On the Government Shutdown…

As investors, we should be thankful for politicians who stand by their convictions and struggle against actions they believe result in our sacrificing freedom for security—even when the “majority” condemn them for “causing trouble”.   

Here is some wisdom about the subject spoken nearly 50 years ago during a time of similar struggles regarding the expansion of central government and welfare programs.

“You and I are told we must choose between a left or right, but I suggest there is no such thing as a left or right. There is only an up or down. Up to man's age-old dream--the maximum of individual freedom consistent with order -- or down to the ant heap of totalitarianism. Regardless of their sincerity, their humanitarian motives, those who would sacrifice freedom for security have embarked on this downward path. Plutarch warned, "The real destroyer of the liberties of the people is he who spreads among them bounties, donations and benefits."”

Ronald Reagan  1964 “A Time for Choosing” speech

No matter what your politics…if you are an "investor"....

For those that rely on income from savings, through wise investment and free markets, it is important to remember that success of such investment requires a society that values and protects individual freedom/s and free markets.  Without the ability to earn an income from savings accumulated from past labors, we would ALL become wards of the centralized government, dependent on that government and those who run it for our welfare. ..in other words, no longer “free”.

Being reminded of the importance of “the maximum of individual freedom consistent with order” and the dangers of too many “government bounties, donations and benefits” is the value of having a “loyal opposition” to those who claim to represent the “majority” currently in power. It is necessary protection against excess power--however well meaning.