Governments everywhere demand that people get government licenses before engaging in certain businesses. Most States require that those who cut hair, perform manicures or help others with makeup must first go through hundreds of hours of government-approved ‘training’ before doing so. Such licensing laws keep poor people down by preventing them from starting businesses or …
Category: Government’s War on the Poor
Jun 02
Almost half of Americans die broke in response to government policies
Years of government policies which punish saving, investing and working have taken their toll. USA Today reports that 69% of adults have less than $1,000 in the bank, and 34% said they actually don’t have any savings at all. And a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that almost half of Americans …
Apr 16
San Diego spikes minimum wage; 4,000 restaurant jobs lost almost immediately
When the price of any commodity rises, demand falls. This iron law of economics applies even to labor. Advocates of minimum wage laws (which allow government rather than the market to set wages) believe in a fantasy: that when politicians order wages to increase they are helping poor people. The reality is precisely the opposite. …
Apr 09
Government is the biggest burglar of all: “asset forfeiture” actions in 2014 took more money than all (nongovernment) burglaries combined
While Americans slept, government has been drastically increasing its numbers of “asset forfeitures” against innocent Americans (who are not charged with any offense). U.S. attorneys seized an estimated $12.6 billion between 1989 and 2010. And the numbers grew rapidly over that period. The growth rate during that time averaged +19.4% annually. Analysis by Armstrong Economics …
Mar 27
Government causes poverty: Massive welfare spending in San Antonio makes people less educated, more desperate
For the past 5 years, the federal government has poured $54 million in government aid into an impoverished neighborhood in San Antonio, Texas. The welfare program has apparently may have set the tiny, 3.5 square mile neighborhood back. The San Antonio Express reports more high school graduates (79.4%) require remedial courses to enter college today …
Mar 20
Obamacare has driven up insurance deductibles and cost millions of jobs
Americans have voted overwhelmingly against government over the past several elections. They elected Republicans in droves during the 2010, 2014 and 2016 election cycles upon promises made by such Republicans that they would repeal Obamacare. Studies show that around half of all working Americans are made to pay higher deductibles for medical insurance. Obamacare has …
Mar 16
Venezuelan government “bans” bread lines and arrests bakers in response to bread lines
Socialism is a curse that should be wished only on an enemy. Just 20 years ago, Venezuelans were the wealthiest people in Latin America. Then they voted for socialism. Today, Venezuelans starve in the streets, eat out of dumpsters and die in knife fights in the streets while fighting over dollar bills. Now, facing a …
Mar 06
57 % of Americans can’t write a $500 check
Years of government impositions which punish savers and entrepreneurs have taken their toll on Americans. Social Security, Medicare, and other programs disincentivize people from saving and investing. Near-zero interest rates incentivize debt. Government licensing laws prevent the poor from entering rewarding careers. Minimum-wage laws prevent employers from offering entry-level positions to people needing jobs and …
Jan 01
Government regulations are creating a less mobile society
American history has been defined by innovation and mobility. But increasingly, government regulations, licenses and “benefits” are forcing Americans to stay put. See here. “The percentage of Americans moving every year is less than half that of a half-century ago and down significantly since the early 1990s.”
Dec 15
Venezuelans give away their children to save them from socialist poverty
Just 15 years ago, Venezuelans were among the richest and freest people in Latin America. Then the country voted for socialism. Now Venezuelans struggle for daily survival. The government dispenses all food, education and medical care. Men die in the streets fighting over dollars. Women walk the streets as prostitutes for as little as a …
