Jim Hlavac

I'm just a regular guy who can no longer grasp the wacko world we live in. So I just point out the obvious illogical mush that passes for thought in our public discourse. I just call 'em like I see 'em. At this point it is really comedy to me. Serious comedy, but just funny nonetheless. There's no way you can look at what is happening in our country and in your part of it without somewhat getting bemused at the absurdity of it all. Every single one of us talks about it. Most people just relate the events of their lives and their interactions with bureaucracies, whether government or corporate. I just have a slightly different take on it. I'm more vocal about the absurdity. I'm not afraid to say the emperor has no clothes. I try to be funny in talking about it -- but sometimes it is so serious that that's hard. I've seen this coming on since the 1970s. I wrote about it in college classes at New York University. And let me tell you -- it is hard to argue against more government in a bastion of liberal rectitude. So I moved to Louisiana after graduation. Got into business. Had a varied career. Did a lot. Wrote one book and co-wrote another. Played piano in bars, clubs and restaurants from Prague to Mazatlan. Speak Czech and Spanish conversationally, plus, of course, English. And since 2000 or so I've been sort of traveling on a boot string. Having a blast and spreading the word of liberty. When I worked at the Phoenix International Youth Hostel during the winters for six years I met an extraordinary bunch of people with views straight out of central casting for big government. They just blindly said it. I tackled them one by one and made them think. There's just no way you can explain it with simple logical questions, and even simpler math without changing minds, or at least putting the onslaught of government on pause as their brains freeze from reality on their terms. One of my favorites is to ask them for a $20 bill, or a $10, keep three or four bucks, and give them change. "There, I the government have helped you!" They always want their three or four. "Nope, I the government need it for operations." "But..." And that is something I recommend every liberty minded person should do to their liberal friends and family. I am but one man, just amazed, and all I can do is influence one or two people. And make the rest of them think hard. Few escape the subject of politics and economics. And you know what? I don't want to talk about them. But we are made to by people who want to politicize everything. There are people at the highest levels of power in this country who are seemingly intent on politicizing every single aspect of our live. This leads to the very divisions which these politicians claim they are trying to heal. But you cannot take $20 from everyone with different opinions, mix it into one big pot, and give back $17 to everyone in one sort of program, and expect anyone to be happy. Why only $17? There's a three dollar Federal Overhead Charge. If there was not every state would not be claiming that they are not getting their fair share, and that they send more to Washington then they get back. Nor would there be large numbers of groups who all claim that they are paying more in taxes than they are getting in the services they want. And so strife is created in society as the opponents try to get hold of the levers of power to not only do they get to control the spending of the $17 -- but they get the perks of the three bucks. After all Federal employees are well paid, with ample perks, and a fantastic retirement and health plan. You can go see more of my life at creativeintellectual.com