wage is $5.15 an hour. So, if minimum wage goes up, Wal-Mart might not pay an extra dime in wages. But Mom 'n Pop corner stores--Wal-Mart's competition--who employ local High School students at or near minimum wage will be in a pickle. The small stores might just have to close their doors, driving even more business to the retail giant--that is if Wal-Mart gets its way in Washington.

2 posted on 12/6/2005, 11:24:30 PM by Dumb_Ox (Hoc ad delectationem stultorum scriptus est)
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To: Dumb_Ox

That was a great article by Carney, thanks!

You are the only one who bothered to post - are Freepers blind or what?


3 posted on 12/7/2005, 2:30:15 AM by Marxbites
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To: Marxbites
You are the only one who bothered to post - are Freepers blind or what?

You'd have gotten many replies five years back. Most of the hardcore libertarians and decentralists left or got kicked out, or simply tired of having the same conversations over and over.

4 posted on 12/7/2005, 8:48:01 PM by Dumb_Ox (Hoc ad delectationem stultorum scriptus est)
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To: Marxbites; Dumb_Ox
Would have to agree with you on the reason. As to the article a quote that stuck out immediately

The outcome was a continuous effort, from 1874 on, voluntarily and cooperatively to maintain rates, preserve existing market divisions, and end internecine competition by use of the pool.

This was the case with many of the rail systems. However one system remained solvent, continued to drop the price on shipping, and remained solvent IIRC until political attacks by government subsidized rail systems. Been awhile but I believe it was the Northern Pacific.

I appreciate the posting of the article and will read the rest tonight after work.

5 posted on 12/7/2005, 8:57:19 PM by billbears (Deo Vindice)
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To: Dumb_Ox

Is there a better venue??

Being an amatuer telescope maker/astronomer I have been kicked off Astromart.com's politics forum for the last time I fear.

But this has been fun so far!

I'd have thought Reagan's message would have had more legs than it seems to have had - very disappointing and frustrating to the Nth degree - Arrrgghhhh!!!

Norquist says we could cut this sumbich in half in a generation - that's what I'm talkin about!!!!

Makes one want to don his camo and take out some ignorant handwringing socialists!

I just saw that that bioch Sen Snow(flake) isn't willing to go along with making the tax cuts permanent. She'd be my first visit ;>)


6 posted on 12/7/2005, 8:58:16 PM by Marxbites
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To: billbears

Thanx for that compadre!


7 posted on 12/7/2005, 9:03:34 PM by Marxbites
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