Enjoy the sound of a bureaucrat trying to convince people her role is useful, and that the US ought to be involved in other peoples' affairs.

Ante up!

For two perspectives on this story, check these links:

http://www.voanews.com/english/2006-08-04-voa13.cfm

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/10/20/politics/main957660.shtml (note the leftward lean on the CBS story)

for details on the minimum wage and the pension plan law (why is the federal government involved in private pensions?) look here:

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-senate4aug04,0,1424638.story?... (but remember, it's the LA Times)

Enjoy the weekend!

As John DiStaso, of the NH Union Leader, reported in his "Granite Status" column, John McCain, Hillary Rob'em Clinton, and John Sununu were said to have engaged in drinking competitons while in Estonnia, on the public dime.

Anyone remember Johnny Mccain calling baseball executives in to Congress last year to testify on steriod use in their PRIVATE sport? We thought we all had to be examples for kids, Senator McCain...

El G and Dr. Weller investigate the minimum wage, and the leftist perspective on forcing business to pay more, forcing customers to pay more, and breaking the Constitution.

For more from the CAP, go to www.AmericanProgess.org

More, on the wonders of central bank manipulation of the value of money. Whether it is a licensed bank or the federal government is irrelevant, what one wants it PRIVATE banks free to issue competing currencies, not a monopoly doing so.

The Case Against the Fed

What Has Government Done to Our Money? Case for the 100 Percent Gold Dollar

The pop media have been hammering the fact that the housing market is "slowing down", but what they don't tell you is WHY.

This is part one of two.

As mentioned in this article: http://msnbc.msn.com/id/14020234/?GT1=8307
Senate Jucidiary Committee Chairman Arlen Spectre is prepared to bring suit against the Bush Administration over the so-called "Signing Statements" Bush has applied to over 750 bills he has signed into law. These statements are expressions by the President of an understood prerogative of the President -- to NOT enforce certain laws. In US history many Presidents have decided that their oath to uphold the Constitution overruled the laws written by Congress. This audio segment explains the situation.

That is not to say that Bush is a keen Constitutionalist.

Mr. Kanning was arrested this morning by armed federal agents who invaded his home and threw him to the floor. He was brought to the Federal Building at 55 Pleasant St, in Concord (ironic street name, isn't it?)

His charges will most likely include cirminal tresspass, which is interesting, because the IRS is considered to be a private corporation, but has protection by federal troops. Strange, isn't it?

http://hammeroftruth.com/2006/07/31/feds-raid-home-of-free-stater/

The US House yesterday voted to increase the minimum wage, giving leftists a temporary victory by attaching the proposal to the elimination of the estate tax.

Here is the report, from the "Washington Post":

"The House, at about 1:30 a.m. yesterday, voted 230 to 180 to raise the minimum wage to $7.25 an hour, from the $5.15 rate on the books since 1997. The bill also would exempt from taxation all estates worth as much as $5 million -- or $10 million for a married couple -- and apply a 15 percent tax rate to inheritances above that threshold and as much as $25 million. For estates exceeding $25 million in value, the tax rate would be 30 percent."

In response to a letter to the NH "Union Leader", Gardner Goldsmith took hold of the issue of Net Neutrality, and explained what neutrality really means.

Rock on with the downloads, cats.

Great thanks to Mr. Ebell, of the Competitive Enterprise Institute (www.cei.org).

On Friday, July 28, "Against the Grain" was proud to welcome Myron Ebell, of the Competitive Enterprise Institute (www.cei.org), to discuss the impending polemics that will undoubtedly be directed at oil companies for "excessive profits". Interesting term, isn't it?

On Thursday, July 27, Todd joined Gardner on "Against the Grain" to discuss the resignation of Mass Turnpike Authority Head Matt Amarello, and the latest on the safety of the tunnels, including the fact that safety concerns were aired years ago.

Many thanks to Todd Feinburg!

On Thursday, July 27, Mass Turnpike Authority Head Matt Amarello resigned before he was forced from his position. Load this file to hear the reaction on "Against the Grain" to one of the major stories of the week.

For more information on this important issue, refer to this piece from ABC News.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=1973051

US District Judge Matthew F. Kennelly ruled Tuesday that there was no standing for a suit blocking ATT from handing phone records of its customers to the US government during the so-called "war on terror".

This is a troubling development, since this judge is supposed to be versed on the law, and ruling on matters of law. Since we are not LEGALLY at WAR, it is vexing to think that a judge could overlook that fact.

Check out the link!

http://abcnews.go.com/US/Terrorism/wireStory?id=2235480

On Tuesday, July 25, terrorism and security expert Ilana Freidman joined Gardner Goldsmith to discuss the recent history of the Isrealia-Hezbollah conflict, why she feels it is important for US security, and what Condoleeza Rice and the President are doing to resolve the problems in those far off lands.

Thanks to Ms. Freidman. For more information on the Gerard Group, visit www.gerardgroup.com.

This is part one of two.

On Monday, July 24, Seth Cohn joined Gardner to discuss his piece in the Concord Monitor's Blog site. he also mentioned that the glorious Big Dig Ceiling Bolts were at times held in place by DUCT TAPE.

For more, visit these sites:

Seth's Piece: http://www.conmon.com/drupal/blog_entry/seth_cohn/keeping_mitts_mitts_of...

For info on the Duct Tape Tunnels:
http://news.bostonherald.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=149395

Part two of our conversation with Mr. Carney. Adam Smith would enjoy his book.

The Big Ripoff: How Big Business and Big Government Steal Your Money

In this, part one of two, Mr. Carney (Warren Brookes fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, contributor to Human Events, and frequent guest on CNN and MSNBC) joins El G Grande to discuss how big businesses use the corrupt political system in Washington to gain benefits at the expense of consumers and competitors.

His new book, "Big Ripoff" is available now!

Remember, there is a distinction between capitalism and mercantilism. Those who denounce capitalism are often misinformed. Freedom and free markets cannot be separated. Freedom requires government to get out of influincing business.

The Big Ripoff: How Big Business and Big Government Steal Your Money