“But while that approach might work for Europe, it is risky for the US.”
Actually, socialism doesn’t work anywhere; it merely accumulates debt for future generations to pay, while, at the same time, confiscating the wealth of the current citizenry.
But don’t try to tell that to Obama or his cabinet - or, for that matter, anyone in congress; as far as they’re concerned, everything in America belongs to them, and they’re just demonstrating the kindness in their hearts by allowing you to use it for a while.
It’s exactly like the mugger who takes your wallet, but allows you to keep bus fare to get home.
This is an excellent article. Best I have read in some time. Thanks for posting!
"In the predatory societies of Europe, Jefferson discerned the indelible characteristics of the whole species (human beings). His primary question was not what was the matter with European institutions, but what quality of the human animal had made such institutions possible. In 1787, Jefferson wrote from Paris:
"'Under pretence of governing, they have divided their nations into two classes, wolves and sheep. I do not exaggerate. This is a true picture of Europe. Cherish, therefore, the spirit of our people, and keep alive their attention. Do not be too severe upon their errors, but reclaim them by enlightening them. If once they become inattentive to the public affairs, you and I, and Congress and Assemblies, Judgss and Governors, shall all become wolves. It seems to be the law of our general nature, in spite of individual exceptions; and experience declares that man is the only animal which devours his own kind; for I can apply no milder term to the governments of Europe. . . .'"
On P. 178, Boorstin states:
"More than once Jefferson reminded Washington that he (Washington) was not immortal, and that his successors would posses the normal human vices of ambition and avarice. There could be no insurance against the reappearance of Caesars and George IIIs. Jefferson refused to pin his hopes on the occasional success of honest and unambitious men . . . . Any government which made the welfare of men depend on the character of their governors was a delusion.
This Jefferson observed in criticizing the imperfect separation of powers in the Virginia Constitution of 1776:
"'Mankind soon learn to make interested uses of every right and power which they possess, or may assume . . . With money we will get men, said Caesar, and with men we will get money. Nor should our asssembly be deluded by the integrity of their own purposes, and conclude that these unlimited powers will never be abused, because themselves are not disposed to abuse them. They should look forward to a time, and that not a distant one, when a corruption in this, as in the country from which we derive our origin, will have seized the heads of government, and be spread by them through the body of the people; when they will purchase the voices of the people, and make them pay the price. Human nature is the same on every side of the Atlantic, and will be alike influenced by the same causes. The time to guard against corruption and tyranny, is before they shall have gotten hold of us. It is better to keep the wolf out of the fold, than to trust to drawing his teeth and claws after he shall have entered." (Underlining added for emphasis)
One can conclude that this reasoning is the basis for Jefferson's praise for America's written Constitution for self-government--a Constitution by which "We, the People," according to him, were to "bind them (elected representatives) down by the chains of the Constitution."
Sadly, those who voted for this "hope" and "change" are finding that, perhaps, their voices were "purchased" and they may "pay the price."
Ping.
[In 1820, twice as many people lived in the United Kingdom as the US, and its economic performance (measured by gross domestic product) was three times as strong and the average standard of living (measured by GDP per person) was a quarter higher. Today, there are about five times more people living in the US than the UK, America’s economic performance is about seven times better than Britain’s and the average American is about 50 percent better off than the average Briton.]
But I thought he said socialism works in Europe. Apparently not, unless you are willing to accept the lowest common denominator for everyone but the ruling class.
Excellent post. Thank you.
My contribution to the discussion is this: In my opinion, the absence of any signs of economic recovery is due to the fact that 0bama administration’s massive, unprecedented and extra-legal incursions into the US economy on multiple levels has created an environment in which no one knows any longer what the “rules of the game” are. Who in his right mind would today commit to any major investment in this nation, when the viability of an entire industry can be turned upside down overnight by the flick of federal bureaucrat’s pen or some self-serving political caprice.
Washington DC’s relationship to the USA is now equivalent to the relationship that existed between Versailles and the nation of France under the Bourbon monarchy. All authority, power, and money have been concentrated in a single locus. Nothing meaningful can any longer be undertaken or accomplished without making the pilgrimage to DC, prostrating oneself before our self-annointed masters, begging their indulgence, and learning what price must be paid in exchange.