[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fv9V76xG0kPdYS_jE-iLjWweC6TvHh23n6RjxGuISw6I":3,"$f2kIjxxmBZjL4XoqniEb46s5vcVcNWVYHmim72jxEa48":12},{"author":4,"tags":11},{"author_id":5,"author_name":6,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"bio":9,"short_bio":9,"slug":10,"image_url":9},86641,"Thomas Dilorenzo","T",7,null,"thomas-dilorenzo",[],{"quotes":13,"pagination":72},[14,23,29,35,42,49,55],{"id":15,"quote_text":16,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":19,"source":20,"quote_tag":21,"commentary":22},3472825,"Ever since its founding in 1913, the Fed has described itself as an “independent” agency operated by selfless public servants striving to “fine-tune” the economy through monetary policy. In reality, however, a non-political governmental institution is as likely as a barking cat.",6,false,{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],"**The Backstory**\nThomas DiLorenzo, an American historian and economist, likely penned this quote in one of his books or articles, possibly during the 1990s or early 2000s, when he was actively critiquing the Federal Reserve's role in the US economy. As a historian, DiLorenzo was known for his contrarian views on the Fed, which he believed had been instrumental in perpetuating the growth of the federal government and eroding individual liberties. At that time, the US economy was experiencing a period of relative stability, but DiLorenzo was already sounding the alarm about the dangers of central banking.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\nThe quote reveals a profound skepticism about the notion of \"independence\" in government institutions, particularly those with significant power over the economy. DiLorenzo's witty comparison of a \"non-political governmental institution\" to a \"barking cat\" highlights the absurdity of assuming that government agencies can operate without political influence, especially when they wield immense power over the economy.\n\n**How to Use This**\nTo apply this mindset today, consider the importance of critically evaluating the self-serving narratives of powerful institutions, including those in government, finance, and corporate sectors. When evaluating the actions of these institutions, look beyond their official rhetoric and seek out the underlying motivations and interests that drive their decisions. By doing so, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions and avoid being swayed by the propaganda and spin that often accompanies powerful interests.",{"id":24,"quote_text":25,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":26,"source":27,"quote_tag":28,"commentary":9},3472818,"It is no coincidence that some of America’s most lethargic industries-steel, footwear, rubber, textiles-are also among the most heavily protected.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":30,"quote_text":31,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":32,"source":33,"quote_tag":34,"commentary":9},3472798,"Isn’t the whole idea behind the massive regulation and regimentation of American industry and society the notion that individuals should be forced to behave in ways defined by a small governmental elite?",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":36,"quote_text":37,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":38,"source":39,"quote_tag":40,"commentary":41},3472788,"The biggest roadblock to middle-class economic advancement is that governments confiscate more than a third of all family income. Each year the average American taxpayer works 127 days – from January 1 until May 7 – just to pay taxes.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],"**The Backstory**\nThomas DiLorenzo, a renowned historian and economist, penned this quote in his book \"How Capitalism Saved America: The Untold Story of American Progress from the Progressive Era to the Corporate Age\" (2004). DiLorenzo's work is a scathing critique of the Progressive Era and its proponents, who he argues have led to the erosion of individual liberty and economic freedom in America. At the time, DiLorenzo was part of a growing movement of libertarian and Austrian economists who sought to challenge the dominant Keynesian and neo-classical economic paradigms.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\nThe quote reveals a profound paradox: that the very institution designed to promote economic equality and social welfare, government taxation, has become a significant barrier to middle-class advancement. By highlighting the staggering amount of time Americans spend working solely to pay taxes, DiLorenzo exposes the tension between the redistributive goals of the welfare state and the stifling effects of excessive taxation on economic mobility.\n\n**How to Use This**\nTo overcome this roadblock, modern professionals and creatives can adopt a mindset of \"tax-aware entrepreneurship.\" This involves not only optimizing tax strategies but also rethinking business models and revenue streams to minimize the burden of taxation. By doing so, individuals can reclaim a larger share of their hard-earned income and invest it in their passions, rather than simply paying the taxman.",{"id":43,"quote_text":44,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":45,"source":46,"quote_tag":47,"commentary":48},3472771,"The purpose of government is for those who run it to plunder those who do not.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],"**The Backstory**\nThomas DiLorenzo, an American historian and economist, likely penned this quote in his book \"The Real Lincoln: A New Look at Abraham Lincoln\" (2002). During this time, DiLorenzo was critiquing the conventional wisdom surrounding Abraham Lincoln and the American Civil War. His work aimed to challenge the traditional view of Lincoln as a unifying figure and instead portray him as a power-hungry politician who exploited the war for personal gain.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\nAt first glance, the quote appears to be a straightforward critique of government overreach. However, upon closer examination, it reveals a more profound insight: the very existence of government is predicated on the idea that some individuals will exploit and plunder others. This paradox highlights the inherent tension between the power of government and the protection of individual rights. By acknowledging this dynamic, we can begin to question the true purpose of government and its impact on society.\n\n**How to Use This**\nTo apply this mindset today, recognize that the relationship between those in power and those they govern is inherently asymmetrical. As a professional or creative, be aware of how institutions and systems can be used to exploit or empower. By understanding this dynamic, you can navigate complex power structures more effectively and make informed decisions about how to interact with and influence those in positions of authority.",{"id":50,"quote_text":51,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":52,"source":53,"quote_tag":54,"commentary":9},3472755,"I agree with Clyde Wilson that America can’t be saved or returned to its roots until the Republican Party is destroyed.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":56,"quote_text":57,"author_id":5,"source_id":58,"has_image":18,"author":59,"source":60,"quote_tag":61,"commentary":9},638674,"Socialism is socialism. Government run enterprises are just as inept under democratic governments as they are under autocratic governments.",2,{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[62,67],{"id":63,"tag":64},3287121,{"id":65,"tag_name":66},5552,"socialism",{"id":68,"tag":69},3287120,{"id":70,"tag_name":71},12473,"government-regulation",{"currentPage":73,"totalPages":73,"totalItems":8,"itemsPerPage":74},1,10]