SnakeRiverLib

Did you know the original intent of the Federal Minimum Wage?  Well, you can guess, as it was passed by Democrats, that it was structured in some way to hurt black workers.  You would be right. It was originally established to set a "standard wage" .  Of course what history books seem to have lost is that the reason it was 'necessary' is because white workers were having to compete with contractors who brought their own black crews with them, undercutting jobs.  Before the minimum wage, black teenage unemployment was actually lower than white teenage unemployment.  What happened after?  Yeah, you know, it was completely reversed.  So why is the minimum wage so harmful? Can we talk?  First, the real minimum wage is $0.  That is right, that is what an employee earns after they have been replaced, or their position eliminated.  Did you know that less than 1% of minimum wage workers are supporting themselves, or a family?   It is for entry level positions, not for p

No, this is not a rant, though it easily could be.  This is a minute section of the code that I am talking about, and I mean minute, but it demonstrates very clearly the problem with layering law upon law. In my Democracy class, one of the assignments that I am doing is choosing an article in the Federal Register, and commenting on it.  If you are not aware of the Federal Register, it is where proposed regulations, laws, and rule changes are posted for a period of time for comment, prior to implementation.  Did you know about the Federal Register?  Most don't, and of those that do, few take the time to read and comment on it. So what has got me going on this evening?  The IRS, of course.  Of course the proposed change is a good thing, but that it even needed to be done is ridiculous.  If you want to read it, here is the link.  Enjoy, I didn't.  https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/11/23/2018-25538/estate-and-gift-taxes-difference-in-the-basic-exclusion-amount#add

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Of course I am inserting politics into this holiday.  Nothing like sitting down to dinner with someone who talks about the collective action of the pilgrims and the indians and how they worked together to have their bountiful harvest.  Well, that story line is crap.  Just like the idea that Robin Hood is the model for socialism by robbing the rich and giving to the poor.  That is so not how the legend went, but thanks to the retelling by progressives over the last century, that is what it has evolved into.  To clear that one up.  Robin Hood liberated money that the government had stolen from the people and gave it back to them.  Bernie tries to make himself as Robin Hood, but really he is the Sheriff of Nottingham. Back to our story. The pilgrims were looking for a land that they could worship as they will.  They tried Holland, but the different language and culture was something that they didn't want to deal with, so they got a charter from the c

When the Constitution was written and ratified, the Founders knew that it would only survive if those who served, and the populace in general were a righteous people.  There is no place in a republic, or a democracy, for those who are dishonest, are thieves, or worse.  Democracy is only as solid as its foundation on the rule of law.  As that erodes, it usually becomes ripe for a despot.  Donald Trump is no despot, contrary to what the media and the Democrats would tell you.  Does a despot tear down regulation?  Does a despot complain about inaction by the legislature, or Congress?  You may say, "well, Phil, not at first",  So far, Mr. Trump does not appear to me to be the one to take up the power wielded by his predecessors and expand it like each of them did.  Of course, it is only two years, so we will have to see. There are two groups that are despised by the people worse than Trump.  They are the Media, and Congress.  Can't do anything about the Media, though a lo