The Second Law Of Thermodynamics

When something is broken in the natural world, action is required to fix it. Sometimes the remedy is as simple as tightening a screw, while some things are simply irreparable. In physics, the second law of thermodynamics dictates that the world becomes more disorderly with each passing second of time; that the universe is inexorably headed toward a permanent state of chaos. Physical objects, once broken, cannot regain their original integrity; they can only be reformed. This reformation, though leaving something to be desired in the world of physical properties, takes on a positive role in the theoretical world of government. The State of New York is broken and there is no screw presently utilized that is capable of securing its repair. The economy of the Empire State is headed toward a permanent state of chaos; a reformation of its current laws and regulations is the only hope for recovery.
New York’s state and local tax burden is rated as the 2nd highest in America. Our residents now pay $6,419 per capita in state and local taxes, equating to 11.7% of the average New York income. Our State has the 5th highest ranking in property taxes and has been deemed the 2nd least business friendly State with regard to corporate, sales, payroll, unemployment and commercial property taxes. Clearly these policies are directly related to New York’s current fiscal crisis and they must be addressed if our goal is to redeem the economy.
If the political leaders of New York would simply pass laws that would reduce the cost of doing business, job growth and investment would follow. The revenue lost by the diminished tax rates would be counteracted and expanded upon by an influx of company startups and the jobs they would necessarily create. All New Yorkers would benefit from business tax reductions. Additionally, a cap on property tax increases would prove most beneficial. Not only would this measure help to curb the disturbing trend of mortgage foreclosures that have become so prevalent on Long Island, but it would help to sustain New York’s population growth which, for decades, has been on the decline. These tax reductions, in conjunction with responsible spending, are the time tested reforms that New York desperately needs.
Obviously New York is broken and now is the time to fix it. Action is required to achieve this end but our current leadership has remained inanimate. Natural law dictates that a reformed physical object is chaotic in comparison to its original state of existence. However, the laws of Mother Nature can prove contrary to the laws of Government. Virtually every seat in our State’s government is up for grabs this November. Our representatives in Congress and the Senate will be subject to election as well. Voters must carefully scrutinize all candidates in order to ascertain who is responsible for New York’s current state of disorder and who will possess the courage and the fortitude to fight the status quo. While the second law of thermodynamics may be unavoidable in the world of physical properties, the chaos it implies and the disorder it necessitates need not apply to New York.
Jeremy Pitcoff
Smithtown Republican Committeeman

Changing Of The Guard

Most fair-minded Americans would now agree that the policies of the Obama Administration and, to a lesser extent, those of the second half of the Bush Administration, have been detrimental to the U.S. economy. The Keynesian theory that vast amounts of public spending can cure a faltering economy has been proven false and must be abandoned in order to resuscitate an asphyxiated U.S. dollar. A weak national currency, coupled with antipathy toward free-trade and an apparent malice toward the American private sector, has emerged as the cornerstone of American fiscal policy. The effects of these polices thus far: A 10% rate of unemployment, economic growth that is feeble at best, an unprecedented national debt and a general lack of public confidence in the competence of big government. With each passing day, the negative effects of these policies serve to further entrench the U.S. economy into a state of mediocrity. Recent statements made by President Obama and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner indicate a willingness to accept this mediocrity and to abandon the 235 year tradition of American exceptionalism. I, for one, refuse to accept this abandonment and I fervently pray that the upcoming Congress of 2011 will fill the void of American leadership that we are presently experiencing.

Three things must happen to reignite the American economy. It will take courage, conviction and strong leadership from both political parties to achieve this, but it is certainly within our grasp. The strength of the U.S. dollar must be reasserted, free and open trade must be initiated and the federal government must ease its grip on the American private sector. Though the methods of implementing these goals are open to debate, surely some common ground can be found. As we seek to develop new plans of reform that will permanently strengthen our nation, these three initiatives should be our legislature’s paramount goal in the aftermath of this year’s midterm elections.

1. Cut Spending: A 10% cut on all government spending, with the exception of defense and national emergencies, would instantly increase the strength of the U.S. dollar. Fiscal discipline, though a tough pill to swallow, is one that the American people are now willing to accept. In addition to adding value to the dollar, these spending cuts would help diminish our massive national debt and curb the increasing scope and power of our federal government.

2. Secure Free And Open Trade: American allies such as Colombia and South Korea have been trying for years to procure lasting trade agreements with the United States. Opening American markets to these emerging economic nations is a win/win situation for our country. Not only would this greatly benefit the American economy with an influx of new commercial opportunities, but it would also serve to further strengthen our military ties with these strategically significant nations.

3. Private Sector Growth: It is imperative that Congress pass new laws to release the American private sector from the chains of big government. Permanent corporate, investment and individual tax-cuts are surely the best incentives for American businesses to reestablish their ties to the U.S. market. Although a government run economy may serve to temporarily reduce the pressure on a small contingent of the population, it cannot create new wealth. Wealth and job creation are precisely what America presently needs. This can only be achieved, in a lasting and meaningful way, by the efforts of the private sector.

Just as it took two administrations and two political parties to place the American economy on its current path toward destruction, so now will it take new and virtuous leadership from both sides of the political aisle to reverse it. The greatest strength of America’s national character is in its ability to abruptly change course when necessary. We are a resilient people who recognize bad policies when we see them. Rival party factions and personal loyalties may sometimes cloud our judgment but, in the end, we all seek the same goal for our nation. Each generation of Americans feels an obligation to secure prosperity for its successors. This is a continuous cycle, uniquely American in character, and a testament to our exceptionalism. Though there are some in high office who disagree with this concept of inherent national exceptionalism, their views do not represent the majority of Americans. Most of us know that it is not too late for our country; that our best days are still ahead of us; that we remain the greatest and most benevolent nation ever to inhabit the Earth. To continue this greatness and to further improve the condition of humankind, a change in our present course will be required.

This November, a changing of the guard is necessary to implement the economic policies that will put us back on the track toward prosperity. New leaders must be elected who will place the needs of our nation above party loyalties and political high jinks. America needs to change the current course that is leading us toward a permanent state of mediocrity. The implementation of free-trade, deficit reduction and economic growth is the perfect place to start.


Jeremy Pitcoff
Smithtown Republican Committeeman