The initial step to a solution is correctly identifying the problem.

If the true nature of a problem isn’t determined, any implemented solution will be ineffective. So obvious, it can precipitate a “Duh” response. But it’s not that simple.

We tend to confuse symptoms with problems and are frustrated when attempts to “solve” the symptom doesn’t eliminate the problem. Affecting factors are numerous and complex requiring us to look past the obvious.

An effective tool is the concept of proximate cause. The legal definition is extensive but, in effect, involves determining an action that in direct sequence produces an event without which the event would not have occurred. Its determination identifies blame and the problem.

Timberline Transport hauls logs. It fails to replace the brakes according to its maintenance schedule or doesn’t have a maintenance schedule. Consequently, going downhill, the driver can’t stop smashing a car. As a result, the logs break their constraints flying off hitting other cars and people. In determining legal and civil responsibility, the court will look to proximate cause.

It could be argued that the driver should have avoided the wreck, those loading the logs should have used stronger straps, the car in front should have seen the truck coming, etc. But what was the initial action if it hadn’t occurred, the crash wouldn’t have happened: the company’s failure to replace the brakes.

It’s the first negligent act: not doing as the reasonably prudent person would do that would have prevented the event. It’s the argument made when the bar whose bartender overserves the DUI driver causing a fatal wreck is cited.

It can be taken to unreasonable lengths; usually unsuccessfully. An elderly lady was sued when she went to the post office and left the keys in her car. It was stolen, the thief jumped the curb killing a pedestrian. If she hadn’t left the keys in the car the pedestrian would be alive. Similarly, Ruger Firearms was sued when one of their pistols was used to commit murder.

The concept can be useful, however, in determining the actual problem. Inflation is an example. Higher prices aren’t inflation. They are a symptom of inflation. The proximate cause: the devaluation of our currency. If we identify, understand and deal with the numerous causes of devaluation, prices will stabilize.

The largest cause of devaluation is an increase in the supply of money, especially when not resulting from an increase in productivity. Government spending increases the supply of money and is exacerbated when the spending requires the literal printing of additional currency or putting a number on the government’s ledger sheet. Currently, it also requires borrowing the money.

The solution: Reduce government spending. Eliminate a portion of its 3 million employees and reducing or eliminating non-essential government programs.

There are historical causes. During World War II, women worked directly in the war effort manufacturing weapons, bombs, uniforms, and supplies was the first time Mom working became commonplace. Their wages generated an increase in money supply. When Dad returned from war, his wallet contained 1,2, or more years wages. Another increase in money supply. Possessing this lump sum, demand for large ticket items ballooned: cars, appliances, homes, as well as replacement items such as clothing, furniture, and other household items. This, thankfully, generated an unprecedented increase in manufacturing with factories employing Dad keeping the money rolling in.

Other factors have effect. Wage increases occurring because of seniority as opposed to merit increases money supply because the increase isn’t a result of increases in profit or productivity.

Immigrants, regardless of source or legality, require additional housing, food, medical, food, vehicles, utilities, household products and services increasing demand, price, and money supply.

Our exports increase money supply. When a product is sold to a foreign country they pay with their currency not physical US dollars. That currency is converted to dollars on a ledger sheet consequently increasing money supply even though we received nothing of value.

Utilizing proximate cause can help identify unintended ramifications of an issue. During the current shutdown, media showed air traffic controllers complaining they couldn’t afford Halloween costumes or field trip money for their kids because they weren’t getting paid. Given their annual salary is $140K to $210K per year not counting overtime a proximate cause would be lack of financial literacy.

Regarding the shutdown and health insurance premiums, the proximate cause isn’t the ending of subsidies but rather the expiration date originally included in the bill when written and passed by a Democratic controlled Congress. It could also be argued that the actual proximate cause is the increased cost of healthcare itself.

Proximate cause may not be obvious or consistent. Consider homelessness. That’s the symptom, not the problem. Giving someone a house isn’t going to eliminate whatever problems precipitated the homelessness.

When significant time has passed, proximate cause can remind us of both blame and future prevention strategies. Whether we agree or disagree with the Israeli strategy, the proximate cause was the original invasion by Hamas. If they don’t attack and kill 1,200 and take 250 people hostage all the subsequent deaths and destruction wouldn’t have occurred.

Taken even further, proximate cause can remind us of additional responsibilities we all possess. For example, it could be argued the Palestinian citizenry were the proximate cause because they didn’t “see something, do something.” They obviously knew Hamas was recruiting and training soldiers, buying arms, digging tunnels, putting military supplies in schools and hospitals. By choosing to do nothing they bear an element of responsibility for the consequence.

The ultimate use of proximate cause requires our being proactive instead of reactive. Putting up the stop sign before a pedestrian is killed.

It’s our personal responsibility to utilize proximate cause to determine blame and identify actual problems as a step toward their solution instead of focusing on symptoms or solely relying on media.

Bryan Whiting feels most of our issues are best solved by personal responsibility and an understanding of non-partisan economics rather than government intervention. Comments and column suggestions to: bwpersonalresponsibility@gmail.com.