Utah's Arch » Economics

Occupied

Travis Grant — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:02:36 +0000

Here’s a little Utah news that you might not know about, but hopefully find interesting.

A company with a large employee base in Utah will be protested by Occupy LA, Occupy Oakland, and maybe even Occupy Seattle.

Who are they protesting? SSA Marine

When? Today.

Why? Because the Occupy movement claims that SSA Marine is owned by Goldman-Sachs.

I know this in part because I work for SSA Marine. I have worked with them for 8 years now and it has been a great company to work for.

But the point of this piece to show how ill-informed the Occupy movement is. First, SSA Marine is not owned by Goldman-Sachs. About 6 years ago, Goldman-Sachs purchased 49% of the shares SSA Marine’s parent company, Carrix Corporation. The other 51% is owned by the Smith-Hemingway family. The family has and always will maintain controlling rights of Carrix Corporation, because it is a family business.

That’s right, a family business. Occupy isn’t protesting a big corporation, but instead they are protesting a family business, that hires people to get a job done and thus supporting other families.

That is just one of the many lies that Occupy is operating under. If they do know the facts, then they are lying. If they don’t they are operating under a false premise. I could share other examples of misinformation in the protest, but I think this is a good enough example of the lies being told.

One other important note. Occupy is only protesting SSA Marine. Not any of the other ports along the west coast. If you are in the ocean shipping industry then you probably know that SSA Marine is the only terminal operator in the United States that is owned by a United States based company.

So, in my eyes, Occupy isn’t protesting for a better America. They are protesting the heart of America. Home-grown American business, with American employees who are working hard to feed their families.

Prior to this incident, I didn’t give much thought the Occupy than an annoyance. Now, I know full well that they aren’t for the America that I believe in.

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Balance the Budget but Don’t Amend

Travis Grant — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 06:38:55 +0000

I support a balanced budget. I have balanced my budget. My wife have been living a debt free lifestyle for over 3 years now. It was a tough road, but well worth the effort. We have to cut back. I can’t buy all the toys that I want, and our children don’t wear the most fashionable clothing. However, we manage to rough life with some nice things, and we are happy.

I support our government living with a balanced budget. We need to get our government back in line, and we need to stop the excessive spending of money that we do not have.

If you follow the Republican Party in Utah, the phrase of the day is Balance the Budget. It’s a great theme to run a campaign on. It’s something that most of us can agree on. I admit I agree with it. However, most politicians, included my most favored candidate for the new 4th district, likes to add another word to the phrase balanced budget.

And that word is amendment. Balanced budget amendment is the real catch phrase in Utah Republican politics, and problem in other parts of the United States as well.

However, As I have expressed in the past, I am not a big fan of amending the Constitution. That isn’t to say that I am opposed to any amendment to the Constitution because it is fundamentally wrong. I don’t believe that. There are reasons and times when an amendment is necessary.

The question is now the right time? And is a balanced budge the right reason?

It sure looks like the right time. It sure seems that if we don’t do this now it will never get done. However, the bigger of the two question is whether this is the right thing to do.

Sure, I would love to hold our legislators accountable for their actions. Arguably they are the one’s that got us into this mess.

However, forcing their hand will lead to further corruption.

The only way that you could safely pass a balanced budge amendment is to add certain rules of exceptions. A whole bunch of legalese gobble-dee gook that will mess up the process.

One of those exceptions will surely be for cases of war.

Let’s remember who has the power to declare war. That’s right, the same people who have control over the budget. So, if these people want more money. What is there to stop them from declaring war.

Sound too extreme? Don’t believe it will happen? Remember all the promises made when social security was created. Are any of those promises broken? Has there been any corruptions from that.

I only use ware as one example of the corruption that could develop because of a balanced budget amendment. Our best and only bet to prevent further corruption in the government is to elect good citizens. Men and women whose hearts are in the right place, but also have he will to stand up to the already powerful evils that exist in the government.

Don’t amend. Just elect the right people for the job.

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Open Letter to Carl Wimmer

Travis Grant — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 05:32:49 +0000

I wish that I had something profound to say to you. I would love to tell you that there are things I would like to see happen in this congress. I would like to tell you about something that you could improve on.

However, I can’t.

I can’t because you are doing a great job.

You might be wondering why I am writing to you. First, it’s because I promised you at the beginning of the session that I would. Second, the reason that I made the promise, is because I know you probably get a lot of negative mail. Just like you get a lot of negative press. But I want you to know, that we support you. You are our representative, and we are grateful for it.

So, what do I like about what you are doing?

First, congratulations on the State’s Rights Bill that is dressed up as a gun bill. Don’t ask me what the HB # is, I am too busy to bother with such things, but I believe that you know the one I am talking about. I am glad the Governor Herbert signed it.

Next, I love the bill by Representative Ken Sumsion and Representative Chris Herrod. Using eminent domain to claim our state’s land back is pure genius. I don’t have much hope that it will pass this year, but I look forward to next year and it’s passing. But I want you to know that I support it. Even if litigation is eminent because of it.

Some have accused the Patrick Henry Caucus of too many message bills this past session. They claim that these bills are only on the table so that you can get reelected. I feel that these are people who don’t truly understand the Patrick Henry Caucus, their founders, or their purpose.

Third, Good work on your abortion bill. You saw where there were potential flaws in it, and you were willing to amend it. I am honored to have a man strong enough to propose such legislation, but humble enough to make it good legislation representing me at the State level.

Fourth, and this should probably first on the list. Thanks for supporting no tax increase this year. I know that it can be tough. But I believe that it can be done. My family has had to learn to live on less over the years, and I know that the State can too. Gov. Herbert has my support in his efforts to not raise taxes.

One tax that I am specifically against, and one that is getting a lot of media attentions is the Tobacco Tax. It is a terrible tax, and we should not push it. When you look at the supposed 80% of Utahns who support it, you should also note that a large part of that 80% also said in the same survey that that don’t support a tax increase. Which means, that they don’t mind a tax increase as long as someone else is paying it.

I don’t need to tell you this, because you won’t support it. But I don’t support any tax increase, whether it is on tobacco or anything.

Thanks Carl. And can you please thank that dear wife of yours. I know that she make many sacrifices so that we can have such great representation.

Keep up the good fight.

Sincerely,
Travis Grant
Your #1 Constituent in Precinct 3621

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Is It Charity If It Is Forced?

Travis Grant — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 22:09:19 +0000

It is the season of giving and many people are feeling a little more charitable than usual. many of us donate a little more our favorite organizations. Here where I work we raised money for a coworker whose 1-year-old daughter is struggling with cancer. It’s a good thing.

As I study the concept of charity, I am often taken to Mosiah 4:16-19 where we are counseled to care for the needy. It is important for us to care for those who need our help. It is an important principle of the gospel.

So, why not support the welfare system?

Pyrolitical offers a great explanation of why government isn’t the proper way to care for others. Prior to reading this article, I understood what they refer to as Strikes #1 and #2. When we are forced to care for others it really isn’t charity. When we are forced to care for others we aren’t afforded the opportunity to grow (either as the giver or as the receiver).

I am greatful for this article from Pyrolitical because it offers me a greater understanding of charity and why government as the means to perform charity is wrong. First, I am struck by strike three (yeah, I am cheesy enough to use that pun). Government mandated charity separates the giver from the receiver. It opens doors for the receiver to want more. It also closes a door for the giver to want to give more. It becomes antithetical.

Further, I appreciated how they explained that:

In an act of charity, the giver is exalted as they see or become aware of someone in want and reach within themselves to find a way to satisfy that person’s want of their own means. Often this act requires the giver to humble themselves and to reach further than may be comfortable in order to give, in other words, to make a sacrifice. This sacrifice empowers the giver to more fully recognize the great abundance with which he has been blessed. Serving others also carries with it the natural by-product of an increased love for all mankind. This occurs because one has copied the Lord’s example of serving others.

And they recognize that the giver is also blessed in charity:

Conversely, those who are in want are exalted because of the potential for great spiritual growth through first, increased humility in the giving of thanks and the showing of gratitude for the care and support, and secondly, through the humbling act of requesting help from an individual or organization. Through this process of receiving, the receiver draws closer to the Savior, by realizing he is not alone, and that God is looking out for him through His other children.

As we near the end of another great year and a season of giving. Let’s remember that our service to our fellow men brings us together as a people. All are blessed when we voluntarily give to others.

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Herbert Takes Over the Reins

Travis Grant — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 23:02:34 +0000

It’s about the only thing in the news today. Jon Hunstman was sworn in as the U.S. Ambassador to China, and Gary Herbert was sworn in as the 17th Governor of the State of Utah. In my opinion this is a win-(hopefully)win situation for Utah.

Governor Huntsman was a moderate. He was well liked by the state, but he wasn’t the governor that I would have chosen to lead this state. His departure opens the door for the more politically conservative Gary Herbert.

I have written in the past about two separate incidents where Herbert had looked like the conservative that I would like, and the liberal that I would not like. So, I listened to his inaugural address with an open mind hoping to hear the political direction he plans on taking this state.

While I applaud his emphasis on the economy and on education. This wasn’t what I was paying attention to. These are two great goals, and I hope for the best on both. What I am interested in is what Herbert’s approach will be accomplishing his goals.

So, let’s look at his own words to determine his direction. First he says, “To protect our existing jobs, we must maintain a healthy business climate, a well-educated and highly skilled workforce, and competitive tax rates.” Here he recognizes the important connect between education and the economy. He also comments that a competitive tax rate is important for thriving business. So far, I am impressed with his approach.

However, he gives me pause when he says, “My commitment to you is that, first and foremost, we will recognize the great significant importance of our own local businesses and work with you for your continued success.” While he isn’t specific, I wonder just how much does he plan on working with them. If he plans on subsidizing and industry, then I am opposed. But if he is looking to create better education or more skilled labor then we might be able to agree.

However, his speech does lean to wards some great free enterprise and limited government statements that I liked. Here are just a few:

I believe in free enterprise, the risk and reward system that some call capitalism. But “free enterprise” is best characterized as “freedom.” I believe in empowering the private sector… As we work together, Utah will continue to be a leader in promoting free enterprise.

Later he states:

We can, and we must, develop our natural resources, but we must do it responsibly and with an eye to our children’s future.

We will not forget our duty to be good stewards of our land and protectors of our environment. Clean air and clean water are something we all value. The Utah quality of life is greatly enhanced by our beautiful canyons, our stunning mountains, and our incomparable red rock deserts. Protecting our extraordinary natural wonderment and meeting our pressing energy needs are not mutually exclusive goals.

He expresses his limited government approach by declaring:

let me also affirm that I believe in the appropriate – but limited – role of government. I believe that what government we have ought to be well-run and efficient. As stated by former President Ronald Reagan in his farewell address, “There’s a clear cause and effect here that is as neat and predictable as a law of physics: As government expands, liberty contracts.” As Governor, I will lead the charge for government efficiencies in all that we are tasked to do.

He also affirms his belief in a self-reliant society by stating:

I believe in self reliance. This pertains to both the individual and the State. As a nation we seem to be drifting from a culture of self reliance. Government entitlement can never substitute for individual responsibility or for the inherent roles of family, neighborhood and community.

And finally, and this is a very important one to me:

I also affirm my support for the principle and importance of state’s rights. We should never forget that we, as a nation of United States, created the federal government, not the other way around.

While I am still hesitant to declare Herbert as the conservative that we need to govern Utah. I am very hopeful based on his inaugural address. Only time will tell, but so far Herbert has impressed me.

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The House that Herbert Built

Travis Grant — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:27:28 +0000

Two weeks ago, I was praising Lt. Governor Gary Herbert for his willingness to stand up against the Western Governor Association. Yet, today we find him cow tailing to his friends in the Utah Association of Realtors.

On Tuesday, Herbert announced plans to extend another stimulus package for home buyers. While the details are still vague and we don’t know what the package will include, whatever the package is, it is not the right thing to do.

At best, this looks like Herbert is scratching the backs of his friends. At worst, this is corruption at its worst. Herbert is a past president of the Utah Association of Realtors, so this really starts to smell.

The legislator recently passed a similar bill which was signed by Governor Huntsman. We have yet to see the results of this stimulus, yet our government is already talking about passing more. The only reason I can see for seeking more money for home buyers is the make Realtors happy. My guess is we will see a huge donation by that organization to Herbert’s 2010 campaign.

Is the word stimulus the government word of the day. All politician like to exclaim how they are going to stimulate the economy. Even though it may go against the principles of their party, they think they can save the economy. In my very limited understanding this is a Keynesian approach to economic recovery.

I won’t be so self-important as to act like I understand Keyensian Economics. But my understanding is that one of the principle of this theory is that government infusion of money into a market will help the market. However, as Frank Staheli points out in this excellent piece on Keynesian Economics, most of Keynes’ theories have proven false. Government involvement in the free market leads to failure.

I have been tentative about showing support for Herbert. And I am glad that I did. After his forthrightness at the Western Governors Association meeting, I was thinking that I might become a supporter. However, this one proposal may have pushed me back on to the fence, and maybe on to the other side. I am not going to fight against him just yet, but I will be watching Herbert closely to see exactly what he does.

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Noah, Nephi, and Today

Travis Grant — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 05:24:44 +0000

I really wasn’t sure what to write about today. I have had a few ideas but couldn’t decide. Then as I read from the Book of Mormon during our family devotional time this evening, I knew what I had to write about. But before I offer my insights from the Book of Mormon, please take a moment to watch this video.

For some more information and insights into the video, check out Kathryn Skagg’s blog.

After watching that video, I was impressed by what our family read during our devotional. We read Helaman 7. The verses the particularly struck me were verses 4-6. I will copy them here:

4 And seeing the people in a state of such awful wickedness, and those Gadianton robbers filling the judgment-seats—having usurped the power and authority of the land; laying aside the commandments of God, and not in the least aright before him; doing no justice unto the children of men;

5 Condemning the righteous because of their righteousness; letting the guilty and the wicked go unpunished because of their money; and moreover to be held in office at the head of government, to rule and do according to their wills, that they might get gain and glory of the world, and, moreover, that they might the more easily commit adultery, and steal, and kill, and do according to their own wills—

6 Now this great iniquity had come upon the Nephites, in the space of not many years;

As my wife was reading these verses I was struck with how well this describes today. Let’s look at it more closely.

And those Gadianton robbers filling the judgment-seats—having usurped the power and authority of the land. I think it is very obvious that many of our leaders in this world are corrupt. We have judges who legislate from the bench. And many of our leaders feel they are above the law, because they are the law. One example might be Senator Craig who found himself in trouble for soliciting in a public bathroom.

Laying aside the commandments of God, and not in the least aright before him. We currently have a system that believes that a moral basis for law is unethical. They no longer want to look to the Bible (or any other religious texts) for information on how we might govern should govern ourselves, because then we are imposing our will on others. They are forgetting that it isn’t my will. It is God’s will.

Doing no justice unto the children of men. There are so many ways that this is happening today. Starting with the stimulus package of President Obama which will place a terrible financial burden on our children and ending with abortion, our children are hurting sorely for justice.

Condemning the righteous because of their righteousness. Again there are countless examples of this today. In a very public way this is seen by those who are against gay marriage. They are publicly and viciously condemned. To a more individual front, where people proudly display a sticker in their truck window that says “SINNER.” Our society truly calls good evil and evil good.

Letting the guilty and the wicked go unpunished because of their money. I don’t think you need to go much further than Hollywood or even Washington D.C. to find examples of evil getting off without punishment because they have a little money. I will site O. J. Simpson as one example, and leave you to come up with more.

Letting the guilty and the wicked . . . [hold] office at the head of government, to rule and do according to their wills, that they might get gain and glory of the world, and, moreover, that they might the more easily commit adultery, and steal, and kill, and do according to their own wills. As I discussed this with my wife, she mentioned President Clinton. I thought of the recent acts of the Governor of South Carolina, Mark Sanford. Theft is also rampant amongst many of our nations leaders.

And last, but certainly not least, actually probably quite the opposite. So, last and perhaps the most important point: Now this great iniquity had come upon the Nephites, in the space of not many years. Nephi wrote this in approximately 26 B.C. This was roughly 50 years after the height of the Nephite nation in Ancient America. After Mosiah had established a society ruled by judges and the voice of the people, instead the dictatorial rule of previous kings.

Let’s compare this to American history. Roughly 50 years ago, life was good in America. Freedom was strong, we had struggled through several battles, just like the Nephites, but everything seemed like Ozzie and Harriet.

Then the “60′s revolution” took place. The 60′s was a rebellion against the morality of their parents. It was a time of throwing of the shackles of religion and tradition. Now we see ourselves fighting for freedom from an oppressive government just like the ancient Nephites.

History has repeated itself in the past; the Nephite were like the time of Noah. History is repeating itself; we are like the Nephites. I don’t wish to be an apocolitic person. It really isn’t in my nature. But the signs of the times are now. We must do as the video above suggests; we must prepare. We must prepare both spiritually and temporally. I am more convinced of that today than I ever have been.

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To B(ailout) or Not to B(ailout)?

Travis Grant — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:38:07 +0000

You have all read about this, you are probably sick and tired of reading about this. But this is something that I have become passionate enough about to call my Senators on. I have even commented on them at Chris Cannon’s Blog. I am still waiting for them to be posted.

Listening to President Bush’s explanation, I was struck with something. This is all about credit.

Am I the only person here who believes that we can have economic stability without credit? As I have mentioned before, I am Debt Free. I have managed to get along quite well in my life without racking up much debt. It’s actually quite refreshing that I have few financial obligations to another person.

Some might argue that it isn’t feasible to run a business without debt. But the fact is I know of several organizations from small to big that have run debt free operations. Some examples are Expeditors International, The Kid’s know it Network (h/t: Hiram), and the Jason for Congress Campaign. I am sure there are others, but these are one’s that I have personal knowledge of. Each of these have also run very successfully.

I have said it before, we are operating under a false economy. And while I was too timid then to call it, I almost wanted to predict the failure of our economy when I wrote that. However, I have felt for a long time that this was coming.

It’s just maddening that this whole bailout is about credit. This makes me even more adement that we must not pass this bill. So mad that I call my Senators. Unfortunately, none of our congress men have made a decision on the issue. You have got to be kidding me. In a nation where a clear majority of the citizen are opposed to a bail out. You can’t make a decision. This is just another example of the elitism in D.C. It must stop.

It appears from everything I can see that America is willing to take the lumps on this one. We don’t care how much it hurts. Let us pay the price and have our economy struggle for a while. Better to pay the price now then to pay for it later.

It drives me crazy to think that this socialist concept is going to happen. We need to do everything we can to stop with bail out. Please write, call, email, scream at your Senators and Congressmen to put a stop to this. If they don’t then, the simple action is to vote against them the next chance that you get. I know that I will.

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Macro and Micro Government Power

Travis Grant — Sat, 24 May 2008 12:30:17 +0000

Michael Williams posted about his opinion on whether local governments should have the right to fine people for unkempt yards. And while, I think that a lot of these city ordinances are getting out of hand, I generally agree with him.

Simply put I like to divide the government into Macro- and Micro-level roles. The Macro-government is the federal government. The micro-government is typified by cities and towns.

the level of control they should be allowed to exert is directly related to the level at which they govern. The feds should be primarily worried about military, economy, and interstate relations. Their concern should be about the larger issues that truly effect our nation as a whole.

Cities can worry about such things as lawn length, dog licenses and neighbor relations. While I think that their should be some very significant checks on many of these ordinances, there is some room for them to consider such laws.

Another level that could be considered is Mid-level government. Counties and States have a concern for more mid-level laws like education and roads. Again we are looking at those items that fall between the federal government purview and the local government.

That is a very oversimplification of things. But I have been wanting to post about this for a while, so I appreciate the unintended encouragement from Michael Williams.

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Utah Legislatures Oppose Immigration Act

Travis Grant — Mon, 21 May 2007 12:43:33 +0000

I recently received this press release from Representative Carl Wimmer of District 52. He asked me to share it with my readers and to let you know that several other representatives have endorsed this release. So, I will post it here for your thoughts, and of course, I have to share some of my thoughts.

Key Utah Legislators oppose The Border Security and Immigration Reform Act of 2007

As Legislators in the Utah House of Representatives we stand together to call upon our Senate and Congressional delegation to oppose the Border Security and Immigration Reform Act which the senate will be hearing this week.

This so-called “Immigration Reform” highlights the failure of our federal government, to protect our sovereign rights as a country. Instead of enforcing the current laws passed by Congress and signed in 1996, the current Congress seems determined to vote on new laws that will most likely not be enforced. It is truly government at its worst.

Unfortunately Congress is too often willing to accept poor law simply because there are a few quality compromises within it. In this comprehensive and lengthy bill, Title’s I, II and III are outstanding pieces of legislation and completely worthy of support. These titles deal with the realities of the situation at hand and would increase the enforcement of our current laws. They would clearly create greater security for our country but unfortunately the bills up side end in Title III.

With the sole exceptions of the above three titles, the Border Security and Immigration Reform Act is nothing more than an all out blanket amnesty bill. The law is aimed at giving a complete, quick and lawful status to those who have broken our country’s law’s (sic), does (sic) the rule of law mean nothing anymore?

We reject such amnesty, as a reward for those who have lied, cheated and broken the rules to get into our country. Such a plan gives preference to those who have violated the law over those who have followed the law and patiently await legal entrance into the United States. The message we are sending is that if you break the law you will be rewarded.

As Utah legislators, we must continually deal with the complete and utter failure of the federal government to secure our borders and enforce our current laws. It is incomprehensible that Congress would propose another amnesty plan after the dismal failure of the 1986 amnesty that has helped lead us to this point.

A recent estimation in regards to the cost of amnesty and earned citizenship for just 7.9 million amnesty recipients would be $2.4 trillion, a cost that must be born by the American taxpayer. It is unconscionable that any legislator could vote for a measure of this magnitude without knowing and debating all the costs involved.

The Border Security and Immigration Reform Act has a few quality ideas which may help alleviate the current immigration problem, unfortunately most of the bill is corrupted with ideas such as amnesty and rewarding those who blatantly broke our laws. If this bill passes, we will never again be able to say to our children and grand-children that cheaters never win. It is our belief that no responsible elected official would consider voting for this fraud which is being offered as “comprehensive reform” in the U.S Senate.

Before I make comment, I must admit that I haven’t read the Act, and I probably won’t bother reading it. It has become apparent to me that for some reason the men and women in the U.S. Congress and the President want illegal aliens in this country. So, no amount of familiarizing myself with bogus legislation will help.

I have read some items that explain it and I have listened to several commentaries that are against the bill. From what I hear and have read, I think that this bill should not be voted for.

I don’t support amnesty and I strongly feel that a large portion of illegal aliens in this country need to be returned home. However, I do feel that there is a certain part of this country that would be devastated without the extra labor forces that are provided by illegal aliens. That being said, I don’t think that the Z-Visa is the answer.

I think that stricter punishments on employers who knowingly hire illegal aliens, and stricter punishments on illegal aliens who forge documents to get employment is needed. At this point enforcing such laws has become a near impossibility. So, we need to close the borders immediately and enforce the closure very strictly. Then we need to get a firm grip on the illegal aliens that are here.

The illegal aliens that are found need to have one of the following happen:

1) They need to be sent home. This is an absolute for those who are involved in any criminal activity, barring immigration related crimes, and who haven’t shown that they are contributing to our nation for the good.

2) They must serve some jail time. I would recommend at least a year, but whatever we have currently on the books that is more than a year would be acceptable. Upon their release they must pay a hefty fine (I think this Act calls for $5000, and that sound good). However, this should be reserved only for people who are contributing members to the society. This means that they have a job, they haven’t committed any crimes, and they aren’t on any welfare roles.

Again, I really don’t know much about the Act that is being argued against. I just know how I think the illegal immigration problem should be handled. And from what I hear, I agree with the conservative critics of this bill. It should not be voted into law.

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