In Jessica Corry’s newest column about the tragic killings in Arvada and Colorado Springs, she uses her personal experiences and a bit of logic to deconstruct the myth of gun control. The old adage, “if you outlaw guns, only outlaws will have guns” has never been more true. If not for the courageous armed security guard, the recent Colorado shootings could have been much worse. The bottom line is: we need guns in the hands of the good guys (and gals). Otherwise, it is not a fair fight.

What do you believe protects our liberty and freedom? Can a couple of pieces of paper with some ink on it preserve our inborn rights? Fred Holden doesn’t think so. He argues in his latest op-ed that it takes “we the people” to stand up and protect ourselves from governmental rights violations. The founding documents are important in that they provide a foundation and an impetus for us as citizens to protect ourselves. We must, however, accept that responsibility and take action when necessary. In other words, recognizing when the governing authorities have gone too far, and having the courage to do something about it.

You know that tough decision of whether to get Aunt June those festive reindeer socks or that sequinned holiday vest? Well that’s not the only decision that gets questioned this time of year. Barry Fagin has written a very timely op-ed about the economic benefit of leaving consumers sovereign in the marketplace. Consumers find themselves in the middle of two opposing groups: one that urges more spending and one that condemns it. In both cases, the groups believe they know how to spend your money better than you do. To which Barry replies, “….I’d like to spread the heresy that neither the bureaucrats (who claim superior minds) nor the moralizers (who claim superior hearts) deserve any claim on how we act. The economic decisions we make in our personal lives are overwhelmingly likely to be right. Period.” Read Barry’s entire article here to gain some piece of mind this holiday season.

Something like a freedom movement is brewing in Denver Public Schools. Last week the Bruce Randolph School asked to be set free from a lot of the union work rules and district red tape so its leaders and faculty can do the hard work of educating at-risk students. The Independence Institute joined several other groups and individuals in sending congratulatory flowers to the school for taking this important step. Now, despite a clear majority of Randolph teachers supporting the move, the union has sent in a team of lawyers to shut down the change before it can happen. Stay tuned.

We’ve got a new podcast over at iVoices. In it, Amy Oliver discusses an ostensible new version of Kelo v. New London with George Mason University law professor Ilya Somin. Only this time it is Wheat Ridge deciding to condemn private property for “development purposes.” Taxpayers have reason to be outraged. Evidently, our Department of Transportation conspired with Connecticut’s Department of Transportation to build a gigantic slippery slope that stretches from New London to Wheat Ridge.

In Linda Gorman’s new post on the regulation of the healthcare industry, she states, “I’m from the government and I’m here to help” remains one of the three biggest lies in America.” Oh I agree. It sits right behind “Caddyshack really needed that sequel,” and “Honey, those jeans do not make you look fat.”

If you’re a member of the Colorado Education Association or you know someone who is, it’s that time of year again. The deadline for getting $39 of your hard-earned money back from the political funds of CEA is December 15 (find an online request form for the $39 here). Some of the local associations (Denver, Jeffco, Adams 12, and others) offer separate political refunds as much as $24 – with the same deadline.

We have sent out emails and postcards to remind as many CEA members as we can, but sometimes those messages slip through the cracks. If you’re interested in a refund or know a friend who might be, all the information you need is on our Independent-Minded Teacher website. Send any questions or comments to Ben DeGrow (ben@i2i.org).

Raise your hand if you live in Colorado and can use the Internet.  Just as I thought; there are enough of you to justify having our school budgets posted online. Here Ben DeGrow calls for online budget transparency for our education system. I mean, if the residents of Kansas and Texas are Internet savvy enough to have them, surely we in Colorado can handle it.

Think your life is difficult? Try living on just clothing and healthcare. According to groups like Families USA, every other item that a family needs to survive is classified as “unaffordable.” The affordability threshold for these groups is set at 10% of income, thereby rendering things like food, housing, and transportation “unaffordable” for single earner families. Strangely enough, healthcare – the item these groups claim is beyond reach of the average family – is just about the only item that finds itself below their 10% threshold. Linda Gorman explains more here.

Health care policy center director Linda Gorman exposes the scam of health care “reform.” Check out her regular postings on the State Policy Network health care blog.