Taxation Without Explanation

Ownership & Freedom

A shredded truck tire, a DIY bumper repair, and a “Freedom to Fix” directive from the White House spark a deeper question: who really controls the things we think we own? Jim Jones explores modern ownership, from cars and HOAs to digital goods and money, and asks whether we bought property or just bought permission to use it under someone else’s rules. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dminusdiaries.substack.com [https://dminusdiaries.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Territories, Tribes, and Belonging

Birth determines where we begin. Belonging determines where we end up. In this week's D-Minus Diaries, I explore what it means to be from somewhere, and what it means to truly belong. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dminusdiaries.substack.com [https://dminusdiaries.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Ability

On a 2,700-mile motorcycle trip from Tennessee to Quebec City, a simple lobster roll in Maine turned into an unexpected lesson on “ability” and attitude. I start with Karl Marx, the Parable of the Talents, and Ayn Rand, but the real punchline comes from a friend’s off-hand comment over a 95-dollar lunch. This D-minus Diary looks at how our abilities, and the abilities of others, shape not just what we can do, but how we see the life we’re already living. If you’ve ever complained about the price of something you chose, or wondered why some people can do what you can’t, this one’s for you. New episode of D-minus Diaries is up now—give it a listen, tap the heart, share it with a friend, and remember to be happy. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dminusdiaries.substack.com [https://dminusdiaries.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Fork in the Road

At every fork in the road, the real price tag is usually hidden. In this week’s D‑Minus Diaries, I look at tractors, condos, kids, and dogs—and the costs we don’t see until it’s too late. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dminusdiaries.substack.com [https://dminusdiaries.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Enshittification

In this episode, we explore Cory Doctorow's "enshittification", which is what happens when a company gets you hooked, then makes the product worse, adds fees, and calls it innovation. From TVs to GPS to printers to smartphones, the pattern is always the same: pay more, own less. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dminusdiaries.substack.com [https://dminusdiaries.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]