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Showing posts from November, 2023

The Libertarian View on Taxation as Coerced Extraction

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Is this what taxation feels like? From a libertarian standpoint, taxation is regarded as a coercive act imposed by the government, infringing upon the individual's right to their property and labor. Libertarians emphasize personal freedoms and limited government intervention, viewing taxation as an illegitimate form of wealth confiscation. At the heart of this viewpoint lies the principle of self-ownership, where individuals have absolute control over their lives and the fruits of their labor. Taxation, in this context, is seen as an involuntary expropriation of earnings, regardless of consent, undermining the fundamental right to property. Libertarians argue that individuals should be able to decide how their earnings are spent and allocated, rather than the government enforcing compulsory contributions.  They advocate for minimal state involvement in economic and social affairs, asserting that voluntary interactions and free markets lead to optimal outcomes without coerced wealth

The Dangers of CBDC

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Central Bank Digital Currency T-Shirt Besides an interest in art and design, I also have an interest in monetary economics. I saw the below image on X and I also saw a video with George Gammon, where he wears a CBDC shirt. So I thought to give it my own spin. In case you are not yet aware of what CBDCs are, let me give you the rundown in this article. What is CBDC CBDC stands for Central Bank Digital Currency, a digital form of a country's fiat currency issued by its central bank. Unlike cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, CBDC is centralized and regulated by the government. It operates on a blockchain or distributed ledger technology, enabling secure and transparent transactions. CBDCs come in two primary forms: wholesale and retail. Wholesale CBDC is used between financial institutions for interbank transactions, enhancing efficiency and settlement speed. Retail CBDC, on the other hand, is accessible to the general public for everyday transactions, offering a digital alternative to ph

Under The Wave Off Kanagawa

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Under The Wave Off Kanawaga by Hokusai The Japanese artwork 'Under The Wave Off Kanawaga' is also known as 'The Great Wave' or 'The Wave'. I am a fan of Japanese art in general and I find this piece very inspirational. In this article, I will tell you a little bit more about this artwork and where you can get printed products that are inspired by this great work of art. What is the Meaning of Under The Wave Off Kanagawa? "Under the Wave Off Kanagawa," often referred to as "The Great Wave," is a renowned woodblock print by Japanese artist Hokusai. This iconic artwork, part of his series "Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji," captures a colossal wave about to crash over boats with Mount Fuji in the background. Beyond its breathtaking visual impact, the piece holds deeper symbolism. It symbolizes the raw power of nature, juxtaposing the overwhelming force of the wave with the serene, unchanging presence of the mountain. Some interpret it as