Obama's new tax proposal

Surprisingly, I agree with Obama on the overall reported plan.  Lowering the corporate tax rate, decreasing the amount of tax breaks, and taxing offshore corporate income, can help revitalize the U.S. manufacturing sector.  Manufacturing is the cornerstone of the economy.  We'll see how this proposal evolves.  Hopefully it will do some good.

The Maltusian model is back.  According to the Wall Street Journal, the population growth in rural America is slowing.   According to the Maltusian model, long term economic growth does not happen, rather population increases or decreases with economic output.  With the decrease in population caused by the lack of jobs in rural areas, it appears to follow the Maltusian model.

Also reported in the WSJ this week, the amount of jobs for high school dropouts is decreasing at an increasing rate.  Only 10% of high school dropouts have regular jobs.  The return of manufacturing could increase this number substantially.

Byron (Siwelnor)

Electric Cars and Rent Control

I have one real problem with electric cars, and that is their batteries.  They don't last long enough, both when you consider the capacity, and the effective lifespan.  On top of that, you have to charge them in a certain way, similar to how you charge your phone.  When driving them, you have to know where you are going to recharge again, because there aren't many recharging stations.  They also take quite awhile to charge. The point of all of this, is that a car is supposed to be utilitarian.  As of now, electric cars are not.  

On a separate subject, rent control doesn't work.  It only helps the people already living in the apartments.  It acts as an effective price ceiling, meaning that there will be more people wanting apartments, then there are people renting them out.  The problem then, is a problem of volume.  Rent control acts as a disincentive to potential landowners.  This leads to less apartments being let out, and therefore, less apartments available for rent.  

Siwelnor

Growing up.

I've written some things on this blog that I'm proud of, and some I'm not.  I'm taking this blog along a more professional and mature route now.  I also plan to post more regularly on specific subjects.  When there's something interesting in the news I want to talk about or discuss, read it here.  When me and my classmates have discussions about law or politics, I'll repeat it here.  When  I read something in my never-ending reading list that seems interesting and relevant, I'll post it here.  I will publish my sources.  I will cite any cases.  It is past time to grow up.

Starting with this new trend, today I read an interesting case.  Stambocsky v. Ackley, 572 N.Y.S.2d 672* is a hillarious decision based on the doctrine of caveat emptor, or let the buyer beware.  Ackley decides he see's a ghost, and publishes this in the news, and tell's everyone about it.  He tries to sell his "haunted" house to Stambocsky, and later Stambocsky finds out about the "haunting" and decides to break the contract.  Ackley sues for specific performance**, and the judge goes on a Ghost Busters field day.  It's a great case to read, and if you have access to legal research materials, I would read it.

* Volume 572 pg 772 of the New York state Reporter, Second edition. ***
** A court order to do what you promised to do in the contract, in this case buying the house.
*** This is the footnote format I use.

Thank You Marines

Today is the birthday of the United States Marine Corps.  These proud men and women have served in every war and armed conflict the U.S.A. has been involved with.  Thank you all marines for your service and dedication.

So Busy

I'm real busy with law school right now, but I really love it.  It's nice to study something that you actually want to spend your life doing.  I'm really leaning towards litigation right now because it seems the most in tune with my personality.  

I have a bag of clementines on my desk.  They are really tasty and hopefully will help me ward off any more diseases that I seem to aquier from the subway despite my use of hand sanitizer.  

Anyway, today we heard about the coming retirement of Joe Paterno.   I always looked up to Joe because he always ran a clean, legit program.  Now he is coming down in possible disgrace because his former assistant coach molested children.  It's sad to think that the man's legacy can crumble just like that.  I don't know how involved he was in the cover-up, but my heart goes out to all the Penn State fans and also to the victims.  

Occupy Wallstreet needs to move.  They have taken over my commute and I don't like it.  Also I don't agree with their message.  Yes there needs to be bank reform, but the reform should not involve redistribution of wealth.  It just doesn't work. 

The Euro is pretty much doomed.  I remember predicting that when the Euro was created.  When I was around 5 years old and ignorant.  

That's life, let's keep on living.  

Law School

So I've started Law School, and I am loving it.  I feel intellectually challenged every day.
In Criminal Law we discuss and explore the strategic policy objectives of deciding which conduct to criminalize, and how to punish said conduct.  In contracts, we study what makes a contract, including discussions of what constitutes a valid offer.  In Torts, we explore the concepts of negligence through case law.  In legal practice, we serve as associates at a firm where we conduct client interviews, write office memos, and research legal issues.

My home life is pretty good as well.   I actually enjoy cooking, and I have a varied diet.

My weekly schedule looks a little like this.
Monday:
Contracts and Crim
Read for LP and do any LP homework not already finished.
Edit notes from the day.
Cook
Web surf.
Tuesday
LP
Read Torts
Torts
Edit notes
Read for Contracts and Crim
Wed and Thur are the same as Mon-Tue
Friday:
Study, review, and outline notes from full course.
Work on larger lp projects
Saturday is my day off to watch Michigan Football.
My week might also include various seminars on legal issues.

See you all soon.

Byron Siwelnor

Stroke victim sues Dallas for Public Intoxication charge - Mix 102.9

Stroke victim sues Dallas for Public Intoxication charge - Mix 102.9

More examples of police bullying. I think police officers in general are good people, and I respect the job they do. However, there are some who do go into situations with their assumptions, and don't look at the evidence staring them in the face.

Byron Siwelnor