SarahNET

By Amity Shlaes

Author: Coolidge

The following is adapted from a talk given at Hillsdale College on January 27, 2013, during a conference on “The Federal Income Tax: A Centenary Consideration,” co-sponsored by the Center for Constructive Alternatives and the Ludwig von Mises Lecture Series.

WITH THE FEDERAL DEBT spiraling out of control, many Americans sense an urgent need to find a political leader who is able to say “no” to spending. Yet they fear that finding such a leader is impossible. Conservatives long for another Ronald Reagan. But is Reagan the right model? He was of course a tax cutter, reducing the top marginal rate from 70 to 28 percent. But his tax cuts—which vindicated supply-side economics by vastly increasing federal revenue—were bought partly through a bargain with Democrats who were eager to spend that revenue. Reagan was no budget cutter—indeed, the federal budget rose by over a third during his administration.

An alternative model for conservatives is Calvin Coolidge. President from 1923 to 1929, Coolidge sustained a budget surplus and left office with a smaller budget than the one he inherited. Over the same period, America experienced a proliferation of jobs, a dramatic increase in the standard of living, higher wages, and three to four percent annual economic growth. And the key to this was Coolidge’s penchant for saying “no.” If Reagan was the Great Communicator, Coolidge was the Great Refrainer.

Read More

By Gary P Jackson

Sarah Palin has talked about she and husband Todd's friendship with Chris Kyle. Not only did Todd and Chris compete on the NBC show Stars Earn Stripes to raise money for charity, Chris worked security in Pella, Iowa at the world premier of the Steven K Bannon film The Undefeated. Todd and his partner Scott Davis dedicated this year's Iron Dog race, a nearly 2000 mile endurance run through Alaska's frozen wilderness, to the memory of Chris Kyle.

Over the weekend Sarah posted a note on Facebook about Todd's strong finish, and noted he was donating his winnings to the Chris Kyle Memorial Trust.

Finished strong in the Iron Dog! Todd just told me, "Along with the competition, this was another great trip across Alaska seeing old friends in villages. Honored to have a picture with Alaska's famous elder, Sydney Huntington. (He's the one who gave us the quote, 'Common sense is an endangered species in government.') I'm overwhelmed by the hospitality and support shown to us in each town and village. I love these folks. It was a rough and tough race, but I'm glad we were able to finish, and I kept in mind I was racing in honor of our fallen warriors who secure our freedom."

Todd's race winnings are donated to The Chris Kyle Memorial Fund. For the kids and me, we're proud of our Iron Dogger, especially his dedication to family and freedom.

Here's some video of Todd and Scott at the start of the Iron dog, courtesy of Larry Taylor:

Sarah posted this photo of her and Willow waiting for Team 11 to make it to the finish line. You can find more photos on her Facebook page, here.

If you'd like to donate to the Chris Kyle Memorial Trust please click here.