I didn’t read the book but I know this: whenever a federal government official or candidate starts talking about compassion, as in Bush’s “compassionate conservatism”, what they are really talking about is COMPASSIONATE TYRANNY, becasue the feds are legally bound to stay within it constitutional limits and ANYTHING the feds do outside its constitutionally-delegated powers, is by definition tyranny.
Compassionate tyranny is really an oxymoron, because government is inherently malevolent, not benevolent, and its interests are inherently opposed to the interests of the individual. The federal government hates individual freedom and the Constitution, its creator and limiter of its power. Those who love freedom hate any government that is not very limited government. Compassionate tyranny is just a way for government to weasel its way into exercising more power over you and stealing more of your money.
It’s much easier to turn government back at you doorstep than to evict them once they are inside. Government comes as a humble soul wanting to help you in your time of need. If it fools you with its disguise and gets in, the guise is ripped off and humble soul shows itself to be a raging dictator who wants to rule over you.
I don’t like the title of that book, because it is a lie to call unconstitutional socialist government dictatorship, “compassion”. But true American compassion coming from individuals and companies who freely engage in altruistic and benevolent activities, has always been a source of blessing and help for millions, especially in the 1800’s but has been evident throughout our history.
Great book.