Sample Issue
News – International Roundup
UK: Nigel Farage suggests EU’s electric car policy makes more sense than UK’s
Australia: Teal MP Monique Ryan retracts false claim in Parliament that 400 Australians on ventilators had COVID-19
New Zealand: Nashville school shooting: Audrey Hale ‘was hunting pastor who was counselling her’
Israel: WATCH: Ex-PM Ehud Barak unveils strategy for bringing down Israel’s government
Poverty vs. Liberty – Why Battling Poverty Means Fighting for Freedom
by Will Blesch, The Liberty Signal
It can be argued that poverty is one of the biggest factors that limits personal (and societal) freedom. That’s why we’re going to be working on a series of features in The Liberty Signal that deal with this issue.
Picture this: you wake up every morning, knowing you have just over two dollars to spend today. That’s it. No more, no less. How would you allocate those precious dollars to feed yourself, clothe yourself, and put a roof over your head?
This isn’t a hypothetical scenario for a budgeting exercise; this is the harsh reality for millions of people around the world. As of fall 2022, the World Bank has updated the International Poverty Line to $2.15, meaning those living on less than this amount are in “extreme poverty.” And if you think that’s troubling, consider that 62% of the global population is living on less than $10 per day.
The battle against poverty is far from over, and it’s time to take a closer look at why it ranks among the top 20 current global issues we must address. Poverty isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the impact it has on people’s lives, their freedom, and their ability to pursue their dreams.
You may have heard that the poor are no less free than the rich, but let’s challenge that notion with the concept of positive and negative liberty.
In the following paragraphs, we’ll explore what liberty really means, the constraints poverty puts on it, and why it’s crucial to combat poverty for a brighter, more free future.
Finding Freedom: A Surprising Take on Poverty and Liberty
John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) was a prominent British philosopher, political economist, and civil servant. He is considered one of the most influential thinkers of the 19th century and a key figure in the development of liberalism, utilitarianism, and modern political philosophy.
He wrote that “if man is not free to live as he desires, then society is unable to develop, crushed by the weight of collective mediocrity.”
It follows that if a human isn’t free to live as they desire, there is some constraint on that individual.
Imagine you’re standing in front of two barriers. One is a towering brick wall, and the other is an invisible force field that you can’t see but can definitely feel. The first one is an obvious, external obstacle, like a law or a physical barrier that prevents you from reaching your goals.
The second one is more subtle, an internal obstacle like a false belief or a phobia that holds you back just as effectively as the wall. Both of these barriers restrict your liberty, but in different ways.
Now, when we talk about liberty, some might argue that you’re only truly unfree when someone else is actively stopping you from doing something—like the brick wall. This perspective, known as negative liberty, would say that if you’re struggling with internal issues or other barriers that aren’t directly imposed by others, you’re not really unfree. You’re just unable.
But let’s take a step back and think about it. Is it really that simple? Can we just brush off the invisible force field and say it doesn’t count? When it comes to poverty, the answer is a resounding “no.”
Poverty, although not always an intentional act of oppression, can have such a profound impact on one’s life that it severely restricts their freedom, both internally and externally.
The truth is, the line between internal and external obstacles is often blurred. For example, something like depression can be both genetically predisposed and triggered by external factors, like living in poverty.
So, when we’re discussing whether poverty restricts liberty, it’s essential to recognize that it’s not just about physical barriers or the absence of coercion. It’s about acknowledging the complex interplay between internal and external factors and understanding that poverty can, and does, restrict liberty in many ways.
Breaking the Chains of Poverty: The Power of Family
So, we recognize that poverty can be a huge obstacle to living a life of liberty. So, the question then becomes, how do we prevent poverty from developing in an individual’s life? How can society nip poverty in the bud before it begins?
(And how can people start digging themselves OUT of poverty if they’re already living in it?)
How can they get rid of this obstacle so that they can really be free?
Well, there are many suggestions out there. In this issue of The Liberty Signal, we’re going to talk about ONE answer to poverty that we believe is foundational – that is the family unit.
The Role of the Family
Imagine growing up in a family where you feel safe, secure, and supported. This kind of environment is crucial in the battle against poverty and in opening up opportunities for everyone. Research over the past 25 years has proven that kids who grow up in stable families have a much better shot at thriving in life.
You might be wondering, how does family structure play a role in all this? Well, the stats speak for themselves: kids who grow up in single-parent families are nearly five times more likely to live in poverty compared to those with married parents.
In a recent report by the AEI-Brookings Working Group on Poverty and Opportunity, they suggest several strategies that can help build stable and resourceful families:
Emphasize the importance of marriage, as it’s often the most reliable path to a stable family and resources.
Encourage responsible decisions when it comes to having children, such as waiting until you’re more prepared.
Foster parenting skills and practices, particularly among low-income parents, so they can better support their children.
Focus on developing skills, family involvement, and job opportunities for young people, regardless of their gender.
By implementing these policies, we can help create a more supportive environment for children and pave the way for a brighter future with less poverty and more opportunities.
Fighting Poverty Starts at Home: How Your Family’s Support System Can be a Game-Changer
Imagine you have kids who are passionate about fighting poverty. It’s important to remind them that the most effective way they can contribute to this cause is by making a decent, honest living for themselves. After all, becoming poor or dependent won’t really help anyone.
Still, while personal responsibility and independence is vital, strong, compassionate families – interconnected families – are key to a healthy society. Relatives supporting one another is far better than relying solely on government assistance.
For example, say you’re facing tough times, and you’re struggling to make ends meet. One option you might consider is moving in with family to help ease the burden and uncertainty. The effectiveness of this strategy, though, might depend on the resources your family can provide and your individual needs.
Moreover, this relationship differs among various racial and ethnic groups.
However, across the board, studies show that moving in with extended family can indeed reduce poverty, particularly for the family unit joining the household. Most of this reduction comes from a family safety net, where a financially stable family takes in struggling family members.
There are a myriad of examples of legal immigrants to America who went from extreme poverty to an upper-middle class (to wealthy) financial status precisely by emphasizing and strengthening relationships within a strong, extended family unit.
Summary
When it comes to poverty, it’s essential to understand that it can limit our freedom, both internally and externally, through a mix of factors.
So, how do we tackle poverty and create a more free society? One answer lies in the power of the family unit. Growing up in a stable family can significantly impact your chances of thriving in life.
Research shows that kids from single-parent families are nearly five times more likely to live in poverty compared to those with married parents.
To fight poverty and increase liberty, we should emphasize the importance of marriage, responsible decisions about having children, foster parenting skills, and focus on developing skills and job opportunities for young people.
Remember, while personal responsibility is vital, strong, interconnected families are key to a healthy, free society.
Follow Will on Twitter: @WillBlesch
Discover Conservative America’s Number 1 Check: The TRB Black Check
Featured Commentary: The Trump Indictment Exposes Fault Lines in the American Criminal Justice System
By Clark Neily, The Cato Institute
PEXELS/ Chait Goli
The indictment of former President Donald Trump may end up being an indictment of America’s criminal justice system as well.
The Founders were acutely aware of the many ways in which criminal law can be abused by those in positions of power, from being wielded as a tool of political payback and oppression — as many see the various criminal investigations against former President Trump — to our wildly overcriminalized society in which most adults have committed crimes for which they could, in theory, be prosecuted.
Unlike Donald Trump, however, most Americans lack the resources to vigorously defend themselves in court. They thus end up being induced—and in some cases nakedly coerced—by prosecutors into waving their right to trial. Instead, as is the case with more than 90 percent of criminal defendants in our system today, they end up pleading guilty.
It is difficult to imagine a more shocking affront to the Constitution’s plan for limited government and the rule of law, and if America’s criminal justice system goes on trial along with Donald Trump, then perhaps there may be a silver lining to what many see as an inherently politicized prosecution by the Manhattan District Attorney.
BUSINESS
High inflation pushes poverty rate even higher in Argentina
By DÉBORA REY and DANIEL POLITI, AP
AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — One of the world’s highest inflation rates is making it more difficult to make ends meet in Argentina, where at the end of last year nearly four of every 10 people were poor, official figures revealed Thursday.
Poverty increased to 39.2% of the population in the second half of 2022, a three percentage point increase from the first six months of the year, said Argentina’s national statistics agency, INDEC. Among children under age 15, the poverty rate increased more than three percentage points to 54.2%.
In a poor neighborhood in Argentina’s capital, those who run a soup kitchen don’t need the statistics to tell them what they have been seeing amid an economy wracked by inflation that reached 94.8% last year.
“There’s more poverty than before,” said Graciela Gamarra, who runs the soup kitchen in the Fraga district that hands out more than 800 portions of food every weekday afternoon.
Who Is Involved?
Argentina’s national statistics agency, INDEC, which reported the increase in poverty rates.
Graciela Gamarra, who runs a soup kitchen in the Fraga district of Buenos Aires.
Rosa Guerrera, a 76-year-old woman who relies on the soup kitchen for food.
Eduardo Donza, a researcher at the Social Debt Observatory at Catholic University of Argentina, who discusses the impact of inflation and the job market on poverty levels.
President Alberto Fernández, who has not yet announced if he will seek re-election.
Former Buenos Aires Governor María Eugenia Vidal, who criticized the government for the current poverty situation in Argentina.
Summary of News Story
Argentina faces one of the world’s highest inflation rates, reaching 94.8% in 2022.
Poverty increased to 39.2% of the population in the second half of 2022.
Child poverty rate (under 15) increased to 54.2%.
Inflation has hit lower-middle-class families particularly hard, especially with rising food prices.
The precarious job market contributes to the high poverty level.
The annual inflation rate rose above 100% in February.
Poverty will be a main issue in the upcoming presidential campaign; President Alberto Fernández has not yet announced if he will seek re-election.
Opposition criticizes the government for the current poverty situation.
Many Argentines have little faith in political leadership to improve the situation.
Why It Matters – The Liberty Signal Breakdown
This news story matters because it highlights the severe impact of high inflation on a country’s economy and its citizens. In Argentina, inflation reached 94.8% in 2022, which has resulted in increased poverty levels, with 39.2% of the population living in poverty.
This situation affects the overall economic stability and growth of the country, as it leads to reduced purchasing power, increased income inequality, and challenges in attracting investments.
The impact on individual liberty is evident as people struggle to meet their basic needs, such as food and shelter.
As the story mentions, many citizens now rely on soup kitchens to survive, and the job market remains precarious, with people not having fixed employment or a stable monthly income. Inflation disproportionately affects lower-middle-class families, as the cost of essential items like food has increased significantly.
The government’s efforts to mitigate inflation are hampered by external factors such as drought, which further exacerbates the situation.
When individual liberty is diminished, people become more reliant on government assistance, and their ability to make choices about their lives and futures is constrained. This can lead to a cycle of poverty and dependence, making it more challenging for individuals to break free from these conditions and improve their circumstances.
Furthermore, the lack of faith in political leadership, as mentioned in the story, can lead to social unrest and disillusionment with the political system, which can have long-term implications for the country’s stability and prosperity.
Those in Western nations would do well to pay attention.
Reading Between the Lines
Argentina’s skyrocketing inflation rate, which reached 94.8% in 2022, and the resulting increase in poverty levels highlight the critical importance of sound economic policies and individual freedom in Western nations.
The situation in Argentina can serve as a cautionary tale for other countries, as it demonstrates the potential consequences of unchecked inflation and insufficient policies to protect citizens’ economic well-being.
Key Takeaways from the News Story
The rising inflation rate in Argentina has disproportionately affected lower-middle-class families, as essential items like food have become increasingly expensive. This issue highlights the importance of effective monetary policies in preserving citizens’ purchasing power in Western nations.
The lack of faith in political leadership among Argentine citizens highlights the significance of transparent governance and accountability in Western democracies. Ensuring that political promises are fulfilled can help maintain public trust and ensure that governments work towards improving citizens’ economic prospects.
A Recession Could Be Coming: Make Money Or Lose Everything
Featured Freedom Fighter: John Adams
John Adams, a champion of individual and collective liberty, was a distinguished American statesman, attorney, diplomat, writer, and Founding Father. His unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom played a pivotal role in shaping the United States.
Born on October 30, 1735, in Braintree (now Quincy), Massachusetts, Adams was destined to become a key figure in the fight for American independence (source: “John Adams,” Biography.com, https://www.biography.com/political-figure/john-adams).
Adams’ journey in securing liberty for the nation began as a lawyer, where he defended British soldiers accused in the Boston Massacre, valiantly upholding the principle of due process. He later played an instrumental role in drafting the Declaration of Independence, serving on the Committee of Five alongside Thomas Jefferson and others.
As a tireless advocate for the rights of the individual, Adams also contributed to the Massachusetts Constitution, which inspired the United States Constitution and its Bill of Rights.
Adams’ dedication to liberty took him to the international stage as well. He served as a diplomat in Europe, negotiating treaties and securing vital support during the Revolutionary War.
As the nation’s first vice president under George Washington and then the second president of the United States, Adams continued to fight for the core values of individual and collective freedom.
John Adams’ legacy reminds us that the pursuit of liberty is a lifelong endeavor. His unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom has left an indelible mark on the fabric of the United States, inspiring generations to uphold the values he so passionately defended.
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Divine Insight
Proverbs 14:23 (NASB)
23 In all labor there is profit,
But mere talk leads only to poverty.
What Does It Mean?
Proverbs 14:23 (NASB) offers wisdom on the relationship between hard work, financial well-being, and personal freedom. The verse suggests that engaging in labor, or working diligently, leads to profit and financial stability.
In turn, this stability can contribute to an individual’s sense of freedom, as they are better able to meet their basic needs and make choices about their lives.
Conversely, the verse also implies that mere talk or idle chatter, without action or hard work, leads to poverty. In this context, poverty not only refers to financial scarcity but can also symbolize a lack of personal freedom.
Those who do not work diligently may face limitations in their choices and opportunities due to their financial situation.
Jewish Commentary
The medieval French rabbi (and most widely read Biblical commentator) reaffirmed the plain meaning of Proverbs 14:23 when he wrote of the verse:
“In every toil: In every toil (labor) of work, there is a gain, but in words of vanity (empty words), there is only loss.” – Courtesy chabad.org
Christian Commentary
This verse refers to productivity. An ox is needed to pull a plow on a productive farm. Work produces results. Talk produces nothing. – Courtesy The Asbury Bible Commentary, Biblegateway.com
Toward a More Free America
We’re super excited to share some awesome tips with you in every issue of The Liberty Signal. Our goal is to give you quick and actionable steps you can start doing right now to make a real difference in your life.
This issue is all about tackling poverty and reclaiming your freedom, so we’ve put together a list of suggestions that won’t cost you a penny. (Saw these over at Contrarian Thinking.) Are you ready? Let’s dive in!
Negotiate your salary (or your rates)
Trust us, it’s a game-changer, and it won’t cost you anything. The only thing holding you back might be fear or procrastination. Did you know inflation hit a 40-year high in 2022? If you haven’t talked about your salary lately, now’s the time to step up and ask for more.
Rent your car to others
Not driving much? Let someone else pay you to use your car.
HyreCar: Rent your car to rideshare drivers and make up to $12,000 a year.
Turo: Rent your car to travelers and earn hundreds or thousands a month.
TravelCar: Rent your car while you’re traveling. Just park at qualifying airports.
Rent out all your toys (boards, bikes, scooters, even pools)
Turn your stuff into cash.
Swimply: Rent out your pool.
Riders-share: Rent out your motorcycle.
Quiver: Got a surfboard collection like my hubby? Rent your extras out on Quiver.
House hacking
Want to boost your cash flow fast? Start by cutting down your monthly expenses. For most of us, rent or mortgage is the biggest cost. So, why not rent out some of your rooms or sublet a couple if you’re a renter? It’s like getting paid to live in your own home.
Rent ad space on your car
If you’re always on the go, why not earn some extra cash by advertising on your car? Get a wrap with a company’s ad on it, and you’ll start making money just by driving around like you usually do. The wrap won’t hurt your car, and you could make up to $1,000 in passive income every month.
Wrapify
Start using cash instead of your credit cards and pay in-person instead of online
Doing so will:
Save money on transaction fees
Give the businesses you buy from more control over their profits
Support your local economy and community
Keep your purchases and location anonymous
Now, go ahead and start making a difference in your life!
Final Word
Know likeminded people who want to learn, grow, and fight for principles of liberty? Recommend The Liberty Signal to them. They can sign up today — it’s free!
• Have a tip or story idea you want to share? An effective strategy or tactic for spreading the message of Liberty? Email us — I’d love to hear from you! (support@thelibertysignal.com)
• Have thoughts about this issue of The Liberty Signal? Write us and let us know. (support@thelibertysignal.com)
We look forward to seeing you again in the next issue.
Yours in Liberty,
Will Blesch, The Liberty Signal
