Last Updated: Nov 19th, 2009 - 11:07:39 Newsletters : 2005 Newsletters : 20 May 2005 Thought for the Day There are two problems in my life. The political ones are insoluble and the economic ones are incomprehensible. Sir Alec Douglas Home; British Politician 1964 May 17, 2005, 16:51 Newsletters : 2005 Newsletters : 20 May 2005 The Political Economy of Fear Since love and fear can hardly exist together, if we must choose between them, it is far safer to be feared than loved. Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince, 1513 To what extent are we ruled by fear? Fear of global catastrophe has us spending billions on the Kyoto protocol. Fear of old age and poor health makes us vote for politicians who promise to spend even more on health and welfare. Robert Higgs discusses this concept in interesting detail. Gain a new perspective on government. It seems that government is more the problem than the solution! May 17, 2005, 16:14 Newsletters : 2005 Newsletters : 20 May 2005 Sensible Comment on the Budget Budgets should be used to provide direction and incentives to grow the economy which must be for the benefit of all. Cullen fiddles while the proletariat burn. The best comment from this mornings Dom-Post comes from John Sherwin - Chairman of PricewaterhouseCoopers who says, "Nothing in this policy mix encourages hard work, entreprenuership or wealth creation. When it comes to tax rates, the policy framework means that individuals will generally be better off to live and work overseas and companies will aim to generate profits overseas. This is not conducive to increasing work force participation, labour productivity or growing the economy." It is becoming quite clear that this government, despite stated claims to be aiming to put New Zealand in the top half of the OECD Wealth Table, is anti-growth. Roger Kerr has some sensible things to say from his web site. [ Visit Website ] May 12, 2005, 10:31