Socialism for the Rich (Thomas Sowell)

Townhall.com ^ | October 3, 2006 | Thomas Sowell

[Freedom4US]

I think that goes back quite a ways - sort of a cold-war exercise, even. The soviets were big on "cultural" things, and so were the old-school liberals - Public funded arts programs were supposed to help enlighten the great unwashed, and I had to endure numerous museums, plays and symphonies via lefty relatives. This is one angle that has definitely withered on the vine in recent years, the "cultural exports".

[jazusamo]

MAKING NEW THOMAS SOWELL PING LIST.

Please FReepmail me to be added to new ping list.

[norton]

"using sheer financial clout to invest illegitimate powers in government in order to game the system is all too prevalent."

I don't think this is an anti 'you cant fight city hall (or GM, or IBM)' piece.

What IS grating is that increasingly, you can't fight Barbara Streisand, Mike Tyson, Rosy O'Donnel, or any other questionable-but-wealthy celebrity. You can't fight the guy who ripped off your mother for her homestead or the guy who made a killing on insider stock deals. You can't fight the same people who can afford to expound their idiot politics while stringing barbed wire around their tennis courts....

It seems (to me at least) that there should be a dividing line between true 'economic clout' (ability to produce and ability to open new markets) and star status/rapacity.

[GOPJ]

They own what they paid for -- their own individual property. But they get the government to collectivize the often vastly larger surrounding property, in order to keep the unwashed masses from settling near them and spoiling their views.

Yep, the rich don't want 'windmills' blocking the view - ask Teddy...

[rlmorel]

You must have misinterpreted it. Those attacks you referred to are something you will NEVER hear from Thomas Sowell. The man is a conservative and a capitalist through and through.

When he uses language such as "rich neighborhoods" and phrases like it, he is using it in the manner of a liberal to show how stupid it is.

At least, after reading three of his books, that is the way that I see his writing.

[rlmorel]

THAT is an excellent book! The thing I like about it is that you can pick it up and open a page and read...you do not have to start at the beginning and go to the end to enjoy it.

[Jimmy Valentine's brother]

Seen it happen in Middle River Maryland.