Reader Comments
Issue 118 - October 22, 2008

Editor: “End of Capitalism?” is a great article. It is unbelievable that so many conservatives bought into an increase in government involvement as an antidote to failed government intervention. It is great to have you holding up the torch of freedom. Pat Nolan, former Republican leader of the California Assembly

Editor: Congratulations on your brilliant historical essay about the current crisis, “End of Capitalism?” F.A. Hayek, Ludwig von Mises and Milton Friedman had it right--the more government intervenes the more serious the crisis becomes. And of course the Left will call for even more intervention. Well done. Lee Edwards, The Heritage Foundation

Editor: Great article in Battleline on the bailout, the “End of Capitalism?” Even better was the con man letter, “Letter From an American Friend.” I hope all goes well. Myron Ebel, Director, Energy and Global Warming Policy at the Competitive Enterprise Institute

Editor: “It is not as if no one foresaw what would happen in face of these governmental actions”--from your editorial “End of Capitalism?”—this says it all! Donna Wiesner Keene

Editor: “End of Capitalism?” was an absolutely wonderful article! You hit the nail on the head. Thank you. Bob Edmons, Anacortes, WA

Editor: Great piece in the new Battleline “End of Capitalism?” and hilarious “letter from Paulson” from Joe Morris. Larry Hart

Editor: Regarding the “End of Capitalism?” funny how the folks responsible for the mess think that it is just another day of scr--ing America and trying to be reelected???? As John F. Kennedy said: “Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable." Dale Alumbaugh

Editor: Your piece the “End of Capitalism?” was great. Showed what true conservatism is! Thanks for the cite. All the best, John Berlau

Editor: “End of Capitalism?” was a very good article. I just don’t see why people have not gotten it yet. I am so afraid for our country. I feel we are doomed. I may not see the end but my grandchildren will. Patty

Editor: As always, splendid analysis of the current fiasco in “End of Capitalism?”! We quite agree and thought perhaps you might find our take on the issue amusing. Cheers, Charlie at www.churchillsparrot.com

Editor: Regarding the “End of Capitalism?” the entire meltdown of our great nation began approximately 75 years ago. The general population of the United States went to sleep and left everything up to the corrupt government they created then and now. I, like so many others I know, began waking up from this coma about 20 years ago. Unfortunately, so many remain asleep and even comatose today. The American dream stopped in 1933 and has digressed to even lower levels since then. One could safely say that the very people we have elected over the past 75 years (and will continue to elect) have literally *STOLEN* the American Dream! Washington has an out-of-control "staff" infection and will die sooner or later. Unfortunately, they have infected a nation of people who don't even get it! How long will Americans tolerate this? We need "new blood" that has a track record of fiscal prudence and those who will consistently vote for constitutional limitations of government, the reduction of big government, the shutdown of the private bank called the Federal Reserve and with it the Internal Revenue Code along with a constitutional amendment for a mandated balanced federal budget and holding EVERYONE in Washington accountable and, when justified, prosecuted to the full extent of the law and imprisoned! It doesn't get any more black and white than that. Sincerely, Catherine Abbitt

Editor: I admire your bluntness and that of your other authors. Thank you. I am totally in agreement with Mark Hendrickson’s article “Government Not Market Failed.” For the past 16 years I have been battling the government from the "takeover" of my corporate entity. The news media (by court order) has denied me access to the public airwaves about this takeover. What has recently occurred with the banks forced to accept government money was similar in nature as to the takeover of my business (and while I'm at it, I wish to point out that I'm not the only corporation who was taken over years ago). My corporation was bought and sold (like a slab of beef) by creditors (both legitimate and fraudulent) and the courts did NOTHING because the players were government officials who profited through these creditors in the same manner that public officials profited from Fannie and Freddie. I agree with Dr. Hendrickson's statement that "Regulators forced lenders to abandon financial prudence in subservience to a political goal". That political goal was a "cash cow" for the politicians without regard to the consequences of a free market. We are ALL now faced with a COMMUNIST regime which IS and HAS BEEN the political goal all along. Sincerely, Ann I. Mural, Cicero, Illinois

Editor: I love the quote in Mike Pence’s “Stop Bailout Plan”: "To have the freedom to succeed, we must preserve the freedom to fail." It will go on my door today! Jeffrey Barth, CPA

Editor: “To Dear American Friend” by “Henry Paulson” is wonderful parody. Rick Barton

Editor: Regarding Kevin Hassetts’ statement in “Dems Killed Crisis Solution,” why isn’t McCain bringing out evidence that he in fact was one of three who warned about this. He should have done a powerpoint presentation yesterday to show the American people how Obama is misleading it was deregulation that was the problem and the people he aligns himself with. It’s like he doesn’t want to win! Candie (Dulce) Suarez

Editor: Thank you for John Nevola’s “CEOs Make Too Much?” I have been saying for years now that why do liberals always seem to denounce corporate executive salaries when in fact the Hollywood elite crowd (all mostly liberals) make outrageous sums of money for just reading a script. Corporate executives have so much more responsibilities than any of those rodeo clowns in Hollywood. That also goes for mega buck sports figures and talking heads on TV. I couldn't agree more with your article. Peter Fraedrich

Editor: With all due respect to the usually insightful Alex Castellanos in his “Obama Needs a Second Act,” Obama has another much more serious problem. His bottom up "change" was a dishonest cover for his top down socialist philosophy. What has happened is that people are now seeing through that. More interesting is the slick way he is laying all the blame for the financial crisis on free market reform when he, as a "community organizer" or agitator, actively participated at the leftist pandering roots of the problem. It reminds me of the man who killed his parents and then demanded the court's clemency on the grounds that he was an orphan. McCain doesn’t seem to get this. Dick Morris says campaigns turn on short, easily stated slogans. How about: My opponent is about change. Bigger government, higher taxes and less freedom sounds like bad change. How about good change like less government, lower taxes, and more freedom? Jack Dixon

Editor: Regarding your “The Palin Hope,” does she support or reject big government? She said both during her debate with Sen. Biden. "Get out of the way Government" vs. "The federal government must have strong oversight over the banking industry." I'm confused on her stance? Also, could you please send me a list of what constitutes "Traditional Values"? I want to make sure I qualify in case I seek a local Pennsylvania GOP nomination. Thanks in advance. Andy Murray

Editor: Thank Alan Caruba in his “A New Ice Age?” for his scientific views. Al Gore should not be mentioned in any scientific connection. G. Nelson