What do you think we're doing out here in the middle of the Desert?

By Justice McNamara

“I mean, what do you think we’re doing out here in the middle of the desert?”

I set out to write about predictions, and as my thoughts fixed on differences, I began to focus on freedom. Here, in the not-so-Great State of New York, and many other states, we do not know what freedom truly is, because there are so many freedoms out there that we do not have, that we can not exercise. These powers are inalienable, they do not come from a politician, they do not come from a bureaucrat in Washington and they do not come from a judge.

There are seven states with no state income tax; Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. Two others, New Hampshire and Tennessee, tax only dividend and interest income. Makes one wonder why New York State has to take 5% of my income, while New York City takes another 3%, when a government the same size of NY, the state of Florida, manages to survive without one. If I did my job in Miami, I would have an additional 8% of my money.

Surprisingly to some, Vermont has the least restrictive gun laws in the country. Known commonly as ‘Vermont Carry’, the State of Vermont does not require, nor does the State issue, gun permits. Both residents, and non residents, are allowed to carry a firearm either openly or concealed. Yes, a non-resident can carry a concealed weapon in Vermont. Many states in the west such as Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Alaska also closely follow ‘Vermont Carry’ laws. All allow a weapon to be carried openly, while a permit is required to carry concealed, though the process is just paperwork to obtain one. I was watching a new show called ‘Alaska State Troopers' and a Trooper pulled over a car for a traffic violation. He found the passenger had a loaded 9mm Glock and ½ ounce of marijuana. He was cited for the marijuana possession and given a ticket. That is correct, a State Trooper found a person in possession of marijuana with a loaded handgun, and issued him a ticket for the marijuana only.

Did you know that in Nevada a person can walk into a grocery store, at two in the morning, and buy a fifth of vodka? Yes, not only can any store sell any type of alcohol, but they can do it 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. No restrictions. Combine that with the ability to carry weapons, and no state income tax, and you have the most free state in America. In New York, I cant buy alcohol before noon on Sunday, could never get a gun permit in Brooklyn because the NYPD is the arbiter of such, and issues permits to whoever they decide, and, well, we know the tax situation. I do not think many people understand the demonstrable differences amongst the states.

Now for the predictions, though allow me a brief sidebar toward health care.

First, the definitions. Health care is what you do; it’s how you eat and how much your exercise. Medical care is just that, its medical care. Insurance is insurance, it’s not health care. The Federal Government does not have the Constitutional authority to mandate that any person buy any product. It is a clear violation of the 10th amendment, and the 9th Amendment, and I can even argue the 5th amendment (If I have to attach a piece of paper to my tax return showing I have insurance, and if I don’t I will be fined $750, when I don’t, am I not incriminating myself? Lets remember, not having insurance will be a misdemeanor under ObamaCare).

For all the morons making the ‘car insurance’ argument, let me explain it to you as if you are a five year old. The Federal Government does not make anyone buy car insurance. It is the States. Yet, the States don’t even make you buy car insurance. One must purchase car insurance if and when they register a vehicle. The State can not force anyone to buy insurance who does not register a car.

The initial purpose here was predictions so I will get to it. Bob McDonnell will win in Virgina, probably by about 8%. Chris Christie will win in NJ by 2-4%. Oh…and Harry Reid…the bell tolls for you my friend.

Justice McNamara is the pseudonym of a Thats-Right.com contributor. We will feature his work as pieces arrive. Unfortunately, but perhaps adding to the suspense, we do not know beforehand when this will happen. Comments for Justice McNamara can be directed to thatsright.95@gmail.com