THE JOHN ADAMS SOCIETY

David W. Downing   Andrew Schmitz   Christopher T. Wolff    Marina Wolff

     Chairman                Secretary                Chief Whip                    Chancellor

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Location: Burger Moe’s

If you see fraud, and do not say fraud, you are a fraud! – Nassim Nicholas Taleb

RECENT SCANDALS HAVE BROUGHT FRAUD INTO THE SPOTLIGHT. First there was Feeding Our Future where $250 million was stolen by fraudsters pretending to feed children during the pandemic. Then it was discovered crooks were defrauding Minnesota’s Housing Stability Services program for seniors and the disabled. Next, enterprising fraudsters were caught billing the state for illegitimate autism services and giving kickbacks to the children’s families. Finally, Nick Shirley published his video of empty daycares that were receiving federal funds.

Fraud has always existed in government programs. While it may be reduced with vigilance, its existence is unavoidable in a functioning government that has social programs.

ON THE OTHER HAND: We should not have to tolerate fraud in our government. Programs of the state exist to serve the people, not greedy fraudsters from afar. The deeper cause of this fraud is that naive Scandinavian Socialists from a high trust society couldn’t comprehend that when given the chance, a bunch of people with different social attitudes would steal all they could from the State. Boot these fools from the controls of our government, institute proper scrutiny to government programs, and the theft will stop.

The CHAIRMAN, having just been frightened by fraudsters in a Ferrari while on his relaxing Sunday drive on the freeway, summons a debate on the matter.

RESOLVED: Fraud Is the Cost of Doing Government

The Debate will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2025, at Burger Moe’s(back room), 242 7th St. W, St. Paul, MN 55102. The Chancellor will preside over drinks beginning at seven o’clock p.m. The debate will begin at half past seven. There is no dress code, however gentlemen who wish to speak must wear a tie; ladies are encouraged to adhere to a similar sartorial standard. For those gentlemen arriving sans tie yet wishing to discourse on the resolution, the Purveyor of Ties will keep on hand several remarkable selections.  In addition, the Chairman encourages all to join him as early as 6:30 pm for a bite to eat. Let us thank our host location for the use of their room in the most sincere way possible – by spending our money. God Bless Free Enterprise!  Questions regarding debate caucus procedures or about the John Adams Society itself may be directed to the Chairman at (651) 485-1699 or the Secretary at (952-564-9089).