By Matthew Hayward In a world increasingly dominated by emotionalist socialism, the recent uproar over unused gift cards in Washington State serves as a prime example of the dangerous erosion of personal responsibility and the fundamental principles of capitalism. The push for legislation to protect consumers from their own choices under the guise of corporate accountability is a misguided venture that undermines the very essence of a free market economy. At the heart of the matter is the assertion that large companies, like Starbucks, are exploiting consumers by retaining unspent funds on gift cards. The proposed solution? Forcing these companies to surrender these funds to the Department of Revenue as unclaimed property. This move is heralded as a victory for consumer rights, but in reality, it is a dangerous precedent that infringes upon the sanctity of voluntary exchange and contract freedom. The notion that consumers are somehow entitled to protection from their own decision...

By Matthew Hayward: It's high time we address a common error: calling the United States a 'democracy.' This isn't just about getting a term wrong; it's about misrepresenting the very essence of our government. We are a constitutional republic, where elected representatives make decisions within a framework designed to protect individual rights, unlike a direct democracy where the majority has the final say. This isn't just semantics. It's about understanding and respecting the structure that defends our liberties from majoritarian impulses. Republicans, politicians, and public figures should lead by example and use 'republic' to describe our system. I often hear phrases like 'saving our democracy' or 'threats to our democracy' in political discourse, especially from liberal commentators. These phrases oversimplify and misrepresent our complex system. Let's encourage everyone, especially those in influential positions, to use accur...

 By Matthew Hayward  1/19/2024 updated 10/16/2025 Gaslighting or projection? When individuals are labeled “fascist,” banned from platforms, removed from ballots, or intimidated for speaking at school board meetings, it is worth asking who the real authoritarians are. This is not about disagreement; it is about control. The modern left and right both weaponize language to silence opposition. “Fascist,” “extremist,” and “bootlicker” have become political slurs used not to describe behavior but to delegitimize thought. Ironically, those who shout “fascism” the loudest often exhibit its defining traits: censorship, intimidation, and the suppression of dissent. The same pattern appears with words like equality and inclusivity. Noble ideas on the surface, yet often twisted into tools of conformity. When inclusion demands ideological purity, it ceases to be inclusion. When diversity excludes differing opinions, it becomes tyranny disguised as virtue. True liberty requires that we j...

By Matthew Hayward As a keen observer of the evolving crypto landscape, my journey with cryptocurrencies and platforms like Coinbase has been both extensive. Reflecting on my previous blog post from December 17, 2020, titled " Coinbase's IPO: A Game Changer in Crypto Investment, " I shared my anticipation and strategic moves ahead of Coinbase's DPO. The excitement and foresight expressed then resonate with the current scenario surrounding Bitcoin ETFs and their impact on Coinbase. Today, I find the recent CNBC article underscoring the potential threats to Coinbase from Bitcoin ETFs to be missing the mark. Let's delve into why Coinbase stands to benefit significantly from this development. For those new to the crypto space or looking to refine their understanding, I recommend checking out my guide, " Getting Started in Crypto: Five Essential Steps. " This resource offers a foundational overview, from understanding basic terminology to making informed deci...

 Ah, the three-arrow anti-fascist flag. How original. How brave. How utterly, mind-numbingly redundant. Congratulations on taking a stand against fascism - welcome to the club, population: everyone with a sliver of sense. Really, we should give out medals, or perhaps participation trophies, to recognize such a daring stance. I mean, it's not every day someone comes out against a universally despised ideology that's been out of fashion for about three-quarters of a century. But wait, there's more! Not content with simply opposing fascism, these flag-flyers have to go one step further. They're not just anti-fascist; they're anti-fascist with a flair for drama and a desperate need for a political hobbyhorse. So, they wave their flags, equating their neighbors and the local PTA with the specter of 20th-century dictators. It's like saying you're against human trafficking by putting a 'Kidnappers Suck' bumper sticker on your car. Yes, we know. Everyone agr...

 By Matthew Hayward Human behavior is a fascinating dichotomy: those who adhere to rules without question and those who challenge the status quo. This divergence isn't just about personality traits; it's deeply rooted in our psychological makeup and societal conditioning. The Comfort of Conformity For many, following rules offers a sense of security and order. It's a psychological safety net. We're taught to obey from childhood – it's a survival mechanism. The mantra in schools, homes, and workplaces is often the same: follow the rules, and you'll succeed. This adherence is further reinforced by societal norms and the desire to belong. After all, there's comfort in conformity, in being part of the majority that doesn't rock the boat. The Thrill of Rebellion On the flip side, there are those who question and push boundaries. Why? It's not just rebellion for rebellion's sake. It's about a deep-seated need to understand, seek out reasons, and no...

By Matthew Hayward In our daily commutes, we often encounter endless red lights, bringing us to a crossroads of practicality and strict adherence to traffic laws. It's a familiar scenario: a red light that tests our patience more than it ensures our safety. This pondering was further sparked by an article in the News Tribune about the complexities of traffic light laws, leading me to contemplate the balance between logical decision-making and lawful obedience. Picture this: you're at a three-way intersection that's missing a crucial element—a turn lane. Here, the traffic lights orchestrate a perplexing situation that defies common sense. You're driving south, intent on continuing straight, but as the northbound traffic receives a green light, you find yourself halted by a red signal that serves no apparent purpose. Despite the clear path ahead, the traffic system doesn't recognize your intention to go straight. It lumps you in with those who might turn, unnecessari...