More Libraries

I have suggested that we convert houses seized by the IRS to small libraries. Though the idea is somewhat problematic, it is workable, as long as everyone keeps a sense of humor. In any case, it doesn’t seem like the houses will be returned to the original owners anytime soon. The prospects for that are slim.

I believe that the IRS seizures are inconsistent with the Constitution. They are inconsistent with the original intent and the spirit of the Constitution, if not the exact letter of the law. I don’t recommend that we hastily file a case in federal court so that the Supreme Court can decide whether to speak on the issue. We might persuade five justices to rule in our favor, we might not. Suffice it to note that foreclosure proceedings were comparatively rare at the beginning of the Republic.

It’s something of a tired scam. The socialists destroy the private sector through union negotiations, civil disobedience, an absolute refusal to cooperate, and at times even violence. Meanwhile, their allies in government demand escalating taxes on property. When the economy collapses, the government seizes people’s property and destroys their lives.

George Santayana said that people who don’t understand history are doomed to repeat it. Consider how Italy fell into fascism, a terrible evil. The new socialist experiment in Italy during the 1920’s led to a breakdown in basic services, such as transportation. Mussolini took over on the political promise of making the trains run on time. Fascism eventually failed, but only because of World War II.

We’re at the point now in the U.S. where some sectors have collapsed. Failures are widespread in the banking and insurance industries. Many businesses have closed or are in bankruptcy. Even before the collapse, something like 75% of the volume of trades involved municipalities. Since the collapse, the government has found it necessary to prop up the financial and insurance sectors, and many businesses, too.

In Part II of this series, I’ll explain who bears responsibility for the situation, and why I think we should convert the seized houses to libraries.