Endorsement

Assuming anyone actually gives a damn, I announce tonight that I will be supporting Rudy Giuliani for president in 2008. There are undoubtedly many reservations I have regarding this choice, but the process of elimination has forced me to reach this conclusion. I realize we have a long-ass time until election day and that countless things could happen between now and then that could make me regret this, but right now I see Rudy as the best all-around shot for the Republican party.

Don't get me wrong, in a perfect world I'd support someone more conservative (whomever the libertarian candidate ends up being). But the truth is, in practical terms, Rudy looks like our best shot at beating Hillary. He'd do a lot to help return the Republican party to its Goldwater roots. He'd demonstrate that conservatism isn't about bashing hippies and gays or being in Lambda Chi, but instead about embracing limited government, market economics, and individual liberty. He's so electable that I wouldn't be surprised if California even turned back into a red state like it was in the 80's. His commitment to small government, entitlement reform, and free markets helped revitalize New York City. Imagine what it could do for America.

While Rudy's record of failing to protect the lives of the unborn and the Second Amendment is downright atrocious, I think his position on these issues could change once he actually leaves New York City for once. He would also do well to name a social conservative (Newt) as VP to help rally the party. Because I know how Newt thinks, he probably won't enter himself into the race until September. This is smart, but it shouldn't stop the Giuliani team from opening up some kind of dialogue with Newt now about joining a single ticket once the smoke clears after the primaries.

Most say that Rudy's toughest fight will be getting through the primaries, but with all the polls already showing him 10-15 points in the lead among Republican voters, this might not be as hard as once thought.

All of you Rudy supporters who will be joining my ranks can find campaign apparel and merchandise at the new Spalding Group website (the same company responsible for the brilliant "W the President" product line in '04).

In Praise of Sweatshops

I know what you're thinking: what a heartless thing to say! How could someone in their right mind actually be for sweatshops?!?! Well, first watch this short 4 minute clip from a recent 20/20 Special and then tell me what you think.

Kudos to ABC's John Stossel for being one of the very few journalists in network news that actually gives both sides a fair shake.

Of Course This Would Happen

You can't make this up.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/02/26/sharpton.thurmond.ap/index.html

The Battle Continues...

As you may have noticed, the list of contributors to your immediate right has shortened a bit. Two of our distinguished founding members, Will Fleming and Stephen Leonard, are no longer with us. Rest assured, the reasons behind their departure were not in vain or related to any ill will among the contributors. Both simply decided it was time to move on.

Over the last two years, Fleming and Leonard played an integral role in shaping this blog. Leonard's tried and true die-hard conservatism will be sorely missed, as will Fleming's commentary on BC and local eating establishments. However, while both have left enormous shoes to fill, I am confident we can and will continue to carry out our purpose.

In filling the political void, I must say I am most confident with the evolution of Joe Wood's role here. Wood's development over the past year from a relatively quiet presence to a staunch defender of the virtues of free markets is very assuring. His cynicism towards blind ideology over reasonable practicality, displayed weekly in his Vox Populi Gems commentary, helps confirms this. And I further can personally testify to Wood's right-minded convictions which were demonstrated yet again last night during a discussion about the affordability of private health insurance while playing bumper pool at Doc's Bar at 2:30 in the morning.

As for the BC side of things, Fleming will continue his regular commentary on Cadet sports over at BC Gottum, which has grown from a small side project to a flagship site in its own right. I wouldn't be surprised if Gottum's traffic regularly exceeds ours on any given day.

So while we wish our first two BMBS "Alumni" the best of luck in future endeavors, this is no time to lose hope. The battle continues...

Creepy

This looks like a damn good high school. The "about BHS" part sounds eerily familiar. Does anyone know if they got the plan for the school from us since we were founded before them? Also, they have the #1 ranked basketball team in Virginia.
http://www.benedictinehighschool.org/home/home.asp

Friday Morning YouTube Grab Bag

At age 4, this guy was my idol. Damn I miss the Eighties.

Vox Populi: Gems of the Week

Oh man, we had some GREAT sumbissions this week, but this isn’t the BCS and I picked one winner. Here they are, your Gems of the Week:

Dishonorable Mention:
"What kind of self-absorbed twit thinks people set a goal in life of earning minimum wage?"
- People unconsciously set that goal when they choose to drop out of school and not work hard when someone finally hires them.

Dishonorable Mention:
"Georgia Power makes family members on Social Security and welfare suffer with the high power bills. They are ripping off the public."
- Georgia Power is not picking on you. Everyone pays the same rate. Regardless, Georgia Power still sucks. They were recently allowed to increase their rate due to rising fuel costs under the condition that if fuel costs go back down, Georgia Power must reduce their rate or repay their customers. Don’t hold your breath for either.

Dishonorable Mention
“What closes clubs is the behavior people use in them clubs.”
- Wow. Ok, I’m not smug to the point that I make fun of people who use bad grammar in casual conversation. I don’t. However, when you call or write in to Vox to publicly make your point (which is really no point at all), clean up your grammar or everyone who reads your comment will think you’re a total idiot. People will automatically assume you’re an idiot just for contributing to Vox; don’t give them more evidence.

Third Runner-up:
"I confess. I'm the father of Anna Nicole's baby. Write me the check."
- Oh! How ruthlessly absurd! For you, a resident of Savannah, GA to say you’re the father of a rich, deceased California woman’s baby is simply ludicrous! But seriously, guys have only been telling that joke for what, three weeks now? You’re a quick one… NOT!!! Oh I got you good.

Second Runner-up:
"People in India were protesting Valentine's Day. Isn't that a waste of time? If they don't want to buy a valentine, don't buy one and let those who want to alone."
- Yes. That’s exactly why the Indian people were angered by Valentine’s Day; they didn’t want to buy cards. The Hindu and/or Muslim people in India were so upset over the commercialization of a Christian holiday that they took to the streets in protest.

First Runner-up:
"I picked my dogs up from doggie daycare at noon and they had not been walked yet."
- I wish we all had time to pick up our dogs from doggie daycare at noon on a week day, but we have to work. I’m completely certain that you are a used-to-be-hot, trophy housewife who does nothing but spend your rich husband’s money and flaunt your ever-sagging features at the lawn boy, pool boy, tennis coach, country club golf pro, gardener, cable guy, mail man, UPS guy, FedEx guy, auto mechanic, local cops, fire fighters, and your adolescent son’s friends. Walk your own dogs, hag.

And your Gem of the Week:
"I think all American law enforcement should stage a walk out for a day in protest over the border guard who was unjustly put in jail for doing his job when he shot an illegal alien drug dealer."
- Holy shit, are you kidding? I came across this on Wednesday and was literally stunned. This is by far the DUMBEST thing I’ve read in months, and I read Vox every day. This person can’t be serious. Just think what would happen if all law enforcement walked out on their jobs. It goes without saying that this is the front runner for Gem of the Year, 2007.

Happy Friday, folks.

Disclaimer

In light of recent controversy, I've decided to issue this warning to all our visitors, past, present, and future:

The views and opinions expressed on this First Amendment-protected blog are those of independent and free-thinking Irish-Catholic American citizens (except Ryan, who is Cracker-Methodist and can thus handle any lawsuits you may wish to bring). Love us or hate us, we will always strive to facilitate discussion in the great marketplace of ideas on every topic ranging from St. Patrick's Day, downtown eating places, Thirsty Thursdays, politics, the great debate of Barnes vs. Carey Hilliard's, and yes, sometimes even BC.

Anyone who can't deal with that can start their own blog, visit another blog, or get a life.

You might be a Cracker on St. Patrick's Day if...

Okay men, it's about that time of year. This is by far my favorite post, started by our illustrious Colonel, Will Fleming. I'll start off with a couple of my own.

You know St. Patrick's Day as "St Paddy's Day."

You're first name is other than a saint's name.

You're idea of dressing up is to stroll down to the 7-11 and buy a "Saint Patrick was a Saint, but I ain't" t-shirt

You have no idea people watch the parade from the squares.

You believe the Shriners have an inalienable right to be in the parade.

You think the K of C is Kentucky Fried Chicken.

You search far and wide for green beer.

You tell your buddies to meet you in front of Wet Willies, because that's where it's at.

New BC Website

The new website is up and running. The address is still www.bcsav.net. It is not completely finished, but it had to be up for RFI, which goes down 22 FEB.

No Girls Allowed

It was brought to my attention last night that a certain female companion who reads this blog is interested in coming down for St. Patrick's Day. The reasons for her previous two years of 3-17 absence were being underage the first year, and being in Italy last year. She's genuinely excited about the whole thing, but I want to make sure she knows the bad stuff that comes with the good.

So if you have any insight into what it's like to bring a girl for the parade, especially one who isn't from Savannah, please post them here. Even if you've never brought a girl for the day's festivities, feel free to give her some advice.

The Squeaky Wheel Gets The City Ordinance

During my daily review of Vox Populi, I came across something that wasn’t a gem; rather it was something of genuine concern to us all. I had read about the new ordinance regarding the setting up of tents on St. Patrick's Day weekend, but this Vox submission shook me from my silence:

"The new rule to restrict tents in the squares on St. Patrick's Day will hurt families that support the festival every year. Why must the city always regulate law abiding citizens?"

See, I know how the whole thing started. Rich, transplanted Yankees moved into the Historic District so they could live in the increasingly expensive townhouses, drink their cappuccinos and bitch about the squares to anyone who will listen. They read the book* and thought, “My, what a quaint and genteel little town with their gender-confused performers and voodoo priestesses. Savannah looks so cute. They drink alcohol there. They say cute things like ‘sir’ and ‘ma’am’ and ‘thank you.’ I’d love to live there.”

These people have no idea what St. Patrick’s day is about, so when that one day a year rolls around where everyone is out having a good time, the Yankees are displeased and if there’s one thing a Yankee can do, it’s complain. So the Yankees call up their councilman and start complaining. Since NOTHING is more annoying than a complaining Yankee, the City caves and passes these new ordinances that really won’t do anything but quiet the Yankees, at least for a minute.

If the City Council had a spine, they could have just reminded the Yankees that this year’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities will generate more revenue for the city of Savannah than their property tax dollars ever will and if they don’t like it, then they can shoot on over to I-95 and go north.

* - The book, of course, is Midnight In the Garden of Good and Evil.

Mitt Romney: Flip Flopper

Is Mitt Romney the Republican version of John Kerry? If you watch clips from his debates with Ted Kennedy in 1994, and his campaign for governor in 2002, both of which I've posted below, this seems to be the case. Professor Bainbridge nailed it yesterday on his blog:

I am deeply suspicious of politicians whose views on abortion, stem cells, and the rest of the culture of life issues "evolve" just in time for them to run for higher office.

And Erik at Redstate had this to say:

"...like Hillary Clinton, (Romney) is a political opportunist who I increasingly see as someone without principle, only a weather vane."

I agree with them. What assurances do we have that this man will keep his word on core conservative issues once he gets the Republican nomination? In '94, he said he wanted to work to "overturn" the era of Reagan/Bush. Now he's pretending to be Reagan. The problem is, McCain is even more guilty of doing this in many aspects. Both McCain and Romney called Bush's tax cuts deeply irresponsible when they first passed. Now they're celebrating them. Bush's abandonment of limited-government principles since 2000 has been bad enough, so what makes us believe these guys, who criticized just about the only conservative aspect of Bush's agenda, will be any better?

I really hate the field right now. Many, surprisingly, seem to be turning their support towards Giuliani by mere process of elimination. At least he's been somewhat consistent in what he stands for and at least seems to have some form of backbone, even if 70% of that backbone isn't conservative.

Any inkling of support any of you may have had for Romney will probably die after watching these two clips:

One More Month

A Revolution in School Choice

The State of Utah recently passed a sweeping education reform bill that provides for complete and total K-12 school choice as well as school vouchers (ranging from $500 a year to $3,000 a year based on family income) for private school. Unlike the entitlements our friends on the welfare-state left love to hand out, laws like this actually help the poor.

The bill makes Utah's school choice law the nation's most progressive by far (and when I use words like "progressive," "diversity," and "choice," they actually mean those things). It's a great piece of legislation because it's about getting the decision-making process, particularly for low-income families, out of the hands of bureaucrats and unions and into the hands of parents and their children. It's about giving teachers more leeway in using discipline and more local control over the teaching methods they use. It's about transforming education from a Soviet-style "one-size fits all" system into a diverse and competitive market-based one. It's about giving people the freedom of choice instead of merely throwing dollars at a broken system.

European countries, which on average spend substantially less per pupil than we do, have allowed for school choice for years and their kids outperform American students on just about every comparable test (if you have time, you can watch this 20/20 Special on YouTube for more details and facts). American schools were the same way until the 1960's. Thanks to states like Utah, it looks like things may finally be trending back in the right direction.

I'm willing to bet you will start to see Utah's students perform better on nationwide tests over the next few years. Georgia, whose school choice law only allows for the creation of charter schools on a limited basis, should follow Utah's lead.

House Hearing On "Warming of the Planet" Cancelled After Ice Storm

(I saw this on Drudge Report and thought it was too funny to pass up.)

HEARING NOTICE:

Tue Feb 13 2007 19:31:25 ET

The Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality hearing scheduled for Wednesday, February 14, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. in room 2123 Rayburn House Office Building has been postponed due to inclement weather. The hearing is entitled “Climate Change: Are Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Human Activities Contributing to a Warming of the Planet?”

The hearing will be rescheduled to a date and time to be announced later.

DC WEATHER REPORT:

Wednesday: Freezing rain in the morning. Total ice accumulation between one half to three quarters of an inch. Brisk with highs in the mid 30s. North winds 10 to 15 mph...increasing to northwest 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation near 100 percent.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy. Lows around 18. Northwest winds around 20 mph.

Kickass Reagan Quote, #412

During a soundcheck before a radio address in 1984, unaware that it was being broadcast:

"My fellow Americans, I'm pleased to tell you today that I've just signed legislation that will outlaw Russia forever. We begin bombing in five minutes."

This little Goldwater-esque quip got the Gipper in quite a heap of trouble with the news media, but the people saw through it and his approval ratings actually went up. The audio clip can be found here.

Vox Populi: Gems of the Week

It was shooting fish in a barrel this week. Enjoy the Gems!

BC in VOX:
"Regarding the drama at Benedictine, I'm a 1990 graduate of B.C. and I say bring back the Benedictine priests to run the school or put coach Cannon or Colonel Owens in charge."
- This is just retarded. Not only did he use the term “drama,” but he called out our beloved alma mater in the LOWEST public forum available. He makes a decent suggestion, but come on, Vox Populi?

Dishonorable Mention:
"In the history of this country, have a president and vice president ever been impeached at the same time?"

Dishonorable Mention:
"I am surprised that a conservative state like Georgia would take the step of taxing the sale of a newspaper. Any connection between the government and the free press is outrageous, even if it is only a few cents on a paper."

Dishonorable Mention:
"What happened to state vehicle inspections? Why do we have all these junkers on the road with cracked windshields and fenders that don't match?"

Dishonorable Mention:
"We might finally get the band shell we voted for 14 years ago? Goodness gracious, who wants to go downtown anymore?"

Stunning Q&A:
Q: "Do you spring clean? What is one organizing or cleaning project that you are eager to accomplish this spring?"
"My husband and I were planning to do our windows inside and out. We had a health issue come up and now we are looking through dirty windows. But we are thankful for greeting the morning through those dirty windows."
- What health issue would cause you to have dirty windows?

Third Runner-up:
"It seems strange that annual test scores never reflect the pages and pages of honor roll students we seem to have here."
- Let’s be honest here, how hard is it to be an honor roll student in a Savannah public school?

Second Runner-up:
"Does the merry go round at Savannah Mall run on gas? They're charging $2.00 for a ride."
- Cough it up, you cheap bastard. Let your kid ride the merry-go-round and if you can’t afford the two bucks, don’t go to the mall.

First Runner-up:
"I am a law abiding citizen who went through all of the procedures to file charges against someone who pulled a knife on me. Two years have gone by and I haven't heard anything from the investigator or the district attorney's office. That is why we continue to have such a crime problem in Savannah."
- The police will get to that after they’re finished with the cases where knives were actually used on people.

And your Gem of the Week:
"In order to stop some of the violence in this town, shut the bars and restaurants down at midnight and send everyone home."
- You shut up right now. Don’t even think about suggesting that the city should step in and change ANYTHING about the alcohol laws in Savannah. If you're scared of violence, stay home. It's this same kind of witch-hunting that caused the Statesboro City Council to do away with drink specials and happy hours last year. Keep the booze out if it.


Happy Friday, folks.

Netflix

I just got Netflix about two weeks ago, and it has been pretty awesome so far. It is really nice in a town where there isn't that much to do. Because of this, I am going to start commenting on some of the movies I see.
The Usual Suspects
I watched this for the first time last night believe it or not. Has a solid performance by Kevin Spacey and a pretty nice twist at the end. I guessed the twist about half way through so it kind of lost a little luster because of that. I rate it 3/5. I would recommend it if you haven't seen it yet especially if it is on HBO or something.
The Bourne Identity/Supremecy
I wathced these this past weekend. Matt Damon isn't as big of a puss as you would think he would be, and the plots aren't half bad. I give it a 2/5 and think that these are Saturday morning hangover movies.
Murderball
This is a documentary on wheelchair rugby. It does a solid job of depicting the player's triumphs on the court as well as their struggles in coping with their disability. There are some great spots of comic relieve in this as well. Rating: 4/5.

The Conservative Daily Show

A clip has leaked on YouTube of the Fox News Channel's version of The Daily Show, entitled The 1/2 Hour News Hour. It is created by Joel Surnow, and one of its writers is Manny Coto, both of whom work on 24. If done correctly, this could be a great show. The clip here is funny here and there, but I noticed a surprising sense of relief watching it. Of course, if you read the comments on the YouTube page, it's a bunch of liberals completely bashing it, because obviously liberals are the only ones who are allowed to use satire.

Venezuela's March to Serfdom: The Final Chapter

Tonight's post is the long-awaited last installment in our series on the evils of collectivism.

Last time, I posed the question concerning how collectivist planners implement plans which no one can totally agree on. In Venezuela, just like every other similar experiment in history, the answer is simple: coercion. Brute force. Subjugation of the opposition by a strong dictatorship at all costs.

Chavez started out small by kicking out all foreign investment and banning foreign companies from doing business. But more recently, as more have grown more critical of his collectivist initiatives, he's issued an executive order banning TV networks that broadcast viewpoints opposing his administration. He's also obtained "emergency powers" authority to circumvent the legislature in order to implement his plan, so that the squabbling opposition can't "stand in the way of the common good." So the free press and legislative government that once existed are now replaced with a relentless propaganda machine used to support an authoritarian autocracy. The necessary framework for full implementation of the plan is finally in place.

Mere seconds after Chavez announced he would nationalize all industries, investors rapidly pulled their savings out of the country. The Venezuelan stock market plummeted some 75%. The entire net wealth of the country has severly diminished.

One particlar result of Chavez's price controls on food is illustrated by recent shortages of chicken and beef all across the country's supermarkets, according to this AP report. Because profits are illegal and prices are set by the government, farmers have no incentive to bring their products to market. The laws of supply and demand have been abolished. Because free prices aren't allowed to function by signaling what's profitable, it's impossible for producers and merchants to calculate what the needs and wants of the society are.


Empty meat shelves in a Caracas supermarket.

Notice in the article how Chavez turns around and blames the capitalists as the reason for the shortages. This is what most dictators do: they use propaganda to shift blame to the opposition and its ideology, thus allowing them to further tighten their grip and hold on to power even longer.

In closing, the point of all this was to show that as a result of all of this collectivist thinking, which all started out as a great idea, the people of Venezuela are being made slaves right before our very eyes. Their civil liberties have been trampled upon, along with their economic freedom to work, to save, and to create wealth through voluntary exchange.

Could something like this ever happen in our beloved United States? Seizing corporate profits for the "common good" seems like something only a radical like Chavez or Castro would propose this side of the hemisphere, right? In closing, I leave you this clip, to help you answer this on your own:



Thanks for tuning in. God help us all.

Tax Cuts = More Revenues

Citing surging tax revenues from a robust economy, most on Wall Street are predicting that the budget is going to come back into balance within the next 2-3 years. Recall during the 2004 campaign, W promised to cut the deficit in half by end of his term. Well, he's already delivered on that promise 3 years early. Seriously, ponder this for a moment. In 2001 we cut taxes and everyone said it would lead to endless deficits, and yet despite a recession, a disasterous terrorist attack on American soil, a defense and homeland security build-up, 2 wars, ridiculous amounts of spending, huge new entitlement programs, and the most expensive natural disaster in the country's history, the government looks like its going to soon have its checkbook balanced.

And yet Congress still wants to repeal Bushs' tax cuts. What excuse will they come up with when we're in the green?

Venezuela's March to Serfdom: Part II

Again due to length, it turns out I will need to make this a three-part series. Yesterday we saw how the failed promises of socialism and collectivism always require the coercion and suppression of individual freedoms which can lead to the totalitarian state.

Tonight, we begin examining Venezuela as a modern day case study of this very process at work, focusing first on Chavez’s rise to power and the intentions behind his policies. Tomorrow night we'll conclude things by looking at how Chavez is working to implement these policies and the effect it is having on individual freedom and society as a whole.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chazez, an avowed socialist, rose to power a few years ago. He won election on a bold agenda to redistribute income, “erase” inequality, end poverty, and to provide free education and healthcare for all Venezuelans.

Notice that I said he was elected. This is crucial to understanding how tyranny emerges, because it is always ultimately the people who choose dictatorship and choose to surrender their liberties to the State.

Chavez’s intentions have leftist supporters in the West all excited. In the wake of the Cold War’s end, Venezuela is now seen as the center of a new utopian movement. This recent news report reveals how idealistic, wide-eyed American college students complete with birkenstocks and their parents’ ATM cards are flocking to Venezuela to observe, marvel at, and volunteer to contribute to this great socialist “experiment.” Notice how one girl in the article says she can’t wait to return to “do more missionary work.” If this is such a great system, why is so much volunteer work even necessary?

In the aftermath of this feel-good period when everyone casts a resounding vote in favor of the planners who claim they can create this great classless society, where all problems and troubles are solved by the State, a problem quickly emerges: the plan they come up with doesn’t gel with the characteristics of the complex, emerging, organic, and free society that exists. Certain business owners, farmers, merchants, and foreign investors aren’t going to like certain parts of the plan very much, and certainly aren’t going to voluntarily go along with it. Farmers aren’t going to like price ceilings on what they can sell, entrepreneurs don’t want their profits confiscated, and so on.

So this problem begs the question: just how do politicians and planners implement their ambitious interventionist agendas when certain segments are always going to be against certain aspects of it? How do ambitious rulers enact their utopian vision when it is inevitable that various groups are going to gripe?

That will be the starting point for our discussion tomorrow night.

Another Duke Rape Case

In a story that has no right to national news exposure, an eighteen year-old girl was allegedly raped at a party at Duke University over the weekend. The only reason that we are hearing about it in the news is that it occurred at the same school where a very high-profile rape case occurred less than a year ago.

This is a sad story, but this kind of thing happens at HUNDREDS of college campuses every year. Many victims never come forward. This brave girl did and what happens to her? She's thrust into the spotlight and forced to relive the horrific ordeal so scumbag fucking reporters can make their next sensationalist story.

I don't know all the details of the alleged attack, which is why I didn't propose the victim was entirely innocent because sadly, the victims rarely are entirely innocent. My point in this post is that I shouldn't know anything about this alleged rape unless I were to read the Durham, NC local paper. This is not national news.

Supply and Demand of Labor in Action.

Here's an article regarding the effect of the minimum wage increase in Arizona.

"Some Valley employers, especially those in the food industry, say payroll budgets have risen so much that they're cutting hours, instituting hiring freezes and laying off employees. "

We recently had an informative discussion covering this very same topic here and here.

This is where Communists, I mean Liberals, start spinning their wheels. Although the minimum wage increase was passed into law under the banner of compassion, negative consequences have surfaced. Workers are being laid off and the price of goods have increased. Everyone is getting hurt. Here's a quote from an Arizona business owner:

"I've had to go to some of my kids and say, 'Look, my payroll just increased 13 percent,' " he said. " 'Sorry, I don't have any hours for you.' "

Sometimes, showing compassion makes the situation worse.

Venezuela's Path to Serfdom

To keep everyone from falling asleep, I’ve broken up this post into two parts. Today I’ll summarize the background of Hayek’s Road to Serfdom and what it means. Tomorrow, we’ll take a look at its application in the 21st century.

In 1944, as the Second World War drew to a close, an Austrian economist named Friedrich von Hayek wrote what would become one of the most influential books of the 20th century. The Road to Serfdom was a relatively short account of what Hayek believed were the root causes of totalitarianism. While most at that time viewed fascism and communism as polar opposites, Hayek argued the two were virtually identical: they both placed the needs and wants of the State over that of individual economic and social liberty. If anyone is looking for some good Spring reading, I strongly recommend this one. It truly helped me change the way I view individual freedom and the threat that political organization can and will always pose to it.

Hayek’s audience wasn’t the Russians or the Germans or those wishing to adopt similar regimes (his book was surely banned in those places anyway). Instead, Hayek’s words were directed squarely at British and American readers. Politicians on both sides of the pond at that time were making calls for government control, central planning, nationalization of industries, and price controls. All of this would be necessary, they argued, to “plan for the peace” and create a "collectivist" society where people would be put over profits, where everyone would be entitled to so-called “positive” freedoms (which is a total misnomer, because they require coercion of one individual for the benefit of another) like “freedom from unemployment,” “freedom from want or need,” “freedom from poverty,” “freedom from poor health” etc., where the common good would trump the purported “excesses” of free-market capitalism.

The central thrust of Hayek’s argument was that, despite the best intentions of the planners, it was this same kind of government intervention and coercion that led to the creation of the same framework that allowed people like Hitler and Stalin to rise to power. Germany, in the 1880s, was the first industrialized country to impose a social security system and a welfare state, for example. Continental Europe and Russia, he argued, were by nature much less skeptical of government and much more willing to accept intervention. And while Hayek conceded that Anglo society, with its deep-rooted respect for property rights, profits, and individualism, was a long way from becoming totalitarian, he nonetheless believed it would be heading down the same road if the “planners” had their way. Another one of Hayek’s assertions was that once a society starts on the “road” and the longer and further it ventures down it, the harder it becomes to turn things back around.

Well short story long, both America and Britain stayed on this road for about three decades, but the intellectual tide started to change in the late 1970s. The world slowly began to see things Hayek's way, and finally began to adopt policies of economic liberalization and privitization during the Reagan-Thatcher era of 1980s. The pendulum swung from government back to market, where it was at the beginning of the century. Since 1983, government intervention in the U.S. has generally remained at about the same level, although Bush’s vast entitlement spending spree in the past 6 years has made things worse again.

Tomorrow, we’ll take a look at the Road to Serfdom at work in 2007, namely in Hugo Chavez’s Venezuela. Thanks for tuning in.

Today's Picks

Tonight at 9:00 Florida plays at Kentucky. I just took the Gators at -4 and think that it a pretty good bet even though they are playing at Rupp Arena. Florida has been rolling lately and all the experts are jumping on their bandwagon for back to back titles. I don't think they are going to win the whole thing, but I think they have a pretty good shot to beat Kentucky by 5 tonight. I also took Wake Forest(+24) against UNC. This game is at 1:30, so it's probably too late. In non-gambling sports news, Georgia has a huge game in Columbia tonight. This is a make or break game if we want to make the tournament.

Really?

One of the first things I saw yesterday on just about every news website was this idiots picture. Alright, so she died at 39 from what is probably a drug overdose but that doesn't mean that she was anything special. At the very most, this story should be a side note on news channels and websites, but for it to be the leading story is just retarded. Let's just recap this woman's career. She started out as a stripper and married some old guy with money. That guy died and she never saw a dime of it because the courts saw her for what she was. She was in Playboy. Let me tell you how big of a deal that is. The girls in Playboy are a dime a dozen. She stared in a bunch of B movies that are really awesome. That is if you watch Cinemax movies at 2:00 AM for more than just boobs. She had a reality show that centered around what a big drug addict she was. So, long story short, this woman did nothing productive in her life for herself or the community. Did I mention that she had a dead beat son that also died of an overdose? Because of all that, Larry King has a special tonight at 9:00 examining her life. I want to meet the person that says, "oh, that sounds interesting" and destroy them. I would like to close out with a Jim Carrey quote from an old SNL that I will direct to Anna Nicole Smith: "I'll see you in hell".

A Convenient Truth?

This is kind of a hollow post, as it is less about my opinions and more about wanting to get yours. I guess you could debate whether global warming is real or an actual threat by ranting and giving links, but here's what has come to my attention:

Every day now for the past two or so months on Drudge Report there has been some quote from a Democrat about global warming, whether it's about forming a group to study it, or passing some sort of law, or whatever the hell. It doesn't take a complete moron to see the weird sudden interest and alert that's taking place. Did they all go see "An Inconvenient Truth" together and THEN decide, "You know what? Al Gore is right. We're killing the Earth. Let's put a stop to that now, because before Al Gore made a movie, it didn't exist,"? Is this what they're falling back on now to win votes for 2008? It's just awkward.

Vox Populi: Gems of the Week

It was a great week for the Gems. I had so much to choose from, so I threw in a lot more submissions. Here they are, your Gems of the Week:

Dishonorable Mention:
"I have an idea for a reality show called Trading Places. Those in Congress opposed to raising minimum wages would trade jobs and salaries with the minimum wage earner. Walk a mile in my shoes, Senator."
- That name is already taken. I’ve got an idea for a show. It’s called, “I Should Have Paid Attention In School.” It stars you.

Dishonorable Mention:
"Super Bowl, super hype. There was less than fifteen minutes of actual football action in that three hour extravaganza."
- Wrong. There were exactly sixty minutes of football action.

Dishonorable Mention:
"I won't be attending either high tea or hip-hop. I'm somewhere in between."
- “I’m too complex to be lumped into one category. I’m so unique. I can’t just check one box. I’m special.”

Dishonorable Mention:
"People who smoke ought to have to wear a bubble over their heads. Then other people wouldn't have to smell it and it might do away with cigarette butts."
- That is the dumbest idea I’ve ever heard.

Dishonorable Mention:
"Where are the police, the D.O.T. or representative Buddy Carter to help us out with I-95 at 5 p.m.? People are using the shoulder of the road to merge onto exit 109. We need help."
- “Oh my gosh! We need help over here! People area driving CRAAAAZY! Get Buddy Carter out here to direct traffic!”

Dishonorable Mention:
"The Super Bowl is nothing but a game. It makes me sick that people act like something big is happening."
- Shut up.

Dishonorable Mention:
"Let Mexico annex the U.S. That way we will solve the illegal immigrant problem and the terrorists can attack Mexico."
- I take it back. THIS is the dumbest idea I’ve ever heard.

Third Runner-up:
"As long as you can give CEOs enormous bonuses and salaries just because they are a status symbol, you cannot justify not paying the American worker more fairly. It is a seriously lopsided system that needs reworking."
- The system is fine. If you’re working and you don’t think you’re getting paid enough, ask for a raise. If you don’t get it, work somewhere else. CEOs don’t become CEOs just by looking good in suits.

Second Runner-up:
"I am appalled Tybee Island can pay $7 million to purchase a campground but cannot afford to repair roads. Orange spray paint marks warning spots and that is pathetic."
- That orange spray paint is from the Tybee Marathon this past weekend, dumbass.

First Runner-up:
"My 10-year-old son got off the school bus in tears because his bus driver turned in front of another vehicle. What is wrong with First Student? Our kids are scared and crying."
- Your son is a total wuss. I mean it; call the wah-mbulance. Get him a Whine-ikein. Take him to McDonald’s for a wah-burger and some french-cries. What a pansy!

And your Gem of the Week:
"Taxi cabs in Savannah are a disgrace. Are there no government authorities that inspect them for cleanliness or comfort?"
- No, but I’m sure a “Savannah-Chatham County Metropolitan Department of Taxis, Pedi-cabs and Rickshaws Authority” is being formed as we speak. The operation will be funded by taxing the cabbies, who in turn will charge higher fares, but at least you’ll be comfortable.

Happy Friday, folks.

We're Number Two!!

According to SMN, Savannah's diocese has been ranked 2nd in the nation. 3 reasons for this, in my opinion:

- Having a conservative approach on the inside (there is little hand-holding or guitar-playing, the priests are Irish instead of gay), while preserving a "live and let live" approach on the outside (saying Goddamn a lot, drinking PBR, not having to read the Bible, BC & SVA, St. Patrick's Day, etc.). This, in my opinion, is Catholicism at its finest.

- Southerners are typically more religious than the rest of the country, because we do "weird" things like preserve traditions that have always worked and care about weird things like the difference between right and wrong. We're just weird and backwards like that.

- More Mexicans in South Georgia

Good job Savannah.

BMBS Turns Two

Due to all the recent upheaval over BC's administration, the Democratic controlled congress, the continuing war in Iraq, the sliding quality of the Abercorn Carey Hilliards, and the nuke going off in Los Angeles, we almost missed our beloved blog's second birthday. I know I wasn't there at the beginning, but by the grace of our founders, I was given my chance.

It was February 7, 2005 when Beach Music and Boat Shoes swaggered its way into cyberspace to stand up against liberal illogic, hair gel, and the like. This year we face new threats, namely the ones listed above. Our role has become even more important in the face of our enemies, old and new.

Celebrate, but remain vigilant. Happy Birthday, BMBS.

(Also, it's only 38 days until St. Patricks Day.)

Chuck Norris Now Gives a Roundhouse Kick to the Face of Abortion

Norris isn't just a mindless butt kicker; he puts some thought into the fight of good versus evil. Just look at some of his quotes.

"The primacy of a woman's rights prevailed and the rights of the unborn were not only abandoned, but their nature legally reduced to nonhuman. "

"And guilt and accountability are often subsided by an interchange in language: instead of baby we say fetus; instead of killing we say aborting; instead of dissect we say research; instead of extermination chambers we say abortion clinics – ad nauseam."

Norris does have his faults. An illegitimate child, cheating on his wife, and various other day to day Hollywood scandals. But, everyone can do penance... and he still knows a good fight when he sees one.

Next on the list: Iran.

After writing this article Chuck Norris promised to stop washing his clothes in the ocean. The tsunamis were killing people. (A bad joke copied from a Chuck Norris website.)

New Name, Same Great Taste

Most of ya'll know that my favorite all-around place to eat in Athens by far is Achim's K-Bob. Back in the Fall, Achim changed his restaurant's name to "Uncle Otto's European Eatery" (this was a crucial event that I forgot to mention in last month's year in review).

Seeing that I talk to Achim about once a week (he's known me on a first-name basis since the Spring of 2004), he told me the reason for the name change is that he plans to start franchising in the near future, and there was some problem with the "K-Bob" trademark or something. Either way, he says a Savannah location may be in the works, possibly downtown, which means yet another Friday spot for me, Joe, Leonard, and Will. I did tell Achim he should try and place the store within a 2-minute walk of the Army Corp. of Engineers so that Stephen Bruce can come too. He says he'll try.

Anyway, here's the infamous commercial with newly-modified lyrics to reflect the name change:

Vox Populi: Gems of the Week

Before global warming kills us all, enjoy the Gems of the Week.

Dishonorable Mention:
"Congratulations to Serena Williams on an outstanding performance at the Australian Open."
- Serena Williams doesn’t read the Savannah Morning News.

Dishonorable Mention:
"Why do you have to pay court fees for traffic court if you opt not to go to court but just pay your fine? It seems like you should get a deal if you don't waste the court's time."
- One would think so, but you have to pay court fees because this is a government operation. Government employees are not paid to use reason or discretion.

Dishonorable Mention:
"It's impossible to build skyscrapers in Savannah because there is not a solid enough bedrock. It can't support the weight. Besides, skyscrapers would be incongruous with this setting. Move to Atlanta if you want skyscrapers."
- Be honest; you just called in to use the word incongruous.

Dishonorable Mention:
"Whatever happened to vehicle inspection? Everyday I see cars with only one taillight, no blinkers, headlights shining into the trees, and many other infractions. It would be nice to have inspections back."
- Why do you care?

Second Runner-up:
"I hate the automated reminders of doctors appointments. What if a child answers the phone? Would they be able to receive the message and relate it to the person the appointment is for?"
- Would it really be that hard for a kid to relate to you that you have a doctor’s appointment? “Mom, you’ve got a doctor’s appointment tomorrow… Yeah, the doctor… You know, the guy in the white coat that looks in your ears… No, not him… The guy you always say you wish was my daddy… That guy… You have an appointment tomorrow… At noon... Right when The Bold and the Beautiful comes on… Yes, noon.”

First Runner-up:
"After reading last week's Vox about parking tickets, I checked four cars that park regularly in one block and they all had old parking tickets displayed on their dash."
- Listen, douche, quit helping the parking Nazis. And if I see you touch my car, I’ll kick your ass.

And your Gem of the Week:
"Advance warning to the kissing bandits on St. Patrick's Day: Keep in mind that every man in uniform you run up to may not want to be kissed. If you get pushed away rather roughly, don't get angry."
- Just TRY and find two men who don’t want to be kissed on St. Patrick’s Day. If you happen to find two men like that, introduce them so they can go get coffee together or something.

Happy Friday, folks.

Kickass Reagan Quote, #431

Today's quote comes from the 1980 campaign:

Reporter: Governor, just what exactly is your strategy for dealing with the Soviet Union?

Reagan: We win. They lose.