Morning Brief 2024-03-08

March 08, 2024

No guests are scheduled for today's show.

Deuteronomy 11:19

State of the Union...

Biden asks Congress to fly with him to Moscow for prescription drugs
"I'm gonna get in trouble for saying this, but anybody wanna get in Air Force One with me and fly to Toronto, Berlin, Moscow... I mean, excuse me..."

Father of Marine Killed at Abbey Gate Arrested for Disrupting Biden’s State of the Union
Capitol Police arrested Gold Star father Steve Nikoui — whose son, Lance Corporal Kareem Nikoui, lost his life in the Abbey Gate bombing during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan — during Biden’s State of the Union address Thursday night.

Anti-Israel Protesters Block Biden’s Motorcade Route For State Of The Union Address
The protesters held signs and wore shirts with various phrases, including “Biden’s Legacy = Genocide”, “Homes Not Drones”, “Not In Our Name”, “End The Blockcade On Gaza”, and “Ceasefire”.

WaPo: In his State of the Union, Biden plays the age-old hits
...I watched with a memory front and center of a speech I heard Biden give in Washington last July. He was sharp and forceful; he moved nimbly between prepared text and ad-libs ... I think it’s fair to describe the audience reaction that night as surprised. The audience for this State of the Union might say the same thing.

NY Times: A Vigorous Biden Made the Case for a Second Look
The solid performance, with its emphasis on popular ideas like lowering prescription drug costs and championing in vitro fertilization to help families, will no doubt cheer Democrats worried about Biden’s stubbornly moribund approval ratings and what looks like an energized MAGA base behind Trump.

NY Times: Biden’s Border Taunts Clearly Hit a Republican Nerve
Biden was clearly eager to demonstrate some toughness on immigration, even referring to an undocumented immigrant who is suspected of killing a young Georgia woman in a case that has become a hobbyhorse for extreme Republicans like Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene.

NY Post: Biden botches name of migrant-murdered ‘Lincoln’ Riley in Trump-bashing State of the Union speech
“Lincoln — Lincoln Riley, an innocent young woman who was killed by an illegal,” Biden said, both botching her name and using a term considered politically incorrect by most Democratic officeholders.

Just the News: 'Divisive' Biden substitutes fiery campaign speech attacking Trump, justices for State of the Union
CNN's John King said Biden's address was the 36th State of the Union he's watched. "Never heard one so political. Never heard one that is such a campaign speech," he said.

Tucker Carlson: Biden Address Was ‘Darkest And Most Un-American’ State Of The Union Ever
“In fact it wasn’t a speech,” Carlson said, “it was a rant.”

Washington Examiner: Angry and slurring Biden shows he is unfit for a second term
With a furrowed brow, a harsh tone, and an overall angry demeanor, Biden‘s final State of the Union speech before Election Day was an exhibition of his unfitness for office.

The Federalist: Biden Threatens Supreme Court Justices For Upholding The Constitution
Biden’s public threat to the “last functioning institution in America” is not the first time Democrats have tried to browbeat the highest court in the land and it most likely won’t be the last.

Daily Wire: ‘People Are Going To Remember That Screaming’
“It was honestly the worst State of the Union address that’s maybe ever been given, especially for the first 30 minutes,” Daily Wire host Matt Walsh said. “Angry, slurring, started with the most hyper-partisan issues he possibly could.”

Daily Caller: Biden Focuses On Issues Americans Care Least About In Biggest Speech Of Presidency
Biden set aside immigration, inflation and crime to lead his 2024 State of the Union speech with a trio of issues that hardly register in polls of the American people.

Biden gaslights America by claiming to stand for freedom and democracy
The central theme of Biden’s State of the Union is about how he stands for freedom and democracy. It is perhaps the biggest fib that he or any member of the Democratic Party could spout.

Members Bust Out Laughing As Biden Says He’s ‘Delivered Results In Fiscally Responsible Ways’
“Now let me speak to the question of fundamental fairness for all Americans. I‘ve been delivering real results in fiscally responsible ways. We’ve already cut the federal deficit over $1 trillion."

Video: Biden wanders around, asks where he's supposed to go
"Biden, whose speech ended 25 minutes ago, is currently wandering around the House chamber asking where he's supposed to go."

Education Secretary Cardona was the State of the Union’s designated survivor
Cardona, as Education secretary, is the 16th in the presidential line of succession.

News...

Revolver: Leaked Audio Exposes FBI Dirty Dealings With Key Informant, Architect of Whitmer “Kidnapping Plot”
Like J6, the Michigan plot involved plans to storm the State Capitol. The Michigan plot involved the Three Percenters, one of the three main militia groups also imputed to January 6th. And much like J6, the Michigan plot was absolutely saturated with informants and undercover agents.

The Intercept: Informant at the Heart of the Gretchen Whitmer Kidnapping Plot Was a Liability. So Federal Agents Shut Him Up.
For the FBI, the stakes in the Whitmer case were high. If defense lawyers learned of Robeson’s role in the kidnapping plot, the FBI agents feared they’d be accused of entrapment. The collapse of the case would have been a public relations coup for right-wing politicians and news media.

Defense attorney in Trump's Georgia case tees up Fani Willis for renewed scrutiny with damning testimony
While the Georgia Senate Special Committee on Investigations panel is powerless to oust Willis from office, damning insights gleaned from testimony heard Wednesday could nevertheless help to blow up the Democrat's career.

Utility provider says its facilities appeared to play role in igniting Texas wildfire
The energy company disputed that it acted negligently in maintaining and operating its infrastructure.

Maine Mass Shooter Had ‘Significant’ Brain Damage ‘Likely’ Caused From Exposure To Over 10,000 Grenade Blasts
The man began losing his hearing in 2022 and, with it, reportedly developed a hot temper. He started to lose weight rapidly and believed that people at places he liked to go to were talking about him behind his back and calling him a pedophile.

Ex-con turned NYC criminal justice activist busted after head of prison rival found in freezer of apartment he left in blond wig
Sheldon Johnson, an ex-con who turned his life around and became a well-known victims’ advocate, was featured in Joe Rogan’s podcast and rubbed elbows with VIPs like Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg.

Politics...

Gold Star Family: Biden ‘Has Not Reached Out’ After Daughter-In-Law Killed In Afghanistan
Gold Star family member Christy Shamblin, whose daughter-in-law, Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee was killed during President Joe Biden’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, said during an interview this week that Biden has never contacted their family.

DeSantis Blasts Haley For Not Endorsing Trump: ‘You Signed The Pledge’
"I honored the pledge, and she’s gonna have to make a decision about whether she wants to or not, but the idea that somehow circumstances have changed, I think we all knew what we were doing when we did that."

‘The View’ Shriek At Peter Doocy For Asking KJP If Biden Will Debate Trump, Which She Refused To Answer
“She’s getting better and better, man,” co-host Sunny Hostin said of Jean-Pierre. “You know, thank God she’s polite,” co-host Whoopi Goldberg said. “She was maintaining decorum,” Hostin added.

Katie Porter doubles down on her claim that she lost election by 20 points because it was 'rigged'
"'Rigged' means manipulated by dishonest means. A few billionaires spent $10 million+ on attack ads against me ... I said 'rigged by billionaires' and our politics are — in fact — manipulated by big dark money. Defending democracy means calling that out."

Siri Tells Wisconsinites The Republican Primary Is April 3. That’s A Day After It’s Set To Take Place
When users ask Siri when the Wisconsin Republican primary is, Siri incorrectly says April 3. Users are correctly told that the Democrat presidential primary is on April 2.

Economy / ESG / DEI...

The Feds Gave Banks Woke Censorship Tools To Control All Your Money
The same government pressure erecting an Iron Curtain around the Internet is also constructing a financial social credit system like Communist China’s inside the United States.

Democrats support politically motivated financial surveillance even at expense of abortion rights
Congressional Democrats are so concerned about losing statutory workarounds for the Fourth Amendment that they appear willing to tolerate red states using financial transactions to track women who have abortions.

Immigration...

House approves Laken Riley Act hours before State of the Union address
The bill cleared the lower chamber in a 251-170 vote, with the help of 37 Democrats who joined all Republicans in passing the measure. All 170 “no” votes also came from Democrats.

California Moves to Expand Zero-Down, Interest-Free Home Loan Program to Illegal Immigrants
A proposed law would expand California’s homebuyer assistance program of zero-interest loans for the down payment on a home to illegal immigrants.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoes bill that would allow police to arrest illegal aliens
The bill's sponsor indicated the 'legislature did its job to protect our citizens but Governor Hobbs failed to do hers.'

Denver asks property owners to rent to ‘newcomers’ following closure of multiple shelters for illegals
“We’re going to have some newcomers who are going to need housing.”

COVID-19...

Rand Paul's Bill Would Require NIH Scientists To Disclose Royalties They Receive From Drug Companies
The Royalty Transparency Act passed unanimously out of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee yesterday.

Israel...

Biden to order US military to construct port in Gaza to increase aid flow
“We’re not planning for this to be an operation that would require U.S. boots on the ground,” said a senior administration official.

‘No Zionists allowed’ at new Salt Lake City bar, says owner Michael Valentine, former mayoral candidate
"We are pleased to announce we are banning all Zionists forever from our establishments."

Ukraine-Russia...

Russia says it neutralized ISIS cell plotting attack on Moscow synagogue
The attackers opened fire during the attempted arrest and were "neutralized by return fire", the FSB said.

Americans told to 'avoid' gatherings in Moscow, Russia amid reports of extremists' 'imminent plans' to attack
The US Embassy in Moscow warned Americans to 'avoid large public gatherings'.

NATO Is Rehearsing for Conflict With Moscow: Russian Official
A close ally Putin, who has been touted as a potential successor, said NATO's "Steadfast Defender 2024" military drills showed that the alliance had become "increasingly aggressive" and was preparing for an "armed confrontation" with Moscow.

Current Mood in Kyiv: Hopes, Concerns and Questions
By now, too much blood has been spilled by Russia, too much material damage inflicted, and too much hatred generated, for any compromise to be worked out. It is an us-or-them situation.

China...

Communication devices found on Chinese-built cranes located at US ports spark espionage concerns
Lawmakers’ discovery has fueled worries in Washington that the China-built equipment could be a national-security threat at America’s ports

Leaked Hacking Files Spur Concerns of China Weakening US for War
‘This is what World War 3 looks like. It’s the speed of technology, the stealth of unrestricted warfare, and no rules,’ says a U.S. security expert.

Europe...

Trump ordered to pay $382K in legal fees to company behind the Steele dossier
Trump was ordered by a London judge to pay $382,000 in legal fees to the company founded by Christopher Steele, after unsuccessfully suing over the salacious allegations in the British ex-spy’s infamous dossier.

Entertainment...

Street Art Exposing Fentanyl Crisis Hits L.A. Landmarks Ahead of Oscars
With bold colors, striking images and a wicked sense of irony, the artwork appears to be the work of conservative street artist Sabo.

Carol Burnett says she regrets one joke she took too far
Shortly after 9/11, someone in the audience asked if Burnett could be a member of the opposite sex for 24 hours, who would she be and what would she do. “I said, ‘I’d be Osama bin Laden, and I’d kill myself,’” Burnett recalled.

Media...

The New York Times Faces Claims of Hypocrisy Over Coverage of the Deployment of Troops
What is clear from the Times coverage is that there is still no sense of compulsion at the newsroom to be consistent or even self-aware. Outrage remains entirely selective and political.

Environment...

John Kerry says people would 'feel better' about the Ukraine war if Russia would reduce emissions
"If Russia wanted to show good faith, they could go out and announce what their reductions are going to be and make a greater effort to reduce emissions now. Maybe that would open up the door for people to feel better about what Russia is choosing to do at this point in time."

LGBTQIA2S+...

Align: Inside California's bipartisan fight to save kids from Big Trans
A liberal mom finds strange bedfellows — and newfound respect for Christianity — on the front lines.

Fetterman say's he'll fight for LGBT center after it loses funding due to Libs of TikTok exposing fetish parties
"I am going to fight for William Way to secure their funding in the FY25 appropriations process," added Fetterman. "I'm new here, but I wasn't aware that Democratic values and priorities are dictated by Libs of TikTok."

Male broadcaster calls police on JK Rowling for calling him a man
A broadcaster in the UK has reported celebrated author J.K. Rowling to the police for misgendering him on social media, saying Rowling violated multiple portions of the region's hate speech laws.

Health...

BowFlex files for bankruptcy
Makers of home-based fitness equipment have struggled with the increasing popularity of weight-loss drugs.

Technology...

TikTok crackdown bill unanimously approved by US House panel
The House Energy and Commerce committee unanimously approved legislation giving China's ByteDance six months to divest from TikTok or face a U.S. ban. The 50-0 vote represents the most significant momentum for a U.S. crackdown on TikTok, which had stalled over the last year amid heavy lobbying by the company.

Republican billionaire with $33B TikTok stake ‘bullies’ lawmakers to stop bill forcing Chinese ByteDance sale
A spokesman for Jeff Yass denied that he was making calls to Republicans and said.

Composer for Halo video game to make congressional run for GOP
"I never wanted to be a politician and I still don’t ... The sad reality is that many children in our country are suffering. Years of ridiculing and demeaning old fashioned 'family values' have taken a toll."

Travel...

Tire falls off United Airlines Boeing 777 plane departing San Francisco, crushing cars
But there's nothing to worry about as "the aircraft is designed to land safely with missing or damaged tires."

March 8, 2004 - Martha Stewart going to prison... Following the Heinz money trail... What was the Martha Stewart case about?... Does our culture breed class warfare?... The Passion of the Christ continues to move up in the top grossing film list...

5 videos that reveal the WOKE GARBAGE being taught to our kids

School today is not like it used to be...

Glenn recently covered how our medical schools have been taken over by gender-affirming, anti-racist, woke garbage, and unfortunately, it doesn't stop there. Education at all levels has been compromised by progressive ideology. From high-level university academics to grade school, American children are constantly being bombarded by the latest backward propaganda from the left. Luckily, in the age of Zoom classes and smartphones, it's harder for teachers to get away their agenda in secret. Here are five videos that show just how corrupt schools really are:

Woke teacher vandalizes pro-life display

Professor Shellyne Rodriguez, an art professor at Hunter College in New York, was caught on camera having a violent argument with a group of pro-life students who were tabling on campus. Rodriguez was later fired from her position after threatening a reporter from the New York Post, who was looking into this incident, with a machete.

Woke professor argues with student after he called police heroes

An unnamed professor from Cypress College was captured having a heated discussion with a student over Zoom. The professor verbally attacked the student, who had given a presentation on "cancel culture" and his support of law enforcement. The university later confirmed that the professor was put on leave after the incident.

Professor goes on Anti-Trump rant

Professor Olga Perez Stable Cox was filmed by a student going on an anti-Trump rant during her human-sexuality class at Orange Coast College. This rant included Professor Cox describing Trump's election as "an act of terrorism”. The student who filmed this outburst was suspended for an entire semester along with several other punishments, including a three-page apology essay to Professor Cox explaining his actions. Orange Coast College continues to defend Professor Cox, citing the student code of conduct.

Unhinged teacher caught on video going on left-wing political rant

Lehi High School teacher Leah Kinyon was filmed amid a wild, left-wing rant during a chemistry class. Kinyon made several politically charged remarks, which included encouraging students to get vaccinated and calling President Trump a "literal moron." Despite her claims that the school admins "don't give a crap" about her delusional ramblings, a statement from Lehi High School reveals that she "is no longer an employee of Alpine School District."

Far-left Berkeley law professor melts down when a Senator asks her if men can get pregnant

During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Berkeley Law Professor Khiara M. Bridges was asked by Missouri Senator Josh Hawley to clarify earlier statements involving "people with a capacity for pregnancy." The senator's line of questioning is met with a long-winded, frantic rant accusing the senator of being transphobic. When Sen. Hawley tries to clarify further, Professor Bridges makes the outrageous claim that such a line of questioning somehow leads to trans suicides.

Woke ideology trumps medicine in America's top 5 medical schools

Bloomberg / Contributor | Getty Images

Progressive ideology has infected our most prestigious medical schools and is seeping into our medical system.

As Glenn covered in his latest TV special, "diversity, equity and inclusion" (DEI), and leftist rhetoric have overtaken science and medicine as the focus of medical schools across the nation. The next generation of doctors and nurses is being force-fed DEI and "anti-racist" nonsense at the expense of slipping standards. This has led to a decline in people's trust in the medical industry and for good reason. Woke ideology has already been the driving force behind at least one medical malpractice case, and more are undoubtedly on the way.

All of this is being spearheaded by universities, which have integrated DEI practices into the fabric of their programs. Our top medical schools now require students and staff to participate in mandatory DEI and "anti-racist" classes and training and are adjusting the standards to reflect this new shift in focus. Here are 5 statements from the top American medical schools that show that medicine is no longer their primary focus:

Harvard Medical School

Boston Globe / Contributor | Getty Images

Taken from the Harvard University "Unconscious bias" resource page:

“As members of HMS, we each have a responsibility to create an inclusive community that values all individuals. Barriers to inclusion may include assumptions we make about others that guide our interactions. Recognizing our Unconscious Bias is a critical step in developing a culture of equity and inclusion within HMS and in our partnerships with other communities.”

The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Rob Carr / Staff | Getty Images

Pulled from the JHM Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Health Equity blog:

“One-hour live, virtual unconscious bias training ... [w]ill be required at all Johns Hopkins Health System (JHHS) entities for managers and above; hospital nurse leaders; credentialed providers (such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners); and for school of medicine faculty and trainees (including residents, fellows, medical and graduate students, and research postdocs), as well as those at a manager level or above.”

Stanford University School of Medicine

Philip Pacheco / Stringer | Getty Images

Found on the Stanford Medicine Commission on Justice and Equity page:

“The Commission on Justice and Equity—composed of external and internal leaders, experts, and advocates—represents an institution-wide, collaborative effort to dismantle systemic racism and discrimination within our own community and beyond.”

Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

Education Images / Contributor | Getty Images

Taken from the Penn Medicine Commitment to Inclusion, Equity, and Antiracism site:

“We openly acknowledge the role of structural forces of oppression as primary drivers of the disparate health outcomes. We believe that working to reverse the underrepresentation of historically excluded groups is critical in achieving equitable health outcomes. While this is an ongoing journey for our program, here are some of the tangible steps we have taken to achieve an inclusive culture”

Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons

Jeenah Moon / Stringer | Getty Images

Pulled from the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, Justice, and Anti-Racism page:

"Courses are being revised to be more inclusive and informed by the key principle of race as a social construct and a social determinant of health. We are training faculty that Anti-Racism is not an add-on to a course. Anti-Racism is a pedagogy - a manner of teaching, designing courses, and measuring learning outcomes. We make sure that the classroom environment is inclusive by holding space for respectful conversation and ensuring that we address any “classroom ruptures”– a disorienting dilemma or situation when a bias or microaggression that may occur, providing real time opportunities for professional development, learning, and growth. Racist actions and remarks are never tolerated at Columbia University and will be dealt with following established protocols."

Critical theory destroys truth and justice

Editor's note: This article was originally published on TheBlaze.com.

Critical theory once stood out as the absurd progressive notion that it is. Now, its maxims are becoming an integral part of ordinary political discourse. The more you repeat a lie, the more you will believe it, and this is the very dangerous place in which we find ourselves today.

Take this critical theory maxim as an example: If we desire justice, we must sometimes champion what may appear superficially as injustice. It's a necessary evil, if you will, the necessity of “controlled injustice.”

By using truth through fabrication and controlled injustice for justice, we’ll save the republic. We’ll be acting in a noble way.

This definition of justice is defined by the “oppressed,” not the “oppressor.” It is the greatest happiness for the greatest number. To achieve this justice, however, we need to endorse acts on occasion that, while seemingly unjust, serve a higher purpose. It will ensure the stability and the unity of our republic, and this may manifest in ways that seem contradictory to our values. But these are the necessary shadows to cast light on “true justice.”

And isn’t that what we are all after, anyway?

Here’s another critical theory maxim: Sometimes we find the truth through fabrication. Our pursuit of truth sometimes requires a strategic use of falsehoods. The truth is a construct that has been shaped and tailored to promote the well-being of the collective.

We sometimes need to accept and propagate lies designed by "the system” — not the old system, but the system that we’re now using to replace the old to get more justice through injustice and more truth through fabrication.

We’re engaging in a higher form of honesty. When we fabricate, it’s for the right reason. We are reaching up to the heavens fighting for a higher sort of honesty. To fortify the truth, we occasionally must weave a tapestry of lies. Each thread, essential for the greater picture, will ultimately define our understanding and ensure our unity under this infallible wisdom.

The election is coming up. Does this maxim sound familiar? Many think it is imperative that we secure our republic through election control to maintain our republic. Sometimes, we might need to take actions that by traditional standards might be questionable.

The act of securing elections requires cheating. It's not mere deception. It is a noble act of safeguarding our way of life. We're on the verge of losing this democracy, and without deception, we will lose it.

To ensure it doesn't fall into the hands of those we know will destroy it, we may have to make a few fabrications. We're fabricating stories to be able to control or secure the republic through our elections. By using truth through fabrication and controlled injustice for justice, we'll save the republic. Therefore, we'll be acting in a noble way. Stealing an election from those who wish to harm our society is truly an act of valor and an essential measure to protect our values and ensure the continuation of our just society.

If we desire justice, we must sometimes champion what may appear superficially as injustice.

I know it's a paradox of honor through dishonor. But in this context, by embracing the dishonor, we achieve the highest form of honor, ensuring the stability and the continuation of our great republic.

Let this be heard, far and wide, as a great call to patriotic action. As we advance, let each of us, citizens of this great and honorable republic, consider these principles. Not as abstract or paradoxical but as practical guides to daily life. Embrace the necessity of controlled injustice, the utility of lies, the duty to secure our electoral process, and the honor and apparent dishonor. These are not merely strategies for survival. They are prerequisites for our prosperity.

We all have to remember that justice is what our leaders define, that truth is what our party tells us. Our republic stands strong on the values of injustice for justice, honor through dishonor, and the fabrication of truths. To deviate from this path is to jeopardize the very fabric of our society. Strength through unity; unity through strength.

We've heard this nonsense for so long. But now, this nonsense is becoming an instituted reality, and we are entering perilous times. Don't be fooled by the narratives you will hear during the march to November. Never let someone convince you that the ends justify the means, that a little bit of injustice is needed to achieve a broader, collective vision of justice, that truth sometimes requires fabricated lies and narratives. If we do, justice will cease to be justice, truth will cease to be truth, and our republic will be lost.

Top 5 MOST EVIL taxes the government extorts from you

David McNew / Staff | Getty Images

"In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes." -Ben Franklin

The injustice of taxation has been a core issue for Americans since the very beginning of our country, and it's a problem we have yet to resolve. This belief was recently reignited in many Americans earlier this month on tax day when the numbers were crunched and it was discovered that the government was somehow owed even more hard-earned money. As Glenn recently discussed on his show, it's getting to be impossible for most Americans to afford to live comfortably, inflation is rising, and our politicians keep getting richer.

The taxpayer's burden is heavier than ever.

The government is not above some real low blows either. While taxes are a necessary evil, some taxes stretch the definition of "necessary" and emphasize the "evil." Here are the top five most despicable taxes that are designed to line the IRS coffers at your expense:

Income Tax

Joe Raedle / Staff | Getty Images

"It would be a hard government that should tax its people one-tenth part of their income." -Ben Franklin

On February 24th, 2024 we hit a very unfortunate milestone, the 101st anniversary of the 16th Amendment, which authorized federal income tax. Where does the government get the right to steal directly out of your paycheck?

Death Taxes

Dan Mullan / Staff | Getty Images

"Now my advice for those who die, Declare the pennies on your eyes" -George Harrison

Not even in death can you escape the cold pursuit of the tax collector. It's not good enough that you have to pay taxes on everything you buy and every penny you make your entire life. Now the feds want a nice slice, based on the entire value of your estate, that can be as much as 40 percent. Then the state government gets to stick their slimy fingers all over whatever remains before your family is left with the crumbs. It's practically grave-robbery.

Payroll

Bloomberg / Contributor | Getty Images

"The power to tax is the power to destroy." -John Marshall

What's that? The nice chunk of your paycheck the government nabs before you can even get it to the bank wasn't enough? What if the government taxed your employer just for paying you? In essence, you make less than what your agreed pay rate is and it costs your employer more! Absolutely abominable.

Social Security

VALERIE MACON / Contributor | Getty Images

"We don't have a trillion-dollar debt because we haven't taxed enough; we have a trillion-dollar debt because we spend too much." -Ronald Reagan

Everyone knows the collapse of Social Security is imminent. It has limped along for years, only sustained by a torrent of tax dollars and the desperate actions of politicians. For decades, people have unwillingly forked over money into the system they will never see again.

FICA

Kevin Dietsch / Staff | Getty Images

"What at first was plunder assumed the softer name of revenue." -Thomas Paine

FICA is the payroll equivalent of Social Security. Your employer has to match however much you pay. It means it costs your employer even more to pay you—again, you'll NEVER see that money. At this point, are you even working for yourself, or are you just here to generate money for the government to frivolously throw away?