America's Future and Econ 101
While maneuvering this beast of a truck through stimulus induced construction zones that have managed to stimulate traffic to a bloody stop, I listened to an NPR report on a meeting of progressives called America's Future Now. Evidently, all is not sunshine and smiley faces on the left these days. The reason? President Obama hasn't governed far enough to the left.
I couldn't help but wonder, what more do they want? I remembered an article written by Andrew Thomas last year in the American Thinker titled "Do Liberals Crave A Master?" In it, he posited the notion that the left does indeed feel the need for a, "...sadistic god-substitute who will provide the stern discipline needed to force economic equality and 'fairness'..."
Think about it. The primary theme of center right commentary focuses on individual liberty, which puts it nicely in line with the Founders' ideals. From the left, we get Nancy Pelosi saying that, "Every aspect of our lives must be subjected to inventory." Really? By whom? Under what authority?
Then there was candidate Obama's rebuke that, "We can't drive our SUVs and, you know, eat as much as we want and keep our homes on, you know, 72 degrees at all times." Who says? Well, now that he's President, he says, while of course eating as much as he wants, having the White House thermostat set how he wants, and taking a whole fleet of SUVs and Air Force One where he wants. That's another trait of the left, from Obama to Chavez, from Castro to Kim Jong Il; they will impose austerity on everyone except themselves, and do it all in the name of shared sacrifice. But evidently, the yoke on progressive backs is loose, so they yearn for still more servitude.
Another trait that America's Future Now might consider is highlighted by Daniel Klein, Professor of Economics at George Mason University in today's Wall Street Journal. A survey he conducted of 4,835 American adults revealed that those on the left end of the political spectrum would generally flunk Econ 101. Asking 8 basic questions and then gauging the number of incorrect answers, the study revealed that very conservative respondents answered 1.30 questions incorrectly, while those who identified themselves as progressive or very liberal answered 5.26 questions incorrectly. Well, that's change alright.
What America's Future Now doesn't get, in addition to basic economics, is the fact that the Founders' ideals as enshrined in our Declaration and Constitution, are the real change. Human history is replete with examples of people who really believe they are organically suited to lord over the lives of others. That's old hat. If progressives really want change, they should embrace what made America unique from the start.
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May '10
Re: America's Future and Econ 101
That's right, Dave. Let it all out. Your spleen will thank you. Okay, I jest, but, man, you've taken my words right out of my brain.
Re: America's Future and Econ 101
In my infinite spare time, Dave, I'm working on a dissertation about the deep human craving for a master. So I'll note that this longing has a long and storied history, not confined to the left -- it's just the case that American conservatism is more allergic to mastery than the European right. Yet I might suggest that we hardly deserve a round of self-congratulations. Yes, these are relatively unstable and extraordinary times, so a certain amount of extraordinary power is to be expected. But these aren't unstable and extraordinary times relative to some of the tougher patches experienced by the US and the world. At least not yet. And here we are with a bipartisan behemoth of a government, the reach of which is not commensurate even with its patchy and costly effectiveness.
Re: America's Future and Econ 101
Felicia, I'm afraid I have not yet begun to vent! The spleen thanks me, but only for now.
James, you mean you have spare time? I'm very interested in your research on this topic actually. And while I agree that this leviathan state that reaches ever deeper into our lives is a bipartisan creation, I do note that the bulk of criticism and revolt is coming from the right, while groups like America's Future Now clamor for an even more powerful government, more rules, more restrictions, more confiscation of property, etc., world without end, A-men.
Lastly James, ...you mean you really have spare time? With all the things required to keep this site humming, with your own posts, with your studies too? You must keep caffeine on an I.V. drip.
May '10
Re: America's Future and Econ 101
Yes, people who advocate government intervention tend to know diddly squat about economics, since economics, if I may be so conclusive, demonstrates the social mal-effects caused by government intervention.
May '10
Re: America's Future and Econ 101
Dave,
When I reflect on the thinkers who most enthralled me in college -- Smith, Lock, Hayek, Friedman -- what they shared was an appreciation for economic liberty. The Founders gave us a system that protected it, the right has carried its tradition down through the centuries, and segments of the American left do indeed give dangerously short shrift to its importance.
I am wary of the Wall Street bailouts, the burgeoning national debt, the auto bailouts, big health care, the idea of card-check, and so many other items on the left's domestic agenda.
What frustrates me about this moment in American politics -- and I know some here will disagree with me, but this is my earnest opinion -- is that I'm uncomfortable in the establishment GOP and the Tea Party coalition too, because I'm also very worried about civil liberties: the government illegally wiretapping phones, designating American citizens enemy combatants marked for death without trials or judicial oversight, the expansive wartime powers championed by Bush and Obama in a conflict with no end date, etc. I worry that these things are another road to serfdom at odds with a limited government of checks and balances.
So I am without a coalition.
Jun '10
Re: America's Future and Econ 101
Conor Friedersdorf: Dave,
What frustrates me about this moment in American politics -- and I know some here will disagree with me, but this is my earnest opinion -- is that I'm uncomfortable in the establishment GOP and the Tea Party coalition too, because I'm also very worried about civil liberties: the government illegally wiretapping phones, designating American citizens enemy combatants marked for death without trials or judicial oversight, the expansive wartime powers championed by Bush and Obama in a conflict with no end date, etc. I worry that these things are another road to serfdom at odds with a limited government of checks and balances.
So I am without a coalition. · Jun 9 at 12:06am
I really think you overstate so called coalition between the establishment GOP and Tea Party, in fact I think the Tea Party has finally shaken the foundation of the "establishment" GOP by opposing it in many areas.
The Tea Party strikes me as much more libertarian in their views than the establishment GOP. The Tea Party is not ashamed of their conservative values as the "estblishment" GOP appears to be. No, there really isn't much of a coalition at all.
Jun '10
Re: America's Future and Econ 101
Conor Friedersdorf: Dave,
...I'm also very worried about civil liberties: the government illegally wiretapping phones, designating American citizens enemy combatants marked for death without trials or judicial oversight, the expansive wartime powers championed by Bush and Obama in a conflict with no end date, etc. I worry that these things are another road to serfdom at odds with a limited government of checks and balances. . · Jun 9 at 12:06am
I share some of the same concerns as you (so do many in the Tea Party) but I ask you where you are more likely to have an open honest debate about those concerns. I think this is a purpose the Tea Party movement can serve. Lets win a few elections then let the Libertarians and Conservatives fight it out. The main thing to focus on now IMO is to get the socialists out of power.
Re: America's Future and Econ 101
It's a Lockean version of the romantic credo to gather your rosebuds while ye may -- work like hell while ye are still young enough to burn the candle at both ends. My research is centered around certain 19th-century thinkers concerned to show how the relationship between Napoleon and democratic individuals revealed something important about human nature. David Brooks' latest is related -- if only tangentially. And I admit it: how can I not link to a column about something called The Big Shaggy?
May '10
Re: America's Future and Econ 101
That quote from Nancy Pelosi is absolutely frightening. That's the Speaker of the House talking! The Obama quote is not much better. Your responses, Dave, are on the money, immediate rejection and challenge. They will toss off these quips hoping that people will just ride along, especially if the comment follows some reference to "these times of emergency and crisis." We all have to watch for these little thought bombs and do not let them pass. It's an old hucksters' ploy; start with gentle platitudes and drift gently into the big zingers. What was previously "unthinkable" is now common talk.
On that note: Gerard Van Der Leun has found a sixty year old comic book version of "Road To Serfdom." Some of the commenters over there feel that the depiction of the "planners" complete control of lives couldn't happen in today's world. Go back and read Pelosi's comment about "every aspect of our lives" and reconsider that.