Saturday, December 13, 2014

Simple common sense could fix a lot of thing in our country--------6 ways the government criminalizes economic activity

6 ways the government criminalizes economic activity - MarketWatch
Although many politicians say they support economic growth, the federal government goes out of its way to criminalize broad ranges of economic activity. 
It’s as simple as this:
A person or a company wants to provide a good or a service, and Uncle Sam says no.
Here are six examples, and there are many others.
As well as tax and entitlement reform, and passing an immigration bill, the 114th Congress could simply let people work.
Federal law criminalizes exports of oil and natural gas
North America’s oil and natural gas production is surging, but it is still unlawful to export it.
On Tuesday, Rep. Joe Barton, a Republican from Texas, introduced a bill to allow exports of oil, and the bill will be considered at a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on Thursday.
In addition, the United States could benefit from exporting some of its natural gas production. Companies in North Dakota waste about 33% of total gas production by flaring, or burning, it.
Exports stimulate the economy and result in more jobs because foreign customers buy U.S. products. Exports also lead to more innovation.
...The export bans were set up in the 1970s, at a time when America was highly dependent on OPEC for energy.

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