Everyday I read numerous articles and comments online.  The articles are generally informative.  The comments are atrocious.  Quality and intelligence seems to be in short supply in the realm of online commentary.   Most comments are riddled with spelling and grammatical errors.  Many demonstrate a pointed ignorance of the topic being discussed.  Probably the most disappointing aspect is just the sheer number of comments that lack all civility.  At times, the article itself is guilty of the same shortcomings; sometimes by design, sometimes by oversight.  We need a return to civility.  We need to remember that each of us are unique individuals fighting our own daily struggles.  Can we not discuss with mutual respect, even in disagreement? Granted, I’m guilty of this from time to time.  It is a fault that I recognize and am attempting to make a concerted effort to improve upon. Perhaps the following is a case of the pot calling the kettle black, but perhaps it needs to be done.  I find that this lack of civility is non-partisan.  Conservatives are guilty of it.  Libertarians are guilty of it.  Favorite terms of the Right include taunts like “libtard”, “commie”, and plays on the names of disliked individuals […]

I wrote what follows (including the endnote) in the days immediately following the election of Donald Trump.  At the time, for whatever reason, I chose not to publish it.  Now that some time has passed, and I hope everyone has found their footing following the initial shock, I am.  Rereading this, I still stand by it.  I think it’s important to put this out there.  I think in the realm of political discourse we frequently forget that we are all human beings.  So here it is… I have a lot of mixed feelings and thoughts on this election outcome.  I have conservative friends who are ecstatic.  I have libertarian friends who are cautiously hopeful that Trump will be better than Clinton.  And of course, I have liberal friends who are devastated and literally in tears over their loss. As a libertarian, I find myself stuck in the middle.  While I am not sad that Hillary Clinton lost this election, I am disheartened, disappointed, and ashamed that Donald Trump won it.  I empathize with both sides.  I can’t say that I fully relate to how any other individual is feeling, as I’m not them.  My feelings are mixed.  I’m not a […]

Last night, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton took the stage for their first head-to-head “debate”.  Absent was Gary Johnson – evidently because the Commission on Presidential Debates believed an adult in the room was unnecessary. As expected, there was a lot of interrupting, speaking over one another and generally ignoring the existence of the moderator as he ineffectually attempted to keep the topics on track.  Clinton sounded well rehearsed and as such came off more polished.  What little policy she did articulate though was almost complete incorrect.  I found it to be no surprise that her most glaringly erroneous statements involved economic matters.  From her support for higher taxes on companies and the “rich” to an increased minimum wage, “debt-free” college, and paid family leave, she demonstrated either complete ignorance of economic forces or an unbelievable level of hubris that she could overcome such natural law by sheer government fiat. Trump started off the debate strongly, all things considered.  He stuck to his message that politicians were the problem… for the first 30 minutes or so.  Beyond that, he started taking every bit of bait Clinton put out for him.  At times, he ran off into the weeds, losing sight […]

Could we just… NOT? There are many great mysteries in this world and many topics that deserve further discussion, consideration and research.  Conspiracy theories can fit into those categories.  However they are part of a rather paranoid niche and are not fit for public discussion unless you have hard evidence. Of course if you have proof, it’s no longer a theory, is it? Why am I bringing this topic up?  Because this election, the Libertarian Party stands to have its best showing ever.  In order to make that happen, we need people to vote for the Libertarian candidates.  Now I realize, that not all libertarians (small ‘l’) agree with, are part of, or support the Libertarian Party (big ‘L’).  That’s fine.  I just respectfully ask that we not do harm to each others efforts (NAP for the win, ya?), as ultimately we are on the same side.  Toward that end, we need to be mindful of public appearances.  Libertarians, as a whole, would benefit their cause best by acting and appearing in a reasonable, respectable, logical and intelligent manner.  Please don’t be this imbecile! With public relations in mind, let’s talk about our messaging. A few people with whom I […]

I think the fix has been in since the very beginning, but it seems certain now that Hillary Clinton will be the Democratic nominee.  To the supporters of Bernie Sanders, you have my condolences.  I can relate to how you are feeling right now. For the last three presidential election cycles I have had the displeasure of watching my chosen candidate be marginalized, ignored, and swindled by the establishment.  It is frustrating and infuriating to watch the corruption of the establishment in action.  It seems like good candidates always fall to the power of the system. So what now?  Will you support Hillary?  How could you? She’s the very embodiment of everything you and Bernie were fighting against!  She’s a corrupt, untrustworthy career politician who loves war and trampling personal liberties as much as the worst Republican! I admit that I have not felt the Bern.  But I can relate to those who have as I understand the enthusiasm and the passion.  I’d like to extend the olive branch, and offer what I feel is a viable alternative candidate for you to consider in November – someone who isn’t corrupt like Hillary, or an egomaniac like Trump. I would like […]

Local Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick is leaving office at the end of his current term.  As usual, a few candidates lined up for the chance to take his place.  At the moment, one of them in particular seems sure to win the primary race next week.  That would be… Fitzpatrick?!?  Yes… but not Mike.  His brother Brian Fitzpatrick is running to take the office. Now, to the part I find interesting, and perhaps even a touch devious.  Brian’s campaign signs are colored and stylized just like Mike’s signs were in previous elections.  They boldly proclaim the last name, “Fitzpatrick”, listing the first name in much smaller text.  Brian has also been keeping a very low profile.  He has had limited interactions with the press and is generally trying to stay out of the limelight.  This is by design. The strategy is clever – hope no one notices that you’re not actually your brother, and gain the advantage of being the incumbent, without actually, well, you know… being the incumbent.  Based on the little bit of poking around I did on Brian Fitzpatrick’s website, there doesn’t seem to be much difference between him and his brother.  So even though I find the […]

In my last post I mentioned that the site would be going in a slightly new direction.  Today, I’d like to expand upon that and outline what you can expect in the future. As time progresses and society moved forward I’ve been faced with some difficult philosophical questions and how we as a country can best address the pressing issues of our day.  After much anguish, I’ve come to a conclusion.  My previous posts were based on lack of emotion and faulty ideology.  They were wrong.  I was wrong.  It’s time to change direction. The constitution is dead.  It was a good attempt, but it failed.  The government does whatever it wants, and that old dusty paper isn’t going to stop it.  Rather than continue to hem and haw over this, I think it’s time we embrace it.  We elected these people after all, now we should place our unquestioning trust in them, and in the knowledge that they truly do know what is best for us all.  We need to set our differences aside, and work for a better future.  This means we need to stop being sticks in the mud, and welcome the necessary reforms needed to make […]

Nothing.  Absolutely nothing. Yesterday, for the first time since I’ve been old enough to vote, I didn’t.  The consequences?  Not a damn thing.  Not a single race was decided by a margin of 1 vote.  The Democrats still won the statewide races.  The Republicans still won most of the county races, and the Democrats won 2:1 all of the borough races.  My un-cast vote didn’t mean squat.  The same would have been true if I’d cast it. The difference?  Having not participated, I cannot be blamed for the actions of those elected.  I withheld my implied consent of their future plundering, infringing and coercing. Elections are theater.  They are a government sponsored farce designed to make people feel good about their government.  They are designed to make you feel like you have a say.  Your “say” means nothing.  In the vast majority of races an individual vote is meaningless.  On top of that, if your vote happens to go to the less popular candidate – the loser of the race – you’re still screwed.  No one cares that you don’t like the winner. No one cares that you didn’t vote for them.  They are still elected and they are still […]

Last night the top 10 GOP candidates for president faced off at the first official Republican primary debate.  More or less they all said exactly what you’d expect – universal condemnation of Obamacare, illegal immigration, Hilary Clinton, President Obama, and his lack of even more intervention in the Middle East.  Here is a brief rundown of the candidates and their notable moments: Donald Trump – “The Donald” is a pompous, arrogant, combed-over clown.  I do have to give him points for his entertainment value, and his non-PC remarks.  He has no filter, which is likely why so many like him.  The debate opened with a question to all candidates, requesting a show of hands.  Any candidate who would not commit to supporting the eventual nominee and who would not rule out a third-party run was asked to raise their hand.  Only one hand went up. It was Trump’s.  As a result, I’m not sure how his poll numbers will fair.  That was an unpopular move with typical Republicans. Jeb Bush – He doesn’t speak particularly well. He was the only candidate on the stage who supports Common Core education standards.  When questioned about it, he attempted to dodge the question […]

I stumbled upon this story earlier.  Apparently Chicago’s Department of Finance has a new scheme for raking in other people’s money.  They want to tax Netflix usage.  Yes, the City of Chicago is hoping to rob its residents of about $12 million a year with a new 9% tax it will begin levying on Netflix.  But wait! That’s not even the best part.  Here is their explanation for this insidious new theft, as quoted by DSLReports: “The amusement tax applies to charges paid for the privilege to witness, view or participate in an amusement,” states the city’s new ruling (pdf). “This includes not only charges paid for the privilege to witness, view or participate in amusements in person but also charges paid for the privilege to witness, view or participate in amusements that are delivered electronically.” So there you go, ladies and gentleman.  You may only partake in amusements when your great benevolent overlords allow it.  But of course it will cost you.  Such a desirable service – you know, having to get permission – has to come at a cost.  I guess you Chicagoans should just be thankful that you were granted this wonderful privilege for free for as […]