Since our Mayor here in New York City has issued a mandatory evacuation in my neighborhood for a since-downgraded hurricane, I’m busy securing belongings before heading north. Many people are ignoring the evacuation, and they may have the last laugh if the storm weakens significantly.  I certainly don’t have a problem with people using their own judgment despite threats of fines and incarceration by the city. After all, many see this as Mayor Bloomberg simply covering his and NYC’s ass “just in case.” But seeing as how we live right at sea level and are about 100 yards from the ocean, at this point we think it best to leave for the weekend.

So instead of the usual Friday article, I’ll leave you with this link to a video I recorded earlier today. It’s an interview with a gentleman named Devin Balkind, who I met at last weekend’s bitcoin conference and introduced me to the concept of “Open Source Hardware,” which is essentially the opposite of centralized patent controls in the field of tools, machinery and other hardware. There are a large number of people who are engineering simple, easy-to-use farm equipment with interchangeable parts and designs that are freely distributed. We also talk briefly about the concept of 3D printing, which I think is incredibly cool.

Have a great weekend, and I’ll be back in your inbox on Monday.

Thanks and peace,

Nick Foley
The Basic Liberty Letter
http://www.basicliberty.com
http://www.youtube.com/bookofnick
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