u/FacetiousOwl

"Private property enables individuals to pursue happiness through their own free choices. It also shields our individual and institutional projects from arbitrary power."

Should the right to vote and political representation be completely independent of tax contributions, or does a healthy republic require a stronger connection between those who fund government and those who direct its spending? How would classical liberal principles of individual rights, equality before the law, and limited government address this question?

"Zoning represented a step back to collective security from individual opportunity. New immigrants and black migrants would not have the same opportunities. New Deal programs to promote homeownership reinforced the zoning regime (the “redlining” practices that we hear so much about). The Supreme Court held racially restrictive covenants to be unconstitutional in 1948, but zoning regulations continue to have their effect. In 2021, the city of Berkeley, California, repealed its single-family zoning restriction. As a local activist put it, “We’re known for our progressive history, but we have a couple of skeletons in our closet.”

"For American consumers, higher aluminum costs flow into the retail prices of food, beverages, foil, appliances, and more. For US manufacturers, the steep premium means higher costs and reduced competitiveness. Aluminum is a critical input for both advanced manufacturing – automotive, aerospace, defense, etc. – and less capital-intensive industries like food production. Today, American firms pay much more for the metal than do their overseas competitors."

About a year ago, I posted on this sub looking for advice because I was worried my criminal record would prevent me from getting into accounting. I’m happy to say things turned out much better than I expected.

I took this sub’s advice and focused on applying to smaller firms and gaining experience wherever I could. I started in A/P doing nonprofit accounting, then doubled up on jobs and took a seasonal tax prep position during tax season. That experience helped me build skills, meet people in the profession, and eventually led to a referral to my current position as a tax associate at a small firm.

I’m now preparing to take my first CPA Exam section.

I wanted to share this because when I first started, it honestly felt like my career options were extremely limited. If anyone else is in a similar situation, don’t underestimate the value of small firms, seasonal work, networking, and simply continuing to build experience step by step.

Things can improve a lot faster than you think.