Tag: common sense view on government

The Electorate Is Responsible

Posted on by Ladmann

I have been quiet for some time because of my disgust with the current American administration and its related sycophants of the Republican Party. The silence from a significant portion of the citizens of this country is deafening, alarming and frankly outright nauseating.

I am not blind to the fact that we have always been and continue to be a racist society. But I mistakenly believed that maybe we had at least turned the corner somewhat in terms of understanding and accepting that the world is beautifully constructed of many interesting cultures, religions, and forms of government. We do not have to agree with them, but they are not necessarily the enemy.

In addition, we have silently been accepting the dramatically increased use of bullying, insulting, religion, and lying as a political tool.

As a country and society, we have always celebrated and promoted making money and being successful in business.  And even here we are undermining one of our biggest strengths, as we have a President /CEO, that only understands and accepts what is beneficial for him and him only! He insults, bullies, lies to our FRIENDS, and makes deals with our ENEMIES. He and his Republicans have denigrated Canada, Mexico, Denmark, Greenland, European Union, Nato, California (4th largest economy in the world), South Korea, etc. This is how you treat your trading, business and security partners?

It is one thing to be unhappy with the way our country has been managed and want change. It is another thing to believe that undermining the strengths of our society and abusing all whom you disagree with creates the change you want. The consequences of this accepted behavior and politics will be serious and long-term, and I dare say detrimental to all.

My mistake, I thought we knew better. As George Carlin noted, …” the responsibility for political outcomes lies with the electorate. …If you have selfish, ignorant citizens, you’re going to get selfish, ignorant leaders”

As for the rest of us who supposedly know better, we have the “Sounds of Silence”.

Government Regulation Does Not Fly; nor should it.

Posted on by Ladmann

Another example of lack of productive government regulation is the Federal Aviation Administration [FAA]. You might believe that traveling at 30,000 feet above the earth deserves some guidance. You would think that maintaining the best quality personnel, technology and funding would be minimum expectations.

How does the FAA measure up?

  • Air Missions system [NOTAM] was installed 30 years ago with no upgrades planned for another 6 years. [i]
  • FAA’s NextGen Project is 10 years behind schedule.
  • No funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed by Congress 2 years ago.
  • 77% of critical air traffic control facilities are staffed below FAA’s 85% threshold. [85%??????]
  • 22% of total air traffic controllers are trainees. [ii]

So much for the government benefit of technology, personnel, and funding.

Yet according to the FAA website, “Today, the major capital programs under development in the FAA are on track…” [iii]

How about privatization of air traffic control [ATC]? Several countries have successfully implemented privatization: Canada [iv], United Kingdom [v], France, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand [vi].

 

 

[i] Corrupt software introduced by contractors took down FAA system, officials say (nbcnews.com)

[ii] More Airline Regulations? Regulation, The Cato Review of Business and Government; Fall 2023, Vol. 46, No.3, pg.4.

[iii] Technology | Federal Aviation Administration (faa.gov)

[iv] Q&A: The pros and cons of privatizing air traffic control | AP News

[v] Delta Report 1.29

[vi] Privatization of ATC – The Pros and Cons | (airinsight.com)

Government Waste vs. Investment

Posted on by Ladmann

Government Waste vs. Investment

Though I am a Libertarian, I believe we are at a flexing point in our country where we need to invest in basic foundations, that solidify the freedoms we believe in. A sample of these investments are:

  • Physical infrastructure; roads, bridges, dams, water, climate change, housing,
  • Reduction in regulations that overburden all aspects of our society,
  • “Green Energy” technology,
  • Job training and education for the new economic realities.

Obviously, these all require spending from funds not available, except through additional debt. So additional sources of funding are required. A sample of these are:

  • Reducing unnecessary spending in government programs and departments lacking the urgent priorities facing us,
  • Eliminating tax subsidies no longer necessary and counter-productive such as tobacco, oil, coal, agriculture, etc.,
  • Closing multiple military bases overseas, and returning troops home,
  • Reducing NASA budgets for space exploration, living on Mars is not the answer,
  • Reducing international interference and involvement in other countries.

It is not governments job to solve all problems and fund all projects. By trying to do too much, we lesson the benefits to all.

It is not our country’s job to be the policeman of the world. We continuously spend vast sums in blood and treasure in short-sited, inappropriate, and incorrect activities.

We require a small and more focused government at all levels.