Principle 12
Fast Food Slow Down in L.A.
by Matthew Pilling, guest author
TAYLORSVILLE, UT | 30 July 2008 | Amidst the ongoing news of a heated and controversial election, failing companies and markets, and myriad world conflicts, talk of fast food seems a low priority. The city of Los Angeles thinks otherwise, however. In a unanimous vote, the city council voted on Tuesday […]
Why the Pickens Plan Won’t Work
HIGHLAND, UT | 23 July 2008| One of the hottest topics in the marketplace of ideas is America’s growing concern with energy. Many say that oil production peaked in 2005 and will soon dry up. Others say that petroleum based internal combustion engines, though not very efficient, are here to stay. Many are looking for […]
23Jul2008 | Jason K. Vaughn | 5 comments | Continued
A River Runs through It
By Matthew Pilling, guest author
TAYLORSVILLE, UT | 23 JULY 2008 | Since 1982, Utah streams have been open to public passage and recreation, even when those streams passed through private land. But, eight years ago, an angler was cited for trespassing on private land when he left his raft to wander the river bed. On Friday, […]
The Follies of Fannie and Freddie
MAPLETON, UT | July 22, 2008 | Recently, two names have been plastered across headlines so often you’d be forgiven for thinking they were the latest hollywood pair. Their celebrity status has been cemented by constant mentions in the top news programs, length pieces on their life history, and endless gossip and rumors about their […]
22Jul2008 | Israel Curtis | 1 comment | Continued
Calling Congress’ Bluff
by Matthew Pilling, guest author
SALT LAKE CITY, UT | 21 July 2008 | When individuals can’t have their way, they often resort to the only other tactic they know—force, or tyranny. In this case, it’s a slightly veiled use of force, but it is force nonetheless.
As the GOP is pushing to do what more and more […]
Are My Government-Prompted Charitable Contributions Tax-Deductible?
by Matthew Pilling, Guest Author
When I choose to give money or resources to my church, the Red Cross, or any other charitable organization, I am allowed to deduct the value donated from my taxable income. And, at the end of each year, as I prepare my taxes, I am asked to account for all of […]
Censorship a Question of Private Property not Free Speech
HIGHLAND, UT | 15 July 2008 | When most people hear the word tyrant, they think of Adolf Hitler or Josef Stalin. They may think of overzealous bureaucrats or demanding city officials or HOA presidents. But how many would consider the sweet neighbor down the street with an entitlement attitude; or even themselves? Yet, some […]
15Jul2008 | Jason K. Vaughn | 2 comments | Continued
“It’s Not a Tumor!”
By Matthew Pilling, Guest Author
SALT LAKE CITY, UT | 12 July 2008 | Ten years ago, a good friend was diagnosed with highly advanced brain cancer. The doctors told the family that there were some tough choices to be made. The tumors had grown to the point that standard treatments wouldn’t slow their growth. Their placement […]
Corruption, Failure & Incompetence Uncovered by Audit of Utah Government Agency
ALPINE, UT | July 4, 2008 | A much anticipated legislative audit of the Utah Department of Commerce, whose sole elected oversight is Utah Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. (R), reveals corruption, coercion, secrecy, retaliation, incompetence, abuse of power and miscarriages of justice.
Allegations of serious wrong doing in the Utah government were first […]
How Do You Celebrate Independence?
HIGHLAND, UT | 4 July 2008 | Ah! The Fourth of July! That great mid-summer holiday. Full of parades and beauty pageants, fireworks, barbecues, 10k races, pancake breakfasts in the park, and flag raising ceremonies. This is what this holiday is all about, right? Oh, and thinking about the signing of the Declaration of Independence (whatever […]
4Jul2008 | Jason K. Vaughn | 1 comment | Continued
Does this Country Really Need Its Tyrants?
HIGHLAND, UT | 4 June 2008| “Personal liberty requires private propety.” So, the collective psyche of our nation instills into our minds. This is the most basic and simple to understand of the 13 Principles. At least from a visceral point of view. But what is property ownership? What is the proper use of the […]
4Jun2008 | Jason K. Vaughn | 2 comments | Continued
When Tyrannies Collide
HIGHLAND, UT | 22 May 2008 | Is it good to send foreign aid? Who should send it? What if those to whose aid a person is coming does not accept the aid? What should the world do about governments that exercise too much control over its citizens? The topic of force brings up many curious questions.
The recent […]
Conflicting Energy Bills Reveals Consequences of Regulation
HIGHLAND, UT | 12 May 2008 | Effects of improper use of governmental powers last for many decades. The current energy crisis is a good example of that. Associated Press writer, H. Josef Herbert, reports that Congress is considering two bills this month in an effort alleviate soaring gas prices. He warns, however, “don’t wait […]
12May2008 | Jason K. Vaughn | 2 comments | Continued
Royal Deregulated Mail: Is England too Afraid to Let Go?
HIGHLAND, UT | 8 May 2008| Government-supported monopolies don’t let go. They develop a certain addiction to the paternal support they receive. England is learning this first-hand with their state-run Royal Mail that was deregulated in 2006 and is now on the verge of collapse. In a Guardian story dated May 6, 2008, Terry Macallister reports the […]
8May2008 | Jason K. Vaughn | 1 comment | Continued
Personal Initiative = Don’t Wait for the Government to Tell You What to Do
HIGHLAND, UT | 6 May 2008 | What is the proper way to effect the change you desire? Do you wait until your guy (or gal) gets into office? Do you create a lobby organization? Do you write your elected officials? Any of these may be appropriate at certain times, but what if the correct […]
6May2008 | Jason K. Vaughn | 1 comment | Continued
I couldn't agree with you more. Yes, morals are objective, while the valuation of material things is subjective.
God values ...
I think the point here is that people choose those whom they trust. When the government, by force, arranges a ...
Ammon,
As always, you bring up good points. You're right--truth doesn't need to have an advantage of time in order ...
I think one of the greatest things about the voting process is that there is never complete objectivity or truth, ...