What do money markets, antiques, gold, corn, wheat, and stocks in companies like Google or Apple have in common? They?re bought by speculators.

And yet speculators, especially in oil, have become the bogeyman of economics. On tomorrow?s I Spy Radio Show (11-noon, kykn.com), we talk with Dr. Daniel Fine about America?s energy resources and energy policy. What role do speculators have in the price of oil?

And find out why those who think high gas prices might hurt Obama?s re-election may be in for a big surprise.

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Dr. Daniel I. Fine works with the New Mexico Center for Energy Policy. He is a longtime research associate at the Mining and Minerals Resources Institute, MIT. Fine is also a policy adviser on nonconventional oil and gas. He is co-editor of Resource War in 3-D: Dependence, Diplomacy and Defense, and has contributed to Business Week, the Engineering and Mining Journal and the Washington Times. Fine has testified on strategic natural resources before the U.S. Senate committees on Foreign Affairs and Energy and Natural Resources. In this speech, he discusses ?Shale Gas Wars: From Pennsylvania to North Carolina.?

Regulatory committees, whether talking about organizations like the FDA, EPA, or local groups can hold up progress completely. Between required permitting, the cost of applying or that permitting, the cost of having someone come out and re-survey your project after undoubtedly failing it the first time, and then the time it takes to get through the bureaucracy along the way all slow down the development of projects which can dramatically benefit an area or local business. Not to mention the cost. There is no reason that it should cost as much to apply for permitting and approval to place a bench in front of a small business as it does for the bench itself.

These are the types of things that cost businesses money and don’t get discussed on a relevant or significant level. This cost is a form of further taxation that doesn’t get regularly considered when discussing the taxing of small business owners. These funds then go to the government that then turns around and uses them as a means of funding further jobs in places like the regulatory commissions, which provides more manpower to create more regulations, thereby costing more money to the small business owners.

Think of it like this. Presidential orders are largely unable to be check-and-balanced. Sure some blatantly obvious issues can be approached and reproached but, on a large scale, they are unable to be reformed or redetermined. A great example is our continued involvement in the Libyan and other Middle Eastern conflicts. Regulations over businesses, home owners, and individuals are similarly ungovernable. In fact, these regulations are largely considered to be the check to the check and balance system.

The regulatory czar for the White House wrote in his book Nudge that the position was his dream job and that he cried when the position was offered to him. Now why would anyone cry about a position like a regulatory czar? Well the political implications that go along with a position like this are unfathomable to a country that believes in a democratic republic approach to governing the people. Being able to dole out regulations which implicitly govern business and personal development of property, goods, products, services, and everything in between with minimal legislative and judicial power to keep it in order with the constitution allows for tremendous opportunity to allow for preferential treatment in particular circumstances and cases over others. Not to mention the opportunity to build a bigger home for your family with money, stained by the grease found in palms.

Many argue that regulations are necessary to make sure that businesses aren’t cutting corners and to ensure the safety of the consumer. The belief that we must have a government entity to look over our shoulders to ensure that corporations and small businesses aren’t looking out for the safety and well-being of their customers promotes a belief that capitalism in and of itself is broken and evil. Beyond the idea that if a company is offering an unsafe product or service it will soon be eliminated by the market choosing not to support them, believing that individuals are willing to put others in jeopardy in order to gain a profit is unfortunate. People are inherently good people who are not out to benefit at the fault of others. Of course there are some of those out there (Al Gore) who want to cause issue for others for their own personal gain, but the vast majority of businesses don’t start based on the idea that they are going to exploit people or businesses. Instead they want to succeed by providing a quality good or service that people will want and be satisfied to have.

In fact, it is far more likely that over-regulation CAUSES corners to be cut in order to keep cost of production effective to compensate for the cost of permitting, inspection, and surveying. It is possible that businesses are more likely to engage in unsafe practices when the cost of operation runs higher than necessary due to bureaucratic over-governing as well as not being able to develop new goods and services, due to a lack of funding staying internal. Regulations are a burden on the individuals who are trying to create jobs for individuals. Each $300+ permit that a company must apply for in a given week is a $300+ paycheck that they could be giving to an employee who can help their business grow, and thereby create another job in the private sector.

While some level of regulation may be necessary to protect against unsafe business practices as a whole, it may be easily said that over regulation is the enemy of a free market economy. Bureaucratic oversight does not it into the capitalist system. We, as conservatives, MUST be asking the questions necessary to ensure that we are advocating for and promoting into office the candidates who are aware of these types of costs to businesses and individuals and who are standing strongly in opposition to their growth and development. Ask your local representatives their opinion on regulation before you cast your ballots.

Fort Lauderdale) — Scoring points within south Florida political circles is none other than Broward GOP Chairman Richard DeNapoli.

DeNapoli recently announced that Congressman Allen West (FL-22) is one of the Broward Republican parties keynote speakers for the 2012 Lincoln Day Gala being held on May 5.

Two other Republican heavyweights are also featured at the annual event of the Broward Republican Party – Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi and Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater.

In a not too surprising move last week on the popular FOX News show “Hannity,” former GOP Vice-Presidential nominee Sarah Palin told Sean Hannity that she would like to see Rep. Allen West considered for the number two slot on the Republican ticket.

HANNITY: “You had an interesting comment earlier today where you suggested that whoever the nominee should go rogue, familiar term for you, in terms of their choice for V.P. What would be a rogue choice? Who would you like to see if you could pick maybe three or four people to suggest?”

PALIN: “Specific names? Top of my list is Allen West. I love that he has that military experience. He is a public servant willing to serve for the right reasons. He understands the Constitution. He understands our national foreign policy issues that must be addressed. He has served. I really like him.”

The outspoken freshman Congressman from Florida told CNN’s Kyra Phillips that he doubted Mitt Romney would choose him as his running mate.

PHILLIPS: What do you think? Vice President Allen West? Would you consider it if you were asked?

WEST: Well, first of all, happy Easter to you, Kyra. And when you consider the fact that five years ago I was sitting in the desert of Kandahar, Afghanistan, as a civilian military adviser and training to the Afghan army, no one would have ever thought that I’d be a congressional representative for here in south Florida and speaking to you today.

So we don’t know which path your life may take and if someone were to believe that I have a capacity to serve this country at a higher level is very humbling, very honorable.

And as I did back in 1982, as my father did, as my older brother did, as my young nephew does, we will continue to serve this country in whatever capacity we can.

PHILLIPS: OK. So bottom line, you’re telling me yes, if Mitt Romney comes to you and says, I want you on the ticket with me, I want you to be my vice president, you would say yes?

WEST: Yes, well, right now, you know, the focus is, of course, being a good congressional representative.

But if someone were to make that call to me, which I really doubt is ever going to happen, you would have to make sure that it is something that god would ordain for you, and you’d have to talk to your wife, my wife and my two daughters about.

But we have always stepped up to the plate to serve our country. And if it’s the right fit, then I will do so.

But as I said, I really much so doubt that that would happen.

PHILLIPS: You know, there’s a lot of things that we thought would never happen in the past couple of years, Congressman, so I think anything is possible.

WEST: That is true.

PHILLIPS: Indeed if Mitt Romney came to you, do you like Mitt Romney? Do you support his views? Would you feel comfortable on a ticket with him?

WEST: Well, you know, I’ve never been out on a dinner date with him if that’s what you’re asking me. So I don’t know if I would like him, but I think that we’d have to sit down and discuss things.

And look, I think that Governor Romney and I definitely have a different vision for this country, a vision that gets us away from debt, despair and the horrible situations you see with our economic security, our energy security and our national security.

So I think that we will be able to come together as a team and be able to develop the right type of platform to turn this state around for the United States of America.”

Broward GOP Chairman Richard DeNapoli will host a VIP Reception that will include the keynote speakers in addition to local elected officials and candidates for public office.

“The reception offers an opportunity to chat one-on-one with Congressman Allen West, Attorney General Pam Bondi and CFO Jeff Atwater,” said DeNapoli. “Guests will also have a chance to speak with candidates who have filed for the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, the Florida House and Senate, as well as local Broward County offices.”

Broward Republicans are expecting a record crowd for this year’s event at the Hyatt Regency Pier 66. Doors open at 5pm for a VIP reception and at 6pm for a general reception. Dinner and the program begin at 7pm.

“I hope that you’ll join us for the 2012 Lincoln Day Gala,” said former Plantation Councilman and BREC Executive Director Rico Petrocelli. “Between the keynote speakers and candidates for public office, you cannot afford to miss it.”

For many of us the evening of that Tuesday felt like the beginning…of the end. This was not what we had hoped for, worked toward. Now we are faced with another election– this time we have a chance to undo what occurred in 2008.  We have an opportunity to work against Obama and fight the failed policies he has enacted.  But how? What is our strategy?  Doubtless there will be many strategies, but one thing we must combat is the main stream media.  This may be a tough assignment but for those of us who enjoy a challenge and a battle against the forces of evil it be fun and another experience behind us.

Enter the Citizen Journalist.  Andrew Breitbart has become a hero to many of us.  His willingness to fight against what he believed to be wrong is inspiring.  I may not agree with him on everything, but his enthusiasm is contagious– he had a cause which he completely believed in.  I find that admirable. He was willing to risk everything for the sake of truth and justice.  Now we must carry on.  We are the Citizen Journalists of this nation.  We must be the ones to spread the truth that can defeat the socialism which has attained a foothold in our nation. If we do not do it who will??

As a Citizen Journalist I am joining the #BreitbartNet Team.  Together we have a goal to create great grassroots response to the liberal opposition. Spread the truth. There have been numerous problems that have come up during this administration that the media has given a pass: Fast & Furious, Solyndra, the Libyan crisis, the invading our personal freedom through ObamaCare, Obama’s Media Matters connection, NDRP, the doubling of the deficit, the rudeness to our nation’s allies, the suppressing of religious freedom, etc. There is nothing right in this and it should be confronted; this is our job. The mission of the #BreitbartNet Team.  I encourage you to join us to get the momentum built!!  The battle starts here– on our blogs and Twitter.

Cross-posted on my blog.

My first introduction to politics was at 10 years old, volunteering with my parents on a State House campaign. What hooked me on political involvement was that we lost by 12 votes on a re-count and I knew that even at 10 years old I could have found 13 more votes if I’d have worked harder. 

The promise I’ve made myself in every election cycle since is that no matter what capacity I was working in, I would give everything I’ve got and that win or lose, I would know there wasn’t anything else I could have done to send my candidate to victory.

For the last three years I’ve been working full-time in conservative grassroots politics, training activists, identifying and equipping candidates. That’s been my universe and Texas has been at the center of it. During that time I’ve had the privilege of training and interacting with thousands of TEA Partiers and conservative activists who wan’t to move our state and country in the right direction.

Read More →

My first introduction to politics was at 10 years old, volunteering with my parents on a State House campaign. What hooked me on political involvement was that we lost by 12 votes on a re-count and I knew that even at 10 years old I could have found 13 more votes if I’d have worked harder. 

The promise I’ve made myself in every election cycle since is that no matter what capacity I was working in, I would give everything I’ve got and that win or lose, I would know there wasn’t anything else I could have done to send my candidate to victory.

For the last three years I’ve been working full-time in conservative grassroots politics, training activists, identifying and equipping candidates. That’s been my universe and Texas has been at the center of it. During that time I’ve had the privilege of training and interacting with thousands of TEA Partiers and conservative activists who wan’t to move our state and country in the right direction.

Read More →

We are getting towards an era of more connected and audible youth through the implementation of social media efforts. Young voters are typically more aware of the proper ways to utilize these mediums and are capable of making them work for their own purposes in establishing their view points and being heard. This has caused more of an identification of the college-aged individual than at any other point in history, resulting in backlash and an assault on these voices as inexperienced and not having a true-to-life education about issues and politics.

Every day on the radio you will hear hosts Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Neal Boortz, and Michael Savage have all at one time or another discredited or trivialized an individuals opinion because they are a college student.

I believe that it comes about because the current generation that has reached the point to where their age group has traditionally “run the show” feels as though their prominence is being stepped on.  More obviously, it is easy for the age engendered folks on the right are capable of defeating the vast majority of college leftist protest by calling their understanding of matters into question due to age.  That has worked very well against the Occupy movement and continues to do so against most local media, especially here in Southeastern North Carolina.

However, it should be clear that this is a grave error.  Eventually those multitudes of individuals that are being attacked, disregarded, or publicly disemboweled for the benefit of short term mundane victories will result in long term losses by disenfranchising these students, driving them away from the conservative ideals as dismissive and arrogant.  While the current generation of voters are heavily slanted towards the right, the coming generation of indoctrinated college students obviously lean towards the left.  Without providing this opportunity to communicate with these students by opening doors and avenues and by being less dismissive and standoffish, the conservative right will begin to fail and falter as the Reagan-era nation passes on.

I’m not saying that college students should be granted a level of respect that should be earned, but, instead, that they should be granted the opportunity to express their opinions in effort to provide a means of communication between seasoned individuals who will be able to better form and develop those opinions into more effective and productive ideas.   We should realistically consider what is being done on the left to communicate with these individuals.

I listen to Pandora on my phone every day, and every other commercial is one from the Obama 2012 campaign.  These individuals have embraced the college students, knowing that, with the giant push off that Obama has given, their generation will continue to bring about LBJ’s Great Society.

By Javier Manjarres

Coral Springs,FL- Newt Gingrich was heckled by a woman who managed to make her way to the front of the crowd, and he was clearly distracted by her obnoxious attempt to try and gain his attention.  Gingrich attempted to address her incoherent line of questioning as best he could, and as you will see in the video, Gingrich responded to her perfectly.  We asked the woman if she was a Ron Paul supporter or if she was part of the Occupy Wall St. movement, she said indicated she was not associated with either.

Karin Hoffman, Gingrich’s Broward County Co-Chair (previously been featured here on the Shark Tank) attempted to try to diffuse the situation. Unfortunately, Hoffman only compounded the situation when she grasped at the woman and put her hand on her, prompting the woman to object. Another campaign advance man stepped in to explain to her that her safety could be in danger, and she took offense and tried to turn it around on the campaign.

Inexplicably, Hoffman turned around and struck the photographer and the video camera, right in front of two police officers.(End of video) Assault charges could be forthcoming, and it’s fair to ask if she is suited to be representing Newt Gingrich in Broward County.

Gingrich Heckled, Staffer (Karin Hoffmann) Assaults Cameraman at Campaign Event(End of video) Assault charges could be forthcoming, and it’s fair to ask if she is suited to be representing Newt Gingrich in Broward County.

At Common Law, an intentional act by one person that creates an apprehension in another of an imminent harmful or offensive contact.-Legal Dictionary

Watch the video

Read Energy expert Dr. Daniel Fine Op-Ed “Potential bounty for North Carolina” on Shale Gas in North Carolina

News & Observer Raleigh, NC March 21 2012

Dr. Daniel Fine writes “Nearly 40 years ago, when the first oil price shock from the Middle East and OPEC disrupted the American economy, North Carolina and Appalachia briefly became an oil and gas frontier. Following geological investigations, Chevron drilled an exploratory well in the Deep River Basin beneath Lee County, N.C. Oil was discovered at 5,000 feet, but it contained excessive paraffin and Chevron plugged the well.” please read on and click this link to the original article—> http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/03/21/1947986/potential-bounty-for-north-carolina.html

Dr. Daniel I. Fine works with the New Mexico Center for Energy Policy. He is a longtime research associate at the Mining and Minerals Resources Institute, MIT. Fine is also a policy adviser on nonconventional oil and gas. He is co-editor of Resource War in 3-D: Dependence, Diplomacy and Defense, and has contributed to Business Week, the Engineering and Mining Journal and the Washington Times. Fine has testified on strategic natural resources before the U.S. Senate committees on Foreign Affairs and Energy and Natural Resources. In this speech, he discusses “Shale Gas Wars: From Pennsylvania to North Carolina.”

A progressive and I were talking.  I know that sounds like a pointless exercise, and largely, it is, but still, they amuse me, so I talk to them.

My progressive friend talked about how Obama was handed a terrible economy, and is trying to make good on it, while Bush was handed a strong economy and crashed it.  Obviously, I had to remind him that the year before Bush took office, NASDAQ fell by half, and the “tech bubble” was already creating losses which lead to a sharp drop in the DOW.  That is to say:  Bush did not inherit a strong economy, but he did make the best of what he was handed.

To which, my progressive friend asked:  “why can’t conservatives take responsibility for anything that goes wrong?”

I laughed.

But he makes a great point.  And I would like to answer him with a little story:

Lets imagine a world where Science, Economics, Reason and Logic simply do not work.  In this imaginary world, people still study Economics, and they develop the same theories that we have in the real world.  But the theories don’t work.  Mathematicians say that one plus one equals two, but not always.

In this world, you can raise the price of gasoline, for instance, and demand may not drop at all.  Demand might actually go up.  Same thing for taxes.  In this imaginary world we will call Libotania, none of the tools that conservatives use to evaluate and fix the economy work.  Instead, what does work is progressive ideas.  Anything a progressive can think of simply works, as though by magic.  Back to the gasoline example, if a progressive thinks that raising the price of gasoline by ten cents will cut demand in half, then that is actually what happens, no matter how contrary to logic and economics it may seem at the time.  If the progressive then declares that reducing the price of gasoline by one penny will cut demand in half again, that works too.  Libotania is a wonderful world!

In Libotania, the world is upside-down.  Progressives are always right.  Conservatives may occasionally get things right, but this is only by happenstance.  (much the way things occasionally work out in the real world for Democrats).

In Libotania, there are still Republicans.  They still run for office, and they are occasionally elected.  But when they are elected, unless they follow the rules laid down by a progressive, the economy usually tanks.  Everyone with any memory at all knows that this is what happens, and yet, somehow, Republicans still occasionally get elected.

If you asked a progressive in Libotania:  “why can’t progressives take responsibility for anything that goes wrong?”

The progressive would probably laugh.