A Very Brief History of Taxation and the State

 The historical development of taxation and its connection to state structures, emphasizing that taxation has its origins in coercive practices, such as war and tribute extraction.

1. Origins of Taxation:

• Taxation emerged gradually, rooted in the practices of war, conquest, plunder, and tribute.

• Initial resource extraction involved direct conquest where rulers seized resources by force.

• Over time, this evolved into a system where conquered populations paid regular tribute to avoid violence, marking a shift from chaos to structured domination.

2. Phases of State and Taxation Development:

• Frank Chodorov in "Taxation Is Robbery" notes that taxation's origins lie in conquest and tribute, linking modern taxes to these violent beginnings.

• Franz Oppenheimer outlines six stages in the formation of states:

• Plunder/Raiding: Nomadic groups raid agricultural communities.

• Regularized Raiding/Truce: Raids become systematic as the aggressors find it more beneficial to extract resources than to destroy.

• Tribute Extraction: Conquerors demand regular payments from the subdued population.

• Permanent Domination: A ruling class establishes itself among the conquered, creating social stratification.

• Administrative Organization: Systems for managing tax collection and stabilization emerge.

• Territorial State: A stable political entity with a monopoly on force is formed, normalizing taxation.

3. Modern Taxation Formalization:

• As states legitimized and systemized extraction, modern taxation developed into orderly legal frameworks.

• Key features of modern tax states include:

• Centralization: Taxes are directly imposed by the central government, which do not rely on local governments.

• Unilateral Power: The central government can raise taxes without needing permission from other governmental bodies.

• Discretion in Spending: The central government determines how tax revenue is spent, without any obligation to benefit those who pay.

4. Taxation's Coercive Nature:

• Modern taxation retains a coercive element, as resources are collected through the threat of force.

• Rather than framing taxation as a service, it is emphasized that tax revenues do not correlate with specific benefits for taxpayers.

5. Critiques of the State and Taxation:

• Frederic Bastiat and Lysander Spooner provided critical views on the state and taxation, likening state actions to robbery, arguing that both entail coercion but the state is less honest about its intentions.

• Spooner highlights that unlike a highwayman (robber), the state not only takes taxes under threat but also imposes further control and demands compliance.

The history of taxation is deeply intertwined with the development of the state, evolving from ancient practices of plunder and tribute to modern systems marked by legal complexity and coercive extraction of resources. Recognizing this historical perspective helps one understand the foundational coercive character of taxation and the state's role in society.

https://mises.org/mises-wire/very-brief-history-taxation-and-state

This Is Why Thune Can’t Get the SAVE Act Passed

 The SAVE America Act, aimed at voter ID and citizenship verification, has encountered significant obstacles in the Senate, particularly for Majority Leader John Thune.

• Bipartisan Resistance: A group of Republican senators, including Thom Tillis, Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, and Mitch McConnell, voted against a version of the SAVE Act during a crucial late-night session, aligning with Democrats to reject the legislation.

• Lack of Support: Despite efforts to advance the bill through a simple majority filibuster, it became clear that there was insufficient backing from the GOP to secure its passage.

• Collins’ Position: Senator Susan Collins has political motivations for her vote, as she is facing a challenging re-election against her opponent.

• Failed Amendment: The amendment to attach voter ID legislation failed with a vote of 48 to 50, highlighting the divisions within the Republican Party and the challenges in passing the SAVE Act.

The effort to pass the SAVE Act demonstrates the complexities and rivalries within the Senate, making it unlikely to progress without unified support from Republican lawmakers. 

https://www.independentsentinel.com/this-is-why-thune-cant-get-the-save-act-passed/

FBI Cracks the Mexican Mafia

 On April 23, 2026, the FBI arrested 43 members of the Mexican Mafia, a powerful prison gang in the U. S. This crackdown addressed their involvement in serious crimes in Orange County, California.

• The arrests were made under three federal indictments, charging the gangsters with crimes like kidnapping, extortion, drug trafficking (specifically fentanyl and methamphetamine), illegal gambling, and murder.

• One of the murder victims was killed last year at a motel controlled by the gang in Anaheim.

• The Mexican Mafia, also known as "La Eme," exerts significant influence over Hispanic street gangs in Southern California, orchestrating illegal activities from prison and profiting from various crimes on the streets.

• Among those arrested were Jaime Alvarado, Karina Cesena, and Mario Flores, alongside senior gang members in custody expected to be arraigned soon.

This operation is a significant step in combating gang-related violence and organized crime in California, highlighting the ongoing battle against powerful criminal organizations like the Mexican Mafia. 

https://www.independentsentinel.com/fbi-cracks-the-mexican-mafia/

California Democrat Candidates Agree: Requiring Truck Drivers to Speak English Is Racist

 California gubernatorial candidates regarding the requirement for truck drivers to speak and understand English. It highlights their positions, the implications of these views, and the ongoing issues related to homelessness and illegal immigration in California.

1. Language Requirement for Truck Drivers: California has issued Commercial Drivers' Licenses to over 17,000 illegal immigrants, prompting a debate over whether truck drivers should be required to speak English. Candidates argue that enforcing such a requirement is racist.

2. Democratic Candidates' Positions: All Democratic candidates for governor oppose mandatory English proficiency for truck drivers, framing it as a form of racial profiling. They believe that such requirements discriminate against non-English speakers.

3. Public Safety Concerns: The text raises concerns about safety, pointing out that non-English speaking truck drivers have been involved in fatal accidents, emphasizing the need for drivers to understand road signs.

4. Political Discourse: The content features a confrontation during a debate, where candidate Katie Porter challenges Chad Bianco for his stance on language proficiency, implying that requiring English is harmful to minority communities. Bianco defends his position, arguing against making race a central issue in policies.

5. Criticism of Current Leadership: The article criticizes current California leadership, particularly regarding homelessness, stating that funds meant to address the homeless crisis have been misallocated to NGOs, which have allegedly indulged in fraud and luxury spending.

6. Culture of Excusing Incompetence: There's a discussion on how Democrats are portrayed as excusing incompetency through the lens of race, stressing that this leads to negative consequences for public safety.

7. Broader Implications: It suggests that the Democratic Party has developed a pattern of irresponsible governance, particularly in relation to crime, public safety, and financial transparency.

The content reflects a polarized political landscape in California concerning language requirements for truck drivers and highlights broader issues of governance, racial politics, and public safety. It critiques the Democratic candidates' positions as a continuation of a problematic approach that may disregard community safety in favor of perceived social justice. The narrative invokes urgency for voters to reconsider current governance practices in light of their implications for public welfare and safety.

https://hotair.com/david-strom/2026/04/23/california-governor-candidates-agree-requiring-truck-drivers-to-speak-english-is-racist-n3814207

Famous UFO Researcher David Wilcock Dead from ‘Apparent Suicide’ TWO DAYS After Posting Video Warning About How it’s ‘Scary’ that ‘Scientists Are Going Missing,’ Previously Posted About How He’s Not Suicidal

David Wilcock, a prominent UFO researcher and author, was found dead outside his home in Boulder County, Colorado, in what appears to be a suicide. His death comes shortly after he made concerning comments about the disappearance of scientists in his community.

• Death Announcement:

• On April 20, Wilcock was discovered outside his residence with a weapon after deputies responded to a mental health crisis call. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

• The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office did not initially confirm his identity but later Rep. Anna Paulina Luna posted her condolences on social media, acknowledging his passing.

• Background:

• Wilcock was known for his work in UFO research and as a bestselling author. He was a regular on the History Channel's "Ancient Aliens" and had a significant online following, with over 500,000 YouTube subscribers.

• He served as the Director of Advanced Technology for Stavatti Aerospace and was an advocate for government transparency regarding unidentified airborne phenomena.

• Recent Remarks:

• Just days before his death, Wilcock expressed concerns in a YouTube livestream about the alarming trend of scientists going missing. He commented on the fear surrounding this phenomenon and expressed gratitude for life.

• On social media, he conveyed his love and appreciation to supporters while hinting at intense personal matters he was dealing with.

• Circumstances and Timing:

• His untimely death raised questions, particularly since he previously asserted he was “not suicidal. ” His past statements revealed concerns about personal safety amidst the mysterious deaths of several scientists connected to sensitive military research.

• The Gateway Pundit highlighted a broader investigation involving the FBI looking into the unexplained deaths and disappearances of high-level scientists working on classified projects.

• Ongoing Investigations:

• While foul play hasn’t been indicated in Wilcock’s death, authorities continue to investigate, focusing on potential larger conspiracies related to the deaths of other scientists.

• Wilcock's death adds to a growing list of casualties that the media has been monitoring.

David Wilcock's death has shocked many in the UFO and alternative research communities, raising concerns regarding the safety of individuals in sensitive research fields. The investigations into his case and the general trend of unexplained disappearances will continue to unfold as more details become available. 

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/04/famous-ufo-researcher-david-wilcock-dead-apparent-suicide/

UK, France Lead 30-Nation Military Push to Reopen Strait of Hormuz

Recent movements in oil prices and geopolitical events affecting energy security have garnered significant attention. Factors such as military actions, international negotiations, and dynamics within the energy markets are influencing the current landscape.

1. Current Oil Prices:

• As of the latest updates, WTI Crude oil is priced at $94.07, Brent Crude at $103.00, and Murban Crude at $104.80.

• Natural gas has decreased to $2.722, while gasoline and heating oil prices have slightly dipped.

2. Geopolitical Events:

• The UK is hosting a two-day multinational military conference involving 30 countries to discuss plans for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane for oil.

• This conference follows U. S. President Trump’s extension of the U. S.-Iran ceasefire as talks continue to avoid escalating tensions.

3. Military and Economic Implications:

• The U. S. maintains a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran describes as a “siege,” leading to heightened tensions.

• UK Defense Secretary John Healey emphasized that free navigation through the Strait is vital for international trade and energy security.

4. Ongoing Negotiations:

• Hopes for rapidly resuming U. S.-Iran negotiations have been dampened, particularly after a planned trip by U. S. Vice President JD Vance to Pakistan was delayed.

• The UK and France aim to coordinate military strategies to ensure the reopening of the Strait, contingent on a sustainable ceasefire.

5. Broader Market Reactions:

• Other developments include Chevron restarting operations at Wheatstone LNG amid a global gas shortage, and Japan’s Japex planning to significantly increase its oil and gas production.

• The international oil market is facing volatility, with significant concerns about supply due to geopolitical tensions and strategic military operations.

6. Fuel Pricing Trends:

• In various regions, countries such as Pakistan are seeing record premiums for fuel imports, reflecting the wider impacts of these geopolitical tensions on local economies.

The oil market remains under pressure from geopolitical developments, especially concerning the Strait of Hormuz. Military meetings and continued diplomatic efforts are key to stabilizing this vital route for energy trade. As nations navigate these complex situations, oil prices will likely remain volatile, influenced by both supply-demand dynamics and emerging geopolitical concerns. Further updates from the ongoing conferences and negotiations will be crucial for predicting future trends in oil prices and availability. 

https://oilprice.com/Latest-Energy-News/World-News/UK-France-Lead-30-Nation-Military-Push-to-Reopen-Strait-of-Hormuz.html

What Made Us American Before The Country Turned Left

The changes in American society since the mid-20th century, focusing on social and political transformations that some believe have negatively impacted core American values. The author, Anthony J. DeBlasi, shares personal experiences to illustrate these changes.

1. Personal Background: The author recounts his father's immigration to the United States from a struggling European nation after World War I. He describes a vibrant American economy that thrived until the Great Depression halted progress.

2. Economic Prosperity: The early 20th century was marked by significant advancements in technology, industry, transportation, and art, creating a period of optimism and productivity. Post-World War II recovery continued this momentum, with high education standards and a flourishing workplace.

3. Family Structure and Values: Prior to the 1960s, traditional family structures were common, with dual-parent households and strong community bonds. The author emphasizes respect for gender differences and family roles, contrasting it with contemporary views on gender identity.

4. Impact of Political Correctness: After 1960, the author notes a shift towards political correctness, which he believes has stifled creativity and initiative. He argues that a divisive narrative emerged, framing society in terms of "victim" and "oppressor," detrimental to the American spirit.

5. Cultural Decline: DeBlasi asserts that America has experienced a decline in moral and social values, with increased corruption and division. He attributes this to influences that have infiltrated education, media, and public institutions, promoting ideologies he associates with Marxism.

6. Questioning American Identity: The author raises concerns about what it means to be American in light of recent changes. He questions whether foundational principles, such as the sanctity of life and the family unit, have been undermined by progressive ideologies.

7. Call to Action: DeBlasi urges Americans to recognize and actively oppose any actions that threaten human life or traditional values, advocating for the preservation of morality and family structures.

The article expresses a deep concern for the transformation of American society, lamenting a perceived loss of essential values and structure. It calls for a return to what the author views as core American principles, emphasizing the importance of defending the sanctity of life and family against prevailing liberal ideologies. 

https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2026/04/what_made_us_american_before_the_country_turned_left.html