Rooted in Reason
Opinion and Information from the Grassroot Institute
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December 06, 2011
While Our Leaders Doze, a National Plan to Hose Hawaii Moves Onward
Hey, I have an idea that should make the NFL season more fair and representative of which is really the best team. Instead of awarding the championship title to the winner of the Superbowl, we should abolish the Superbowl and playoffs, and decide the winner based on which team scored the most points that year. Wouldn’t that be the best determination of who really deserves to win? I’m kidding, of course. I’m a Ravens fan—a lot of the time, we’re lucky to creep into double digits. But before you dismiss this example as pure nuttiness, you should realize that it’s a lot like what some states (including Hawaii) are trying to do with the Electoral College. And just as Ravens fans (and Jets fans and 49ers fans as long as Alex Smith is at quarterback) would oppose awarding the Superbowl based on regular-season point totals, so should smaller states fight the elimination of the Electoral College. And for very similar reasons . . . it undermines their importance and ignores their standing. (more)
Rooted in Reason
November 14, 2011
On Veterans Day, a Reflection on “Duty”
Duty. It’s not a glamorous word. But it’s the first item in the West Point motto. And in the speech from General Douglas MacArthur that so many aspiring officers must learn (and quickly, if they want to avoid spending much of their first year doing push-ups under the eye of an upperclassman): Duty, Honor, Country: Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be. They are your rallying points: to build courage when courage seems to fail; to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith; to create hope when hope becomes forlorn. (more)
Rooted in Reason
November 09, 2011
The Case For Legalizing Freedom
There's a term that I hear frequently in academic, economic and political circles alike that absolutely drives me up the wall: it's called "good government." The idea behind the concept of so-called good government is that the universe is a disorderly place full of chaos and only certain strongmen can tame the cosmos with their unique excellence in lawgiving and governance. In America whenever something goes wrong, the contemporary reaction from most is to associate the failure with a lack of laws, regulations or enforcers. Problems in the healthcare industry? Make more laws and hire more regulators. Wall Street causing systemic risk to the economy? Create agencies that can determine what kind of commerce is good and bad. Terrorists running amok? Put the entire nation under a state of near-martial law. All this - supposedly - is proper and fitting because a "good government" is tasked with maintaining order and shaping the values of its citizens. (more)
Rooted in Reason
October 28, 2011
The Wrong Plea
A critique of the Occupy Wall Street protests.
The Occupy Wall Street movement both fascinates and disgusts me. It is fascinating in the sense that its rapid spread cannot be underestimated. Until OWS came along, I did not believe a left-wing protest movement would ever spread in America on a major level, a la the Tea Party. However, that does not mean that I am thrilled about the development and spread of OWS. I am disgusted by many of the allegations that have been made about the participants of the protests. Everything from public defecation, to sexual assault, to violence against police officers has been reported as occurring at OWS protests. My generation is rapidly moving to join this movement as they have supported nothing else, save perhaps Justin Beiber, and as a result I am forced to evaluate the consequences of such a decision. (more)
Rooted in Reason
October 26, 2011
Hawaii’s Taxpayers Owe $25,000 for Past Debt
Is It Time to Hold the State to Higher Governance Standards?
Sheila Weinberg, founder of the Chicago-based Institute for Truth in Accounting, recent visit to Hawaii shows that Hawaii is in need of serious governance reform. During a presentation organized by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, Weinberg, who is a certified public accountant, provided an independent assessment of the state’s financial position. According to Weinberg’s audit of the state’s 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the state’s reported budget surplus of $ 6.4 billion does not include the state’s $11.5 billion of deferred liabilities relating to the state’s employee retirement and post-employment benefit plans. (more)
Rooted in Reason
October 19, 2011
Big Government Plans Mean Big Government Failures
A critique of statist government "solutions".
These days everyone in government from local city boards all the way up to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in Washington, DC have a "master plan" for everything. They have a plan to create jobs, provide educational opportunities, increase investment, stimulate retail sales, expand trade, make people skinny, win wars and even land on Mars - but increasingly the more our government plans, the more of their plans fall through. In fact, I can't ever think of one instance in my entire thirty years when the government promised something and their expected positive outcome actually occurred. In short, big government plans always mean big government failures. (more)
Rooted in Reason
October 19, 2011
Did Commuting Patterns Change in the First Decade of the Millenium?
Only a Little.
A New Geography article summarized the commuting data and results revealed by the 2010 Census. The winner was Telecommuting and the loser was Carpooling. Despite higher prices and huge media hype over shifts to public transit, the big surprise was the continued growth over the last decade in driving alone to work. In summary,there has been no major change in commuting, even with the huge gas price increases. As the shift to personal mobility continues, the largest increases will like take place in telecommuting, which is the most energy-efficient form of transportation. Gains in transit have been minimal and should be expected to stay at around 5% on the mainland and around 7% in Honolulu. Clearly these numbers indicate that a city like Honolulu with 950,000 people investing on a $6,000,000,000 heavy rail system is nothing short of ridiculous. (more)
Rooted in Reason
October 18, 2011
Remember the Alamo?
A call for the remembrance of true heroism.
I have walked the hallowed ground where the remains of the Alamo stand in central San Antonio. The first time was on the occasion of my first “Day Pass” as a Basic Airman in the United States Air Force in 1968. I remember thinking naively to myself, as I looked at the old mission, now surrounded by busy streets and high rise buildings, “This looks nothing like the movie.” I have gone back several times since, with my appreciation growing deeper each time. Sadly, I think what most of us know about the Alamo is what we've seen on TV or the movies. It is my desire to change that perception. What happened THEN, and what application is there NOW? (more)
Rooted in Reason
October 17, 2011
Stop Wasting the Green Stuff on Green Energy
Though somewhat old news, I feel that the recent “green” technology scandal of Solyndra, Inc. needs to be addressed. The California based solar panel manufacturer declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy this past August, laying off over one thousand of its employees. Though it is well known that green technology companies in the U.S. can’t hold a candle to the feasible energy sources of petroleum and natural gas, there is more than meets the eye when it comes to Solyndra. (more)
Rooted in Reason
October 14, 2011
Freedoms Lost
A commentary enumerating the specific freedoms under siege in America today.
Most people my age remember the words from a song made famous by Janis Joplin, “Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose.” Too often I hear the ostriches among us say, “What freedoms have we lost? America is the freest country on earth.” Of course, part of the problem is that, thanks to our education system, media, and churches, many Americans do not even know how to define liberty and freedom. The truth is, America’s Founding Fathers were willing to pledge their “lives, fortunes, and sacred honor” and fight a bloody revolutionary war for far fewer abridgments of liberty than we Americans endure every day of our lives today. FAR FEWER! We have lost many freedoms and soon we too will have little left to lose. (more)
Rooted in Reason
October 14, 2011
Common Sense for 10/14/2011
Dick Rowland's question of the day.
Please see the latest “Common Sense” from Paul Jacob. http://thisiscommonsense.com/pdf/CS2961.pdf As usual he makes a great point. Actually, only individuals can supply the essential ingredient “love”. The Church cannot, nor can government. But the Church can provide a structure for individuals to do so and very often is successful. For some reasons, government always fails at doing that. Do you know why? (more)
Rooted in Reason
October 12, 2011
Letter from a Teamster
A concerned Teamster's plea to his union leaders
The following is an actual letter, sent to the national office of the Teamsters, as well as the office of local 996. The remarks are the sole property of Dave Verret, contributing writer to the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii. I am a Teamster, a 22-year veteran of OTS, Inc. (TheBus), who is VERY ANGRY at recent national events, specifically, the Teamsters Convention in Las Vegas, and Mr. Hoffa's speech on Labor Day. I take strong objection to what was said in the presence of Teamsters, and that no response to the contrary was offered. (more)
Rooted in Reason
October 10, 2011
What the Frack is Going on Here?
Hydraulic fracturing opponents misrepresent facts to protect their ideologies and agendas.
Hydraulic fracturing sends "huge volumes of toxic fluids" deep underground at high pressure, to fracture shale rock and release natural gas, Food & Water Watch claims. "Billions of gallons of toxic fluids" will "contaminate" groundwater and drinking water "for generations." We need to "Ban Fracking Now." Environmentalists used to support "clean natural gas." Whence the intolerant new attitude? (more)
Rooted in Reason
October 10, 2011
Does Government Really Work?
What We Should Learn From "Occupy Wall Street"
Since the 2008 financial crisis, America has become increasingly distrustful of government, disillusioned with its leaders and disgusted with the way both have altered their way of life. The latest manifestation of citizen anger, termed "Occupy Wall Street" is a pattern we are seeing not just in our country but around the world. Whether you agree with the sentiments driving these protests or not, one thing is very clear: people don't like what's happening in the world today. (more)
Rooted in Reason
October 06, 2011
Trying to Snooker Smucker
Climate alarm campaigners make pitiful case that manmade climate change threatens coffee.
As Al Gore tries to plug holes in his sinking "manmade climate chaos" ship, self-styled "corporate social responsibility" activists are pressuring companies to endorse their global warming, sustainability and fair trade agendas. Among the recent targets is the J M Smucker Company, maker of jams, syrups and coffees. My commentary today challenges the Calvert and Trillium campaign against Smucker - shooting holes in many of their central assertions, and urging them to continue resisting the activist pressure. Staying the course, I argue, will protect the company's growers, customers and bottom line alike. (more)
Rooted in Reason
October 05, 2011
In Defense of Grover Norquist and the No-Tax Pledge
Danny de Gracia answers Rep. Frank Wolf (R, VA-10)'s attack on Grover Norquist of Americans for Tax Reform
Yesterday on the U.S. House Floor, Representative Frank Wolf (R, VA-10) delivered a demagogue-like invective against Americans For Tax Reform president Grover Norquist in which he railed against the No-Tax Pledge’s “ideological purity” and went on to insert into the record a written statement which accused Norquist of having “deep ties to supporters of Hamas and other terrorist organizations of the United States and our ally Israel.” Wolf’s wild rant event went on to include Norquist’s opposition to the USA PATRIOT Act and efforts to repeal it as supposed examples of the ATR president’s sinister influences and evil agenda to undermine America. “I believe the evidence is clear,” Wolf says, “that Grover Norquist is connected with a number of unsavory people and groups out of the mainstream.” So, in other words, Wolf would have us believe: if you think that taxes should never be raised and you believe in upholding the Fourth and Fifth Amendments of the United States of America, you are terrorist sympathizer. (more)
Rooted in Reason
October 05, 2011
15 Yards for Union Interference
An analysis of Fran Tarkenton's call for educational reform.
Thank goodness for the National Football League! If the NFL lockout had continued through the fall, the impacts on the economic and mental well-being of this nation’s football-crazed population would have been devastating. After years of playing second fiddle to other sports, particularly baseball- America’s original national pastime, football has become the quintessential American sport. Hence, it should come as no surprise that it is now being used as a metaphor in the political arena. In an article in Monday’s Wall Street Journal, entitled “What if the NFL Played by Teachers’ Rules?” ,(http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204226204576601232986845102.html#articleTabs=article) Hall of Fame NFL Quarterback Fran Tarkenton takes aim at teachers’ unions; openly questioning why non-competitive practices are commonplace in the market for skilled teachers. (more)
Rooted in Reason
October 04, 2011
Volt, Prius, or CRX? Numbers Make the Choice Obvious.
The fully worded question is: How does the extended-range GM Volt Electric Vehicle compare with Toyota’s fourth generation hybrid Prius and Honda’s popular compact SUV the CRV?
I was not inclined to immediately dismiss the GM Volt as an expensive failure, (e.g., Chevy Volt is Automotive Version of Solyndra) and the October 2011 issue of Consumer Reports (CR) encouraged me to look into this different car. Although CR did not award the Volt its coveted Recommended status, some of its critique is excellent for a compact car with unconventional technology: * “Responsive steering makes the Volt feel fairly nimble in turns.” * “The Volt was secure at its handling limits.” * “The ride feels solid and firm yet compliant.” * “Braking distance was very good overall.” And this one: * “The Volt is amazingly inexpensive to run on short trips.” The last one has twice the significance for Honolulu. Because of the compactness of the land, we make many more short trips in Honolulu than motorists in spread out mainland cities with about one million population. But our electricity cost is roughly three times higher than mainland US. (more)
Rooted in Reason
October 03, 2011
Hump Day Report for 10/3/11: Fair Weather Friends
Gilia Rethman's collection of the hot national news of the day.
ALOHA, ALL!! Poor Barry – everyone’s abandoning him! Even his new BFF Warren Buffett seems to be contradicting 0bama on what he’d like to see for his namesake tax. Turns out dear old Warren wants to see a very high income threshold before his “Buffett Tax” kicks in. This is quite a change from Buffett’s original opining about how the $1 million threshold seemed fair. Hmmm…..is Warren having second thoughts about supporting his wonder kind now that his poll numbers are in the tank? Then there’s Dickie Durbin, who says the Democrat controlled Senate doesn’t have the votes to pass Barry’s jobs bill. Aw – it’s getting lonely at the top. Abandon ship? Dick Durbin, Warren Buffett change tone on jobs plan – Common American Journal FOR MORE: Read the full Hump Day Report at http://humpdayreport.wordpress.com/. (more)
Rooted in Reason
October 03, 2011
Our Government Is Running Out Of Ponzi Schemes
A call to end the passing of blame when it comes to the dismal performance of the US economy.
Congress’ plan to boost aggregate demand through “shovel ready projects” across the fifty states and the Federal Reserve’s attempts to entice investors into floating stock prices by buying back treasury bonds both failed to accomplish any substantive benefits for the economy as a whole except for increasing the prices of commodities and consumer goods, triggering higher household spending on food and worst of all, creating little or no new private jobs. With interest rates at near zero, Congress pushing the budget from month to month and the national debt skyrocketing past $14.7 trillion dollars, the number of options – or more appropriately, Ponzi schemes – left in their toolbox is running out. As a sign of extreme and final desperation to prolong the inevitable ruin that comes from government intervention, the Federal Reserve has begun what insiders have termed “Operation: Twist” in which some $400 billion in short-term debt will be “twisted” (or swapped) for long-term debt as a means to drive up bond prices and flatten yields through artificial scarcity. Without the benefit of a crystal ball or a time machine, allow me to say now: this plan won’t work either and will make things worse. (more)
Rooted in Reason
September 30, 2011
Hump Day Report for 9/30/2011: You Might Be A Racist If
Gilia Rethman's collection of the hot national news of the day.
ALOHA, ALL!! It’s Friday – Let’s roll! Note I won’t be numbering the HDR any longer since I figure anything beyond 200 is a bonus ;-) BREAKING NEWS! Terrorist Recruiter Anwar Al-Awlaki Killed in Yemen by U.S. Drones and Hellfire Missiles | CNSnews.com ”The U.S. airstrike that rained Hellfire missiles on al-Awlaki was run by the U.S. military’s elite counterterrorism unit, the Joint Special Operations Command, the same unit that got bin Laden, the AP reported. Friday’s successful kill was the result of counterterrorism cooperation between Yemen and the U.S. that has dramatically increased in recent weeks, even as Yemen has plunged deeper into turmoil as protesters try to oust President Ali Abdullah Saleh, U.S. officials said.” FOR MORE: Read the full Hump Day Report at http://humpdayreport.wordpress.com/. (more)
Rooted in Reason
September 30, 2011
Rail Construction Delays Will Take Decades to Counterbalance
An examination of the effects of the construction Honolulu's rail.
One thing that the public has not understood and the City has never explained or quantified is this: The impact of construction on daily traffic flow for 6 to 12 years. This will require extensive lane closures and in make cases long term full road closures. In addition to the stations there will be 20 miles of guideways in the middle of major arterial streets such as Farrington Hwy., Kam Hwy., Dillingham Blvd., Queen St. Their traffic will have to divert to other (already congested) parallel roads. Congestion will be paralyzing for a decade. The congestion due to rail construction will be so bad in total, that rail's tiny traffic relief after it opens won't balance it out for over 50 years. (more)
Rooted in Reason
September 29, 2011
The Growing Illegitimacy of Big Government
A new Gallup poll indicates that 82% of all Americans disapprove of the way Congress is handling its job
In 1973, amidst Nixon Shock, Watergate and Vietnam, the same research by Gallup shows dissatisfaction with the government was only 66%. In 1992, despite the bad economy and unemployment, only 39% were dissatisfied. What is even more surprising is that Gallup’s poll indicated that 49% of Americans say the “federal government poses an immediate threat to the rights and citizens of ordinary citizens” and that a whopping 82% disapprove of the way Congress is handling its job. America is more upset than ever before in its history. (more)
Rooted in Reason
September 28, 2011
The Rest of Us
An examination of the curious views of MA-SEN Candidate Elizabeth Warren
During my daily perusal of social media, I encountered a coordinated effort to expand the public awareness of a quotation attributed to Candidate for the US Senate from Massachusetts, Elizabeth Warren. This quotation is what moveon.org argues “every American needs to see”. I agree, because America needs to know that the statists in Washington and around the country believe that we have an obligation to give government money for future generations. Mentoring future generations of leaders is a noble goal, as is financially providing for their security. This goal is best accomplished through private means and is by no means an obligation that is only fulfilled through higher taxes on the wealthy. Also, Americans might want to know that Candidate Warren has an interesting idea of who pays for public services. The bottom line is this: the government is supposed to protect our natural rights, not dictate the success of future generations; the goal of supporting the leaders and successes of the future is best accomplished outside the realm of government. (more)
Rooted in Reason
September 28, 2011
CORPORATE WELFARE: A Great Place to Start Cutting Spending
A call for an end to the Department of Energy's Loan Guarantee Program
One place to start cutting [spending] is corporate welfare, such as the loan guarantee programs of the Department of Energy. Whether the loan guarantee is for nuclear power plants or "green" companies, such programs are fundamentally unfair... (more)
Rooted in Reason
September 26, 2011
An Unlikely Consensus
GRIH and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser share an opposition to a public subsidy.
One of the most frustrating aspects of living in Hawaii is the stranglehold that the Honolulu Star-Advertiser has on the market for news. Thankfully, there are a number of worthy alternatives to our new colossus of print, including Hawaii Reporter, the Hawaii Free Press, and Honolulu Civil Beat. It’s fortunate that we have these alternatives, because the editorial board of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser is usually not found to be taking freedom-loving positions in their editorials. Saturday’s leading editorial would appear to be an exception. (more)
Rooted in Reason
September 23, 2011
To What End, Taxes?
President Obama's twofold plan to cut the deficit and create jobs appears to have a different goal entirely.
In case you haven’t noticed, the outlook for the US economy is not particularly bright. If you happen to have investments in the stock market, you’ve noticed, as this is recognized as one of the worst weeks in stock market performance history. For fans of President Obama’s economic policies, this has to come as a surprise, as the President just recently revealed a “3.1 trillion dollar deficit reduction plan” in conjunction with his much-hyped American Jobs Act. Typically, the markets respond positively to plans designed to boost the economy, regardless of their details. This is certainly an exception to this general rule, and leads one to believe that most investors view this “deficit reduction” and “jobs” plan as something that will not lead to much-needed economic growth. (more)
Rooted in Reason
September 21, 2011
The Incontestability of Change
Dissent from man-made global warming belief from prominent scientists begins to gain media attention.
One of the most unsettling trends in public discourse is the tendency of those who oppose government regulation designed to combat man-made global warming, such as Cap & Trade and the expansion of Environmental Protection Agency regulatory power, to be shouted down by their opponents. While this happens at seemingly all levels of society, Republican Presidential Candidate Rick Perry is finding out firsthand that the more intense media scrutiny becomes, the shriller the voice of the climate change regulators in response. (more)
Rooted in Reason
September 12, 2011
National Recognition for Hawaii Reporter, Zimmerman
Hawaii Reporter's Malia Zimmerman has been honored by the Franklin Center for Government & Public Integrity
Hawaii Reporter President and Editor Malia Zimmerman has been honored by the Franklin Center for Government & Public Integrity. Zimmerman, who serves as a board member for the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, was featured in the September edition of the Franklin Center’s monthly newsletter. In the “Watchdog Spotlight” section, Zimmerman was interviewed and Hawaii Reporter was lauded for winning four awards from the Society of Professional Journalists, including top honors for investigative reporting and online journalism. (more)
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