Dear Friends,
It seems to me, instead of being the military engine of the world, perhaps it would behoove the US, to become the economic engine of the world again? Not by financial shenanigans, or service sector growth… but by becoming an industrial power house again. Of course the government would have to get out of the way. That’s the biggest challenge. Regulation and taxes have chained down US entrepreneurs. How do I know this? Ask your friends, “If they’re not, why aren’t they an entrepreneur?” They’ll generally answer, “It’s too hard to start and run a business today.” Proving the point. The elite would ask, why should the US become an economic power house, instead of a military monster? Because, there’s no future in military might, but there is in economic superiority.
Financial shenanigans have kept the US economy afloat for the last few decades but they’re losing their effectiveness. How could I say such a thing? Because of the huge budget deficit. If we take the elite Keynesian economic experts at their word, that deficit spending is a means to shore up dwindling aggregate demand to keep up with aggregate supply, then apparently, the US has been in a near permanent recession since the 1970’s. Since we’ve had deficit spending every year since then, with the exception of the years Gingrich was speaker of the House. Lacking the huge deficits shoring up the otherwise crumbling economy, and the literal gaslighting of the government, (as proved by Wikileaks), the US economy would grind to a halt under the friction of regulation and taxes.
Regulation and taxes are like a car’s brakes and emergency brake. Regulation is the emergency brake because once they’re in place the friction never goes away. As taxes are the brakes, because they’re raised and lowered depending on the administration. But are never fully released. Which means the government is constantly holding back our economy. Like a granny that rides the brakes with the emergency brake on. Who complains her brake pads are constantly worn out and she gets terrible gas mileage. Failing to see how her own actions are causing the problem. That granny would freak out at the mere thought of lifting her foot from the brake peddle. The car could careen out of control! Which is exactly the reaction we get from the elite when faced with lowering regulation or taxes.
Being the world’s policeman is not only a thankless job but a self serving one at that. When you treat people like children they act like children. It’s human nature. We do what’s expected of us. So when the US treats the rest of the world like children, in need of spankings, time outs and naps, the rest of the world is aggravated and lashes out… like children. Meaning, the simple fact the US has become the world’s policeman, makes the world a less mature place. Add to that, most nations across the globe are on US foreign aid… and you get a world ruled by teenagers. With all the negative outcomes associated with it. Living in their parent’s house (receiving US financial aid), eating their parent’s food (getting US food aid) and being defended by the US (military aid)… why grow up?
Being a military superpower requires the economy to back it. Deficit spending will only maintain a military for so long. Moreover, hollowing out the population’s wealth, isn’t conducive to recruitment. In order for the US to remain a superpower it needs a roaring economy. But the elite are terrified of lifting their foot off the brake. Like that Granny. Maybe if they also lifted their foot off the Keynesian accelerator, the economy might normalize. Because national power comes from the worn handle of a tool, not the hot barrel of a gun. Many military powers have been swept away by history… but not one economic powerhouse. Until they hollowed out their economy with regulation and taxes. Like Rome. Of the two, leading by example bests leading by might, every time. Our elites should try it.
Sincerely,
John Pepin
