Ted Abram

I am a retired Oregon judge. Previously, I served in the Peace Corps in Guatemala and Liberia, West Africa, and have lived in Europe, Africa, South America and the United States. Presently, I am Executive Director of the American Institute for Full Employment. A major goal of The American Institute is reforming welfare, Food Stamps and the unemployment system. I have worked with numerous states and the federal government and was heavily involved in the 1996 welfare reform legislation and state reform initiatives.

As stated, philosophically I believe in freedom and the benefits of freedom. Further, my experience with government as a judge and extensive interaction with numerous federal, state and local government agencies has convinced me that most government policy is poorly promulgated and inadequately managed. Bluntly, government is an institution of coercive power, dominated by power seeking politicians corrupted by special interest favoritism, and focused on the next election. Resultant, government is a self-serving institution, with little intelligent consistency and policy. I have equal disdain for both political parties. I respect few politicians.

If gigantic reformation could be instituted immediately, I would empower local communities with the majority of public policy responsibilities and would accord them corresponding taxing powers. The federal government would be limited to the enumerated powers envisioned in The Constitution; mainly national defense and assuring free commerce among the states. Philosophically and practically I am of the opinion, that the coercive power of government is best controlled locally, where all citizens have a more direct voice. Also, all citizens would have greater opportunities to escape to a jurisdiction with policies and procedure in accord with the person’s philosophy and wants.

Alas, gigantic reformation will not be immediate. However, substantial change will occur. The age of instant and extensive communication will cause significant change. The American system of governance will change. How? When? What form? All cannot be predicted, but significant change will occur. Thus, I have created the website to define the state of American politics, the necessity of protecting wealth, and promoting governance systems fostering freedom.

I encourage participation by everyone interested in freedom and systems of governance. I will not tolerate rude, crude and profane comments. Please join in exploring opportunities to promote freedom.