Posted on 03/19/2011 2:55:32 PM PDT by RWB Patriot
With the temporary recognition of people's right to their property (in this case, their money), we're once again hearing the endless rants from the looters about how the "evil rich" are responsible for all our economic hardships and how respecting their rights will only wreck our economy further (honestly, does hate and jealousy ever get old for these people?).
In light of this, and how eagerly dear leader will play it to conceal his own meddling in our economy, I think it's time we give everyone a very clear, very thorough view of who holds the most power over the economy. Granted, most of it is obvious, but I want to hit as much as possible to show people who is really to blame.
I'm planning on writing a paper (might make it one of those emails that get sent around) detailing the difference between the power of the "rich" and the power of politicians. As I said, I already know much of them, but in order to make people fully understand the difference between the "rich" and politicians, I have to try and hit it all if possible.
What I already know about political power over the economy:
Inflation
Deficit Spending
Debt
Manipulation of interest rates
Ability to grant themselves raises on a whim (I assume, though I haven't seen much evidence otherwise)
Power to put businesses under all manner of rules and regulations that serve little to no purpose
Ability to form new government organizations that are paid with taxpayer money while taxpayers have no say over them whatsoever
Power to enforce their whims with the courts, police, and military.
Ability to exempt themselves from the rules and regulations they put on others.
What I'm asking from Free Republic:
More examples of government power over the economy, with specific examples, sources, names, etc. The more, the merrier.
Instances when such power has led to economic hardships.
If possible, evidence that such power is, contrary to what politicians claim, clearly meant to benefit solely the politicians (granted, this should be obvious sometimes, but some people need extra evidence).
Our politicians ARE the rich in this country nowadays!
I’m referring to the productive rich, not the looting “rich”.
You forgot a big one: the power to tax is the power to destroy as Benjamin Franklin I believe said.
Oh, and eminent domain. Don’t forget Kelo.
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