The Case for Change: How Police Reform Can Benefit Taxpayers, Communities and Law Enforcement Agencies
The issue of police reform has been at the forefront of national debate for decades, as communities across the United States have grappled with issues of police brutality, racial profiling, and a perceived lack of accountability for officers involved in misconduct. These issues have been exacerbated in recent years by high-profile cases such as the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others.
While the moral and ethical dimensions of police reform are clear, it's important to also consider the economic implications of the current system. The current model of policing in the United States is characterized by high levels of spending on law enforcement, with little evidence to suggest that this spending is effectively reducing crime rates or recidivism. In fact, research has shown that increased spending on policing is often associated with higher rates of violence and recidivism, rather than lower rates.
Read moreFrom Petty Crimes to Prison Time: The Impacts of Over Criminalization on Communities
In recent years, the United States has seen an increase in the number of criminal offenses, many of which are considered petty crimes. This trend has been accompanied by a sharp rise in the number of individuals who are incarcerated, leading to concerns about the over-criminalization of America's justice system. This article will explore the effects of over-criminalization on communities and the consequences of the punitive approach adopted by law enforcement agencies.
Over-criminalization can be defined as the criminalization of behavior that is not inherently harmful to others or society. Petty crimes, such as drug possession, loitering, and jaywalking, are often included in this category. These offenses are typically punished with fines or short-term incarceration, which can lead to a criminal record, making it more difficult for individuals to obtain employment, housing, and other basic needs.
Read moreA Call for Educational Freedom: Limiting Government Involvement in Education
As a nation, we must ask ourselves if government involvement in education truly benefits our children's future. While many would argue that government involvement in education is necessary, others would counter that it leaves open the door to government indoctrination and a deteriorating of individual rights over time. This is a complex issue with serious implications for the future of our country, and as a libertarian conservative, I believe that the risks of government involvement in education far outweigh the benefits.
One of the most significant risks of government involvement in education is the potential for government indoctrination. When the government controls education, it has the power to influence the minds of our children, shaping their worldview and values. This could lead to a situation where children are taught a particular ideology that is in line with the government's interests, rather than an education that encourages critical thinking and individuality.
Read moreThe Consequences of Political Polarization: Why We Need to Find Common Ground
The current state of American politics is one of intense polarization and division, with hatred and animosity spewing from both sides of the aisle. The nastiness and quickness to name calling and ad hominem has become the norm, with people being quick to fight and degrade a disagreement to insults rather than finding common ground and working towards solutions. This toxic political culture is not only unproductive but also damaging to the future of our country.
Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook have given a voice to everyone, including extremists and trolls. The anonymity provided by the internet has emboldened people to say things they would never dare to say in person. This has led to a proliferation of hate speech, misinformation, and propaganda, which can spread rapidly across social media networks.
Read moreAre We Witnessing a Rise in Authoritarianism in American Politics?
In recent years, many have raised concerns about the rise of authoritarianism in the United States, with some comparing it to the Nazi Party in Germany. While such comparisons may seem extreme, a closer look at the policies of both political parties reveals worrisome signs of authoritarianism.
On the left, there is a growing trend towards censorship and cancel culture. Many progressives believe that certain speech should be deemed unacceptable and punished accordingly. This has led to a culture of fear, where people are afraid to express their opinions for fear of being ostracized or losing their jobs. Additionally, there has been a push to ban certain types of speech altogether, such as hate speech, which is defined in such broad terms that it can be used to silence any dissenting voices.
Read moreThe Export-Import Bank: A Corporate Welfare Machine
For decades, the Export-Import Bank (EXIM) has been one of the most significant examples of corporate welfare in the United States. Despite repeated calls for its abolition, the bank continues to subsidize some of the largest and most successful corporations in America, using taxpayer dollars to prop up businesses that do not need any additional support.
Established in 1934, EXIM provides loans, loan guarantees, and insurance to American companies that export goods and services overseas. The bank's mission is to support US businesses by providing financing that is not readily available in the private sector. However, in practice, EXIM has become a tool for large corporations to secure cheap loans and guarantees at the expense of taxpayers.
Read moreThe Libertarian Solution: A Fresh Perspective for Young Americans in a Partisan World
The article “Young Voters Will Transform Even the Reddest States” written by Ed Kilgore for the Intelligencer highlights the trend of younger generations moving more left of center and turning red states blue. While Kilgore’s analysis is certainly insightful, I don’t necessarily think that it’s realistic to put all younger voters in the left’s camp. The truth is that many young Americans are rejecting the traditional two-party system altogether and looking towards alternative political ideologies such as libertarianism.
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Building a Bench: How Local Races can Grow Libertarian Influence
Libertarians are a unique breed of political thinkers who pride themselves on individual liberty, limited government, and free-market economics. They are known for their unyielding support of civil liberties, individual rights, and fiscal conservatism. However, despite their passionate support for these principles, Libertarians have struggled to gain a foothold in American politics. In many cases, they have been marginalized and overlooked by both major parties, and their ideas have been relegated to the fringes of political discourse.
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Libertarianism: A Simple Understanding of the Philosophy
Libertarianism is a political and social philosophy that emphasizes individual freedom, autonomy, and limited government. It is rooted in the belief that individuals have inherent rights to life, liberty, and property, and that government's role should be limited to protecting these rights. The ideology takes into account rational self-interest and embraces the philosophy of do no harm. In this article, we will explore the origins and evolution of libertarianism, its fundamental principles, and its impact on modern political thought.
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Small Businesses vs Corporate Giants: How Regulations Create an Unfair Market
Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, serving as a vital component of our local economies and as some of the largest job creators in the nation. These businesses are an asset to society and are essential for a thriving economy. Unfortunately, many of these small businesses have struggled to compete with corporate giants who have been known to use their influence to create regulations that favor their own interests, while simultaneously making it more difficult for new businesses to enter the market.
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