The rich must pay "their fair share" is wrong and stupid.

 [Making the rich pay their fair share] 

What is their fair share, and "who" determines how much the fair share is, and why do "they" get to be the ones who determine what is the fair share, and how does one determine how much the fair share is?

In a free market laissez-faire capitalism system, the determination of what constitutes a "fair share" for the rich is inherently tied to the principles of voluntary exchange and contract. This economic philosophy emphasizes minimal government intervention, allowing market forces to dictate economic outcomes.

Voluntary exchange is central to this system. It ensures that individuals engage in transactions that they find mutually beneficial, without coercion. Each party in an exchange perceives the transaction to be advantageous, and thus, the terms of what is considered "fair" are negotiated between the parties involved. This means that the rich, like anyone else, engage in exchanges based on their own assessment of value and benefit [1].

Contracts play a crucial role in formalizing these exchanges. They provide a legal framework that protects the rights and interests of the parties involved, ensuring that agreed-upon terms are enforceable. In this way, contracts help establish a sense of fairness in transactions by clearly outlining obligations and expectations [2].

In practice, this means that the rich pay their "fair share" through their voluntary participation in the economy. This includes paying for goods and services, investing in businesses, and donating to causes they support. The amount they pay is determined by market dynamics and their personal choices, rather than by an external mandate. Thus, the concept of "fair share" is subjective and varies based on individual interactions and agreements [3].

Ultimately, in a free market laissez-faire system, fairness is derived from the freedom of choice and the protection of property rights, allowing wealth to be distributed according to the value created and exchanged through voluntary means [4].

Sources

1 Capitalism by George Reisman

2 Economic Thought Before Adam Smith by Murry Rothbard

3 Classical Economics by Murry Rothbard

4 The DIM Hypothesis by Leonard Peikoff

In addition:

In a free market laissez-faire capitalism system, the concept of a "fair share" that the rich should pay is not determined by a centralized authority or government entity. Instead, it is largely dictated by the principles of voluntary exchange and contract. In this system, individuals and businesses operate with minimal government intervention, meaning that taxes and redistribution are not the primary mechanisms for determining what someone should pay.

In such a system, the amount that individuals or companies pay is primarily determined by their voluntary interactions in the market. Prices, wages, and profits are set by supply and demand forces. This means that any payment or contribution the wealthy make is based on agreements they enter into freely, whether it's purchasing goods and services, investing in businesses, or contributing to charities or community initiatives.

The idea of a "fair share," therefore, is subjective and determined by the interactions and agreements in which the rich choose to participate. The focus is on ensuring that all transactions are consensual and that property rights are respected, allowing individuals to retain the fruits of their labor and investments without mandatory redistribution [5].

Sources:

5 Man, Economy, and State with Power and Market, Scholar's Edition, by Murray Rothbard

Increased productivity of labor is long run beneficial for union workers

 Union workers should not oppose increases in productivity of labor due to technological progress and increased capital accumulation. It benefits everyone in the long run.

Increased Efficiency: Technological advancements allow for more efficient production processes. This means that goods and services can be produced at a lower cost and in greater quantities, which can lead to lower prices for consumers and higher profits for companies. These profits can then be reinvested into the business, leading to further growth and job creation.

Higher Wages and Better Working Conditions: As businesses become more productive and profitable, there is potential for higher wages and improved working conditions for employees. In a competitive labor market, companies need to attract and retain skilled workers, which can drive improvements in compensation and benefits.

Innovation and Economic Growth: Technological advances are a key driver of innovation. This not only creates new products and services but also opens up entirely new industries and markets. This process of innovation and growth can lead to a more dynamic and prosperous economy, benefiting society as a whole.

Job Creation in New Sectors: While some jobs may be displaced by technology, the overall effect is often the creation of new jobs in emerging sectors. This is a natural part of economic evolution, where labor shifts from declining industries to growing ones, ensuring that the economy remains vibrant and adaptable.

Long-Term Prosperity: Capital accumulation and technological progress are essential for long-term economic prosperity. By investing in new technologies and expanding capital, businesses can increase their productivity, which ultimately contributes to higher standards of living for everyone in the economy.

Overall, the free market approach suggests that allowing businesses the freedom to innovate and invest leads to a more robust and efficient economy, one that can provide better opportunities for workers and consumers alike.

Sources:

1 Economic Thought Before Adam Smith by Murry Rothbard

2 Classical Economics by Murry Rothbard

3 A Theory of Socialism and Capitalism by Hans-Hermann Hoppe

4 Capitalism by George Reisman

5 Farewell to Marx by David Conway

6 Man, Economy, and State with Power and Market, Scholar's Edition, by Murray Rothbard

In addition:

Capital Investment and Growth: Capital accumulation allows businesses to invest in new technologies and infrastructure. This investment is crucial for enhancing productivity as it enables companies to produce more output with the same or fewer inputs, reducing costs and enhancing competitiveness in the market. This process fosters economic growth and can lead to the expansion of businesses, which creates additional employment opportunities [6].

Consumer Benefits: With technological advancements, companies can produce goods and services more efficiently, often resulting in lower prices and improved quality for consumers. This increase in consumer surplus can lead to higher demand in the market, further stimulating economic activity and encouraging businesses to continue innovating and investing in capital [5].

Dynamic Labor Market: Although technological change can disrupt certain jobs, it also creates new opportunities in other areas. The flexibility of the labor market in a free market economy allows workers to transition into new roles that emerge as industries evolve. This adaptability is a hallmark of a resilient economy and ensures that labor resources are allocated to their most productive uses [3].

Entrepreneurship and Innovation: The freedom inherent in laissez-faire capitalism encourages entrepreneurship. Individuals and businesses are incentivized to innovate and develop new technologies that increase productivity. This entrepreneurial spirit leads to the creation of new products and services, further driving economic expansion and diversification [4].

Higher Living Standards: Over time, the productivity gains achieved through technological advances and capital accumulation contribute to higher overall living standards. As businesses grow and economies expand, individuals benefit from improved access to goods and services, better job prospects, and increased income levels. This improvement in living standards is a fundamental goal of the free market system [1].

By highlighting these points, you can illustrate to a union striker how the principles of free market laissez-faire capitalism can lead to widespread economic benefits, ultimately supporting a more prosperous and dynamic society.

Sources:

1 Economic Thought Before Adam Smith by Murry Rothbard

2 Classical Economics by Murry Rothbard

3 A Theory of Socialism and Capitalism by Hans-Hermann Hoppe

4 Capitalism by George Reisman

5 Man, Economy, and State with Power and Market, Scholar's Edition, by Murray Rothbard

6 Farewell to Marx by David Conway

Dissolving the Supreme Court

 The President of the United States does not have the constitutional authority to "dissolve" the Supreme Court.

Relevant Sections of the Constitution:

Article III, Section 1: This section establishes the judicial power of the United States, stating that it "shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish." Notably, the power to create or abolish courts lies with Congress, not the President.

Article II, Section 2: While this section gives the President the power to appoint judges to the Supreme Court (with the advice and consent of the Senate), it does not grant the President any authority over the dissolution or reformation of the Court.

Article I, Section 8: This section gives Congress the power to constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court, further emphasizing that the judicial system is under the purview of Congress and not the executive branch.

Historical Information:

The separation of powers is a fundamental principle in the U.S. Constitution, dividing government authority among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The independence of the judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, is crucial to maintaining checks and balances within the government. This independence was explicitly designed to ensure that no one branch, including the executive, could control or dissolve another.

Related Court Cases:

Marbury v. Madison (1803): This landmark case established the principle of judicial review, asserting the power of the Supreme Court to declare acts of Congress and the executive branch unconstitutional. This case strengthened the judiciary’s role as an independent and co-equal branch of government, ensuring that the President could not unilaterally undermine the Court's authority [1].

United States v. Nixon (1974): In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that President Nixon had to comply with a subpoena for tapes during the Watergate scandal, further affirming the principle that even the President is not above the law. It also demonstrated the judiciary's ability to check the executive branch's power [5].

In conclusion, the President does not have the constitutional authority to dissolve the Supreme Court; such a move would violate the separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary. Any changes to the structure or composition of the courts would require legislative action by Congress.

Sources

1 On the Constitution of the United States by Joseph Story

2 The United States Supreme Court Edited by Christopher Tomlins

3 U.S. Constitution for Everyone by Mort Green

4 The Constitution of the United States of America as Amended. Unratified Amendments. Analytical Index by Henry Hyde

5 The Making of America by W. Cleon Skousen

Socialism: summary list of basic characteristics

Socialism is typically defined as a system of economic, political, and social processes.

  

                     ECONOMIC

There is an economic identity between socialism and universal wage and price controls in their nature and effects

collective ownership or control (fascism) of:

property

investment

production

means of production = government monopoly

distribution/allocation

profits

economic chaos and chronic economic crisis:

shortages of labor and consumers' goods

waiting lines

first come, first served

rationing

black markets

anarchy of production

technological backwardness

inefficiency/waste in production

destruction of profit motive, price system, property rights, and economic calculation

destruction of the activities of separate individual planners

impotence of consumers

hatred between buyer and seller

impetus toward higher costs

quota system of production

economic stagnation leading to economic destruction and progressive impoverishment

minimal capital accumulation

government monopoly on production

forced labor & necessity of mass murder

                                          POLITICAL

worship of big government

centralized government

bureaucratic management

central planning based on arbitrary/random/irrational whims and tastes of planners

government monopoly on production, allocation, distribution, intelligence, judgment, knowledge

government monopoly - fear of punishment paralyzes individual initiative and innovation

government disinterested monopoly supplier (such as socialized medicine)

socialized medicine:

decreased care and concern

indifference or contempt toward patients

decrease quality of service (decrease reliability and dependability)

decreased quantity of service

increased waste and inefficiency

increased costs

increase aggregate demand

tyranny and statism

tyrannical leaders terrified of being overthrown by the masses

need to use force to control the masses

force and violation of natural rights

statism, tyranny, and totalitarian dictatorship = necessity of:

-ends justify the means

-might make right

-above and outside of the law 

-reign of brutality, oppression, terror, penalties, fear, paranoia,  and mistrust

atrocities & brutality

-forcible seizure/appropriation of means of production and abolishment of ownership of property

slavery and terrorism

no free elections = black lives don't matter

police state

secret police

government spies and secret informers

sham trials

arbitrary arrest and imprisonment

end of freedom of speech and freedom of the press

persecution

purges

no spontaneous assembles

rulers chosen by the process of selection - selection of the worst

need for scapegoats 

need for game behavior

policy of secrecy

                                                   SOCIAL

managerial

custodial

parental = government is a nurturing parent

censorship

propaganda & indoctrination

interventionism

redistributionism

social engineering

political correctness

social justice

welfarism

multiculturalism

system of aristocratic privilege and elitism of leaders = the exploiters

powerlessness of the masses

impoverishment of the masses = living at minimal physical subsistence level

infantilization of the people

childlike dependency on government

parasitism on the state

life in a socialist hellhole is a nightmare = angry hostile masses

concentration camps

Sources:

Capitalism by George Reisman

Marxism/Socialism by George Reisman

Socialism by Ludwig Von Mises

A Theory of Socialism and Capitalism by Hans-Hermann Hoppe

Why are democrats/liberals/leftists so evil?

 Ayn Rand's philosophy, Objectivism, often critiques political ideologies like those commonly associated with Democrats or liberals due to their tendency to prioritize collectivism and statism over individualism and capitalism. According to Rand, these ideologies often advocate for policies that involve the redistribution of wealth, government intervention in the economy, and the expansion of regulatory control, which she views as antithetical to the principles of freedom and individual rights.

Rand considered collectivism, which is often embraced by liberal ideologies, as fundamentally opposed to the moral and practical benefits of capitalism. She argued that collectivism sacrifices the individual to the group, undermining personal freedoms and the pursuit of individual happiness. This is viewed as "evil" in her philosophy because it negates the moral purpose of life, which she sees as the pursuit of one's own rational self-interest and happiness.

Additionally, Rand believed that statism, a system where the state holds significant control over economic and social affairs, leads to the erosion of individual rights and freedoms. She argued that the growth of government power often advocated by liberal policies threatens the autonomy of the individual, which is essential for a flourishing society [1][2][3].

Therefore, from an Objectivist perspective, Democrats and liberals are often criticized not for their intentions, which may be rooted in compassion or social justice, but for the means by which they seek to achieve their goals, which Rand would argue ultimately result in the suppression of individual rights and freedoms.

Sources

1 Logical Leap by David Harriman

2 Ayn Rand Lexicon by Harry Binswanger

3 Ominous Parallels by Leonard Peikoff

Laws that explain how an incompetent person can run for president

 Laws of systemantics that explain how an incompetent person like Kamala Harris can run for president:

The Peter Principle

The Peter Principle, developed by Dr. Laurence J. Peter, states that in a hierarchical organization, employees tend to rise to their "level of incompetence". 

corollaries:

(1) In time, eerypost tend to be occupied by an employee who is incompetent to carry out its duries.

(2) Work is accomplished and outcomes are achieved by those employees who have not yet reached their level of incompetence. But the incompetent leaders get the credit.

This occurs because:

Competent employees are often promoted based on their performance in their current role, not necessarily their ability to perform in the higher position.

Once an employee reaches a position where they are incompetent, they are no longer promoted further.

While not a law, this principle describes a common organizational pattern that can lead to incompetent individuals in higher positions.

Peter's Placebo

An ounce of image is worth a pound of performance

The Dilbert Principle

The Dilbert Principle, coined by Scott Adams, is closely related to the Peter Principle but takes a slightly different approach:

It states that companies tend to systematically promote their least competent employees to management positions, particularly middle management.

The rationale behind this is to limit the damage these incompetent individuals can do by removing them from positions where they might interfere with the actual productive work of the company.

This principle assumes that the majority of real, productive work in a company is done by people lower in the power ladder, while those in management don't actually contribute significantly to the workflow.

Putt's Law

Putt's Law is another relevant concept in systemantics:

It states that "Technology is dominated by two types of people: those who understand what they do, do not manage and those who manage what they do, do not understand."

This law highlights the disconnect that can occur between technical expertise and management in organizations, potentially leading to situations where incompetent individuals end up in leadership positions.

The Dunning-Kruger Effect

Although not strictly a law of systemantics, this psychological principle is highly relevant:

It states that individuals with low ability at a task often overestimate their ability.

This overconfidence can lead incompetent individuals to believe they are highly qualified for positions beyond their capabilities.

In the context of running for president, this effect could explain why some candidates with limited qualifications might genuinely believe they are suitable for the role.

The Law of Crappy Systems

This principle from systemantics states:

Complex systems that work invariably evolved from simpler systems that worked.

A complex system designed from scratch never works and cannot be patched up to make it work.

You have to start over with a working simple system.

In the context of political systems:

The complexity of modern political processes may allow less qualified candidates to navigate the system successfully.

The system's complexity can obscure a candidate's lack of competence from voters.

The Fundamental Law of Administrative Workings (F.L.A.W.)

This principle states:

Things are what they are reported to be.

The real world is what is reported to the system.

Applied to presidential campaigns:

A candidate's perceived competence may be more important than their actual competence.

Effective marketing and media management can create a perception of competence that may not align with reality.

The Systems Delusion

This concept suggests:

People tend to believe that systems work.

There's an inherent trust in established processes, even when they may be flawed.

In the context of presidential elections:

Voters might assume that the electoral system naturally filters out incompetent candidates.

This misplaced trust could allow less qualified individuals to progress further in the process than they otherwise might.

Addressing the Issue

To mitigate these systemic tendencies:

Implement more rigorous vetting processes for presidential candidates.

Improve voter education on candidate qualifications and the responsibilities of the presidency.

Encourage critical thinking and fact-checking among the electorate.

Reform campaign finance laws to reduce the influence of money in politics.

While these principles don't guarantee that incompetent individuals will become presidential candidates, they help explain how systemic factors can sometimes allow it to happen. The key is to recognize these tendencies and work to improve the system to better serve its intended purpose.

Mental illness: an objective definition

 To find an objective definition of "mental illness":

(1) Reduce the concept to its perceptual level roots and basic fundamental axioms/principles:

Perceptual level roots:

• Physical states/conditions of the brain
• Observable behaviors and experiences (thoughts, emotions, perceptions)
• Environmental/social factors
• 
  

Basic axioms/principles:

• The mind arises from the brain's biological processes
• Thoughts, emotions, behaviors are caused by neurological activity
• Brains can malfunction, just like other biological organs
• Genetic and environmental factors influence brain development/function
• 
  

(2) Additional intermediate steps/principles:

• Certain patterns of brain dysfunction correlate with specific clusters of abnormal thoughts, behaviors, emotional states
• These dysfunctional patterns can cause significant distress/impairment
• Mental disorders have descriptive diagnostic criteria based on observable symptoms
• Etiology involves complex gene-environment interactions
• 
  

(3) Measurable characteristics:

• Deviation from normal/healthy brain function
• Presence of specific cognitive, emotional, behavioral symptoms
• Functional impairment across life domains
• Symptoms cause clinically significant distress
• 
  

(4) Definition:
Mental illness refers to a disorder of brain function characterized by clinically significant deviation from normal cognitive, emotional and/or behavioral processes. It is manifested by impaired psychological functioning causing significant distress and/or disability across multiple life domains. Mental illnesses are defined by their descriptive symptomatic criteria, reflect underlying dysfunction in the biological, psychological and/or social processes involved in mental functioning, and are influenced by genetic and environmental factors.

The criteria for an objective definition are:

1. Based on facts/observations instead of opinions/biases
2. Precisely defines the concept using essential characteristics
3. Distinguishes it from other concepts based on differentiae
4. Is universal and generalizable
5. 
   

This definition meets those criteria by:

1. Grounding it in observable neurological and behavioral phenomena
2. Specifying the key characteristics of dysfunction and impairment
3. Differentiating mental illness from healthy psychological functioning
4. Not being restricted to any specific culture, time period or context

While comprehensive, this is still a general definition that captures the universal core features of mental illness based on our current neuroscientific understanding. It is an objective definition to the extent of our present knowledge.

To expand further on the objective definition of mental illness:

Perceptual Roots:

• Observed problems with cognition (thinking, memory, perception)
• Abnormal emotional experiences (depression, anxiety, etc.)
• Dysfunctional behaviors (social withdrawal, self-harm, etc.)
• Disturbances in neurological processes (neurotransmission, brain activity, etc.)
• 
  

Basic Axioms/Principles:

• The brain is the physical basis of the mind
• Mental processes arise from neuronal activity and brain circuits
• Disruptions to these neurological processes manifest as psychological symptoms
• These disruptions have biological, psychological and social causal factors
• 
  

Intermediate Steps/Principles:

• Specific patterns of symptoms cluster together into syndromes
• These syndromes are classified into mental disorder categories
• Categories are defined by diagnostic criteria and clinical descriptions
• Disorders exist on a spectrum of severity based on level of impairment
• Treatment aims to correct underlying neurobiological dysfunction
• 
  

Measurable Characteristics:

• Clinically significant cognitive/behavioral deviations from norms
• Patterns matching established diagnostic criteria
• Functional impairment measured by symptom severity
• Observable distress across life domains (work, relationships etc.)
• Neurological markers associating with specific disorders
• 
  

Definition:
A mental illness is a disorder characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in/impairment of an individual's cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior. This disturbance/impairment reflects underlying dysfunction in the biological, psychological or developmental processes involved in mental functioning. Mental illnesses are defined by patterns of persistent and impairing symptoms, categorized by validated diagnostic criteria, and exist on a continuum based on severity of functional impairment across major life activities. The expression of mental illness results from complex interactions of genetic vulnerability and environmental factors.

This definition meets the criteria for objectivity by:

1. Grounding it in observable data about behavior, cognition, neurobiology
2. Precisely defining key characteristics like deviance, dysfunction, impairment
3. Differentiating disorders from normal psychological phenomena
4. Not being culturally/temporally bound - applies universally
5. 
   

While still a general definition, it comprehensively captures the core features of psychopathology based on current scientific understanding, defining mental illness in terms of objectively verifiable criteria without undue subjectivity, mysticism or pseudoscience. It can be expanded further as knowledge increases.

Here are some additional details to further expand on the objective definition of mental illness:

Perceptual Roots:

• Observable changes in behavior patterns (social, occupational, self-care)
• Reported subjective experiences (perceptions, thoughts, emotions)
• Measurable cognitive deficits (attention, memory, executive function)
• Neurological signs (EEG, brain imaging, neurological exam findings)
• 
  

Basic Axioms/Principles:

• Mind and behavior arise from brain structure and function
• Genes and biology interact with environment/experiences
• Disrupting underlying biological processes disrupts mental processes
• Complex disorders have multifactorial bio-psycho-social causes
• 
  

Intermediate Steps/Principles:

• Linking symptom patterns to specific neurobiological dysfunctions
• Validating diagnostic constructs against biomarkers and illness course
• Understanding how genetic, neural, cognitive, behavioral levels interact
• Developing etiological models based on risk factors and causal mechanisms
• Determining thresholds for clinical significance and need for care
• 
  

Measurable Characteristics:

• Reliable assessment of symptoms via clinical interviews/testing
• Biomarker measures (genes, neuroimaging, neurochemistry)
• Standardized rating scales for severity and functional impact
• Measurable cognitive/emotional/behavioral deficits vs. norms
• Statistical deviation from population base rates
• 
  

Definition:
Mental illnesses are clinically significant disorders of/impairments in cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior reflecting dysfunction in underlying psychological, biological, or developmental processes involved in mental functioning. They are defined by validated diagnostic criteria specifying characteristic symptom patterns, disability/distress, and biomarker correlates when available. Mental disorders exist on a continuum of severity, based on degrees of functional impairment across major life activities. Their etiologies involve complex gene-environment interactions, with biological vulnerability and environmental stressors as key risk factors. Despite diverse presentations, all mental illnesses share a common core feature of disordered/impaired neural processes giving rise to dysfunctional psychological phenomena.

This comprehensive definition maintains objectivity by:

1. Grounding the concept in observables (symptoms, biomarkers, behaviors)
2. Precisely specifying characteristics like dysfunction, disability, deviation
3. Differentiation from normal phenomena using measurable thresholds
4. Capturing universal features based on neuroscience and clinical science

While still a general definition, it incorporates current evidence across disciplines to objectify mental illness as a construct, free from mysticism, pseudoscience, or pure subjectivity. It can continue being refined as the scientific understanding advances.