Santelli Hits it on the Head

Sarah and I just finished watching this video from CNBC today.



I really liked it and laughed my head off. While Santelli might seem a little over the top, he raises some interesting points. Does the government really think that we are so self-centered that they have to force us to help others? Do they really believe that we don't care enough about our neighbors to help them? I personally believe that the majority of Americans care about their neighbors, friends and family. If my neighbor were struggling financially, I'd love to help them. What bugs me is being forced to help. What's the commandment, thou shalt not steal unless the government says its ok? Just because its legal doesn't make it moral.

If a neighbor can't make his mortgage payment, isn't it in my best interest to help him? Instead of the government forcing me to help, they should encourage me to help by making it easier for me to buy my neighbors house and then let my neighbor continue living there while paying rent to me. They could do this by lowering taxes (property, sales, etc). Doesn't that sound like a good idea? And if I can't afford his house, why can't two or three of us get together and buy our neighbor's home?

Finally, my last thought on the stimulus/bail-outs that have been going on. In a podcast I blogged about recently the point was made that some believe that what is currently happening in the economy proves that capitalism and a free-market doesn't work. When in fact, what is currently happening proves to me that it does work. Those who have made bad decisions, companies who made shady/risky deals are living with the consequences. Or at least they would be if the government weren't meddling in the system. Is it really the government's duty take all risk and consequences out of life?

Update

I haven't posted in a long time, so here's an update. We are very busy with school right now. But six months from tomorrow is graduation! I'll actually be done with classes before that, which is even nicer.

Camille is sick. She is super congested, and her cry even sounds different because of out. She just wants to be held a lot, and I don't blame her. Also, Camille will be crawling any day now. She can scoot backwards, and she gets on her hands and knees and rocks back and forth. I'm not ready for her to be completely mobile.

I haven't posted about food in a while, although I have tried some great recipes. One of the best ones lately was for Potato Bacon Chowder. We fed it to the sister missionaries in bread bowls, and it was delicious! I'll post the recipe later because Camille's starting to fuss.

Something to listen to

I have a decent amount of time riding the bus to/from school every day. Recently I have filled this time by listening to podcasts. It seems to be much more productive than just sitting there listening to music. Yesterday I subscribed to a podcast done by the Young America's Foundation (YAF). Today I got to hear Dr. Walter Williams discuss the legitimate role of government in a free society. He made his points very clear and I enjoyed it quite a bit. Check out this podcast at YAF's site (link).

I would have to say that the part I liked most was his example of on social security. He asked the audience what would happen if he wrote a letter to the U.S. government stating that he as a free adult would like to worry about his retirement on his own, and if he messes it up to just let him become a beggar or die on the street. In other words, he no longer wants to pay social security. So what would happen? Obviously the government wouldn't take him seriously, and he would continue to be forced to pay into social security. It is a very interesting point. Why are we forced to do things like that?

My biggest problem with Dr. Williams' talk is that he gives no solution to the problem of government chipping away at our freedoms. He talked about how until the 1920's the government budget was only around 3% of the GDP. Now it is more like 20%. Yet he offers no solutions to the American people about how to solve these kinds of problems. I think some solutions and guidance to those who are concerned about our government's role would have made the talk astounding instead of just good.