On Future Prospects for Economic Liberty

From economist Walter Williams’ piece in the latest issue of Imprimis:

In a free society, we want the great majority, if not all, of our relationships to be voluntary. I like to explain a voluntary exchange as a kind of non-amorous seduction. Both parties to the exchange feel good in an economic sense. Economists call this a positive sum gain. For example, if I offer my local grocer three dollars for a gallon of milk, implicit in the offer is that we will both be winners. The grocer is better off because he values the three dollars more than the milk, and I am better off because I value the milk more than the three dollars. That is a positive sum gain. Involuntary exchange, by contrast, means that one party gains and the other loses. If I use a gun to steal a gallon of milk, I win and the grocer loses. Economists call this a zero sum gain. And we are like that grocer in most of what Congress does these days.

Some will respond that big government is what the majority of voters want, and that in a democracy the majority rules. But America’s Founders didn’t found a democracy, they founded a republic. The authors of The Federalist Papers, arguing for ratification of the Constitution, showed how pure democracy has led historically to tyranny. Instead, they set up a limited government, with checks and balances, to help ensure that the reason of the people, rather than the selfish passions of a majority, would hold sway. Unaware of the distinction between a democracy and a republic, many today believe that a majority consensus establishes morality. Nothing could be further from the truth.

My Personal Social Media Policy

After weeks of thought, I have settled on the following social media policy:

I will do my best to be polite and productive while using social media, but I can’t promise anything.

Thank you for reading.

Why Our Local Music Venues Struggle

1. Chattanooga is relatively small.

2. We have a plethora of mediocre acts, and many acts—especially many of our better acts—simply play too often.

3. Chattanoogans are spoiled by many, many free shows.

4. We live close to Atlanta, Nashville, Knoxville, and Birmingham—cities Chattanoogans are willing to travel to in order to see acts they REALLY want to see. They also often save their money for these trips, which means they are not spending it to see shows in town.

5. People find better entertainment options at home.

(This post was partially inspired by Hellcat’s article in last week’s issue of the Chattanooga Pulse.)

My STAND Survey Answers

I originally wanted to post all of this on Twitter. While I was filling it out, however, I realized that my responses would have taken numerous tweets to reproduce, which some folks (myself included) can find annoying. So I decided to just post it all here…

Anyway, here are my responses to the survey:

What do you like about the Chattanooga region?

• Relative affordability.

• Appealing topography.

• A predominantly optimistic and youthful attitude.

• Legitimate potential.

• All of my stuff is here.

Imagine the best possible Chattanooga region. Describe it.

• An unflinching, region-wide dedication to honesty and transparency.

• Fewer excuses.

• Fewer boards and non-profits.

• Less talk, more rock.

• Thicker skins.

What challenges must be addressed?

• Lower-income folks must be inspired to succeed.

• Crime must be reduced and morals emphasized.

• Local government must be scaled back in terms of size, spending, and reach.

• Reward and praise should be the result of talent, good ideas, determination, and hard work — not identity, fear, blackmail, overblown hype, or other questionable items.

What actions, big or small, can you take to help?

• I will work hard to provide for my family and raise my kids to be honest, respectful people.

• I will pay attention.

• I will help others.

• I will cause trouble.

• I will pray for our city.

Feel free to comment.

Presenting: Katherine Grace Colrus

Kate was born at 10:43 a.m. on Monday, August 24.
She weighed 8 pounds, 13 ounces, and was 20 1/2 inches long.
We are all doing great and Sam LOVES his new baby sister!