In his article initially published at Birch Gold Group, Brandon Smith discusses the alarming state of the American economy, highlighting the disconnect between alternative economic predictions and mainstream media perspectives. For many years, alternative economists have forecasted various economic instabilities, and recent events have validated these predictions, leading to a growing mistrust of corporate economists who now claim foresight in crises they previously dismissed as conspiracy theories. Smith urges readers to consider who to trust regarding economic solutions, arguing that one cannot expect accurate remedies from those who fail to grasp the fundamental sources of the economic crisis, especially when these people have previously misled the public about the state of the economy.
Smith further emphasizes the dilemma faced by alternative media, which focuses more on diagnosing systemic problems than on presenting concrete solutions. Despite the validity of their analyses, these voices often face criticism for not providing actionable remedies for the crises they highlight. He points out that the difficulties in reaching consensus on solutions stem from the diversity of opinions within liberty movements, often resulting in paralysis in decision-making. This lack of unity is particularly problematic as the economic situation hovers at a breaking point, marked by stagnant wages, skyrocketing living costs, and growing poverty, collectively contributing to a feeling of impending economic collapse.
The impending economic collapse Smith predicts is the result of decades of mismanagement, setting the stage for what he describes as a potential “stagflationary” crisis, where inflation continues to rise amid declining employment and GDP. He paints a picture of a bleak economic future, with middle-class families being increasingly crushed by rising costs and stagnant incomes. However, he suggests that a means of escape exists, contingent upon the adoption of transformative policies reminiscent of past American values that have been largely forgotten in today’s political climate. This assertion raises the question of whether the contemporary American populace, conditioned by extensive government intervention, can accept such significant changes.
To illustrate his proposed solutions, Smith outlines a series of focused and radical policy measures aimed at reversing the current economic trajectory. First, he advocates for the abolition of income tax for 99% of citizens and small business owners, arguing that the income tax serves primarily to support a bloated government rather than the people. He proposes reinstating tariffs on foreign trade as a revenue source for the federal government, a method that has historical precedence. This would not only relieve financial pressure on middle-class families but also reduce government waste.
The distressing state of the housing market further propels Smith to argue for the elimination of property taxes on single-family homes, claiming that these taxes drive families out of homeownership while enabling large corporations to monopolize the market. Alongside this, he proposes the deportation of illegal immigrants, citing significant fiscal drains on national resources and untethered access to housing for citizens as critical issues that exacerbate the housing crisis. Another facet of his solution entails providing incentives for married couples with children, as the decline in stable family structures leads to catastrophic social and economic consequences.
Smith also underscores the importance of reinstating apprenticeship programs to tackle the labor market’s skills gap. He posits that returning to a system where young individuals learn trades through apprenticeships would revitalize the American workforce, steering the economy away from its current downward trajectory. All of these proposals, while termed “radical,” could theoretically be implemented quite quickly by an attuned government, thereby igniting a renewed optimism that could pave the way for broader reforms necessary for sustainable economic recovery.
Despite recognizing the uphill battle against ingrained governmental structures, Smith insists on the viability of these solutions, which he believes could be enacted in the near future. He concludes that though longer-term strategies are essential, the rapid implementation of immediate measures could serve as a catalyst for changing public sentiment and reparative policy shifts overall. With a lack of current political willingness to undertake such necessary reforms, Smith calls on individuals and states to take responsibility for these initiatives, emboldening a grassroots movement equipped with realistic, actionable plans to restore the American economy before it reaches irreversible decline.
