Hey Remember Capitalism?

Once again Congress has seen it fit to conveniently forget the concept of capitalism and of a laissez faire economy. It was a noble concept founded on the principle that hard work leads to rewards for the individual who has worked hard. It is, in fact, the exact opposite of the concept of Communism.

I can understand everyone's concern about rising oil prices and higher gas prices than we've ever seen before. I can also understand Congress' need to find a scapegoat during an election year. But at some point Americans are going to need to realize that Congress has better things to do than to question the profits of the oil companies.

For years now, Congress has been subsidizing the oil companies through tax breaks. In order for the oil companies to remain profitable, the government has given tax breaks to cover the costs of research and development. I don't know if these tax breaks extend to more local oil companies or if they only apply to the global competitors, but it seems to me that they are creating an unfair advantage for these big players in the oil market. Now they want to question the fact that they are making money? It's almost as if they are surprised that something they were throwing money toward is actually making money without them. It is yet another example of the liberal philosophy that nothing can function on its own without the help of the government.

But I digress...As we all know from basic economics oil is a commodity like every other consumable product we buy. And like its counterparts, it follows the basic trends of supply and demand. For those forgetting this economic principle, here's the short version: when supply is high and demand is low the price is low, and when supply is low and demand is high the price is high. It goes like this, if Hollywood announces that a diet of only eggs will make you lose weight then everyone will want some eggs. However, the number of egg farmers will probably remain the same for a while, thereby driving up the price of eggs. The only way to combat this is to find another egg farmer to start supplying the need of more eggs or get your own chicken.

Oil follows the exact same model. OPEC has determined that they are keeping up the supply up enough to meet the global demand, so they are not going to increase production. Translated "We like the huge profits we are getting from huge demand." So until the oil guys bring their wares to the table, we find a new place to drill (ALASKA) or until you get your own oil well like this guy, we are at the mercy of the global demand and prices of oil.

I find it oddly ironic that less than a week ago the Congress passed the farm bill which would subsidize farmers who are going to be selling their crops on a global market which is experiencing higher prices than normal. Yet this week they are raking the oil companies over the coals for doing exactly what their subsidies were designed to do. I am not at all saying that their legislation for the farmers is a bad thing. My father-in-law is a farmer and I know they work very hard for their profits which don't come close to that of oil companies.

It still amazes me that we have elected people to spend their time questioning the very fruits of the economic design of our founding fathers. While all the issues that the candidates are yelling about are left unattended. I don't see Congress asking auto makers why the price of vehicles has gone up since the 1920s. Or why don't we find out why every year the salaries of professional athletes goes up? Or better yet, why don't we ask the dairy farmers why we are paying $4 a gallon for milk? The fact is, people are still buying cars, they still buy tickets to baseball games and nobody likes cereal with water in it. So the government should just get over it and enjoy the tax revenue that pays their salaries.

Please Congress, perhaps its time to start remembering the basics of our Republic's founding documents. Laissez faire means "let do" so please let us do. Allow us to be entrepreneurs or literally "risk takers." Let us start businesses and fall flat on our faces. The lessons we will learn will make us a better country and better stewards of our liberty. Instead of making another generation of government dependents, why not create the next generation of American citizens capable of governing ourselves.

If you want to read a few of the quotes from today's hearing click here.

The Irony of Election Speeches

As I sit here tonight watching the victory speeches of both Clinton and Obama I am amazed at their inability to recognize the duties of the job they now hold. I took time this evening to read the Constitution (I haven't done it in a while and I think it's just a good practice). In doing so, I read the roles and responsibilities of the offices of the President and Senators and Representatives.

I find it utterly ironic that the three major candidates as of now are Senators and they can't find a kind word to say about the economic policies that (here's the kicker) THEY APPROVED IN THE SENATE. In the Constitution, I found no mention of the President having any responsibility in regards to taxes, commerce or the well-being of the citizens of the United States. However, I did find that it is the responsibility of the Senate and House for all of these things. I find it odd that each of these candidates have forgotten the genius that our founding fathers instituted when creating our government with Checks and Balances. The President can't do anything without the approval of the Congress, the Congress can't do anything without the approval of the President and the Courts make sure that each of them operates within the law. It's not that hard of a concept.

Both Clinton and Obama mentioned the need to give tax breaks to the middle class and provide a tax break for gasoline for the summer. Because as they say "the middle class of America don't deserve to be unfairly taxed by our government." Yet every aspect of their speeches seemed to reflect what they will do when they become President. If I were their constituent I would ask "Why aren't you doing this now as my Senator?" They have held a majority in Congress long enough to have accomplished the promises they are making on the campaign trail. Why should I think they are going to accomplish them during their term as President?

It seems to me that by this point people have pretty much made up their minds in regards to how they will vote in the remaining primaries. Would it not be a better show of accomplishment or commitment to the people to leave the campaign trail for a little while and introduce some legislation to take care of the tax burden of the middle class tomorrow? It seems like neither of them will ever have more of an opportunity to address these issues than when they hold the office of Senator.

The people in Washington speak on camera as if they know who I am. As if they really feel the pain that we feel at the pump. I seriously doubt that today at lunch Hillary said, "maybe we can just do the dollar menu at McDonald's because that last tank of gas really hurt my budget for the week." They make it seem as if we cry every time we fill up our cars. I have personally just accepted the fact that gas is a little higher so I cut spending elsewhere. Which means I don't go shopping as much, I don't eat out as much. But the simple fact is I have to work to earn money and I have to drive to get to work. So I deal with it and adapt my budget as necessary.

So I would like to take another opportunity to plead with you to realize the importance of electing good Constitution-following Senators and Representatives. Although as previously mentioned the Congress can't do anything without the approval of the President, the Congress has more of a role than any member of our government in shaping our present and future. It still amazes me how little the members of Congress seem to represent my views as a Constitution-embracing American. It is time that we as citizen of the United States start realizing our responsibility in letting our representatives know that how they represent us is not in our best interest. We do this by getting involved and more importantly voting. Get involved by learning the issues, learning the proper roles in our government and writing your representatives to express how they can best represent you. If they don't listen, find a candidate during the next election that will listen and tell everyone you can to vote for them.

I disagree with those running that our future is going down the tube. I truthfully feel that the future of our country has more potential to be great than ever before. But it will only be great if we as citizens do our part and get off of our couches and take control of our country. Despite what the Democratic Party wants us to believe, we can reshape our country without them.

If you would like to read the Constitution click here.