The Orange Way Editorial

Weekly Roundup

Iran: Did anyone else find Iran's response to Obama hilarious? I hope that President Obama did not truly expect Iran to open up to him simply because he is such a sweetheart. If so, President Obama will quickly discover that Iran's hatred of America extends beyond George W. Bush.

Even more important than their ideological disdain for our nation, America serves as the foil for Iran's crumbling economic and social state. Iran's leaders maintain power by projecting America as the enemy and cause for any of their ills. This works to unify citizens against a common enemy, while they endure additional hardships in the name of the greater cause. (Natan Sharansky's The Case for Democracy makes this argument much better than I can.) As a result, Iran will never make genuine peace with America with its current leaders in place.

Russia: Speaking of crumbling economies, the dire situation in Russia is now leading to violent protests and calls for Putin's resignation. This is worth keeping a close eye on. Similar to the Iranian leaders, Putin is not about to give up his position of power. One of the most useful options for a tyrannical leader trying to maintain power is to incite an external enemy to re-focus attention away from the internal troubles. As the internal tension heats up, Russia will have to look for an even bigger external enemy, leaving the United States as a likely target. Russia's partnership with China is a major subplot to this deterioration in Russia.

Democrats and Taxes: It is no wonder Democrats don't mind higher taxes- they just don't pay them.

California Delays Tax Refunds: Speaking of giant Ponzi schemes, California plans on delaying $4 billion in state payments, including $2 billion in tax refunds. This Wall Street Journal article includes this incredible comment by Jason Dickerson of California's Legislative Analyst's Office:

"It's a substantial problem when billions in tax refunds don't go out, because they are considered a kind of economic stimulus," Mr. Dickerson said. "If payment delays continue into April and March, it will be a disaster."

This quote illustrates one of the major problems with entrusting government today with our taxes, whether it is as the state or national level- government leaders think taxes belong to the politicians and not the people. In reality, a refund is due because the government took too much money out of taxpayers' paychecks. It is the taxpayer's money, not the states. Mr. Dickerson apparently believes that the federal and state refunds are an act of kindness that is bestowed on the population in order to boost the economy.

The problem in California is not that the economy won't be stimulated, but that California is wrongfully holding on to the income that citizens rightfully own. A five year old would call that stealing...