[Mercat]

I’m listening to the audio unabridged version of Les Miserables. Those who only know this book from the stage production are missing out on Hugo’s brilliance. He is discussing through plot and sometimes through plain essay style, the roll of government. He analyzes the French Revolution and the situation when he was writing the book which was written in 1862 but he discusses with great interest Communism. Right now I’m listening to I think Book for of the last volume but I get lost when I do audio versions. He is saying that government creates wealth and it redistributes it. He says you have to have both. Fascinating. I recommend it. Great story too.

[Son House]

Thanks, guess I’ll keep an eye open for Les Miserables in audio;
http://www.amazon.com/Miserables-Classic-Fiction-Victor-Hugo/dp/962634105X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346684684&sr=8-1&keywords=Les+Miserables+audio

[donmeaker]

I just read “Guns, Germs and Steel” which has a biological view of how a hunter-gatherer economy can yield to a farmer economy, and eventually to a manufactured goods economy, and governments suitable to each. There is a tendency for government to turn into kleptocracy, as all increases in productivity are claimed by the government. That is what wee are seeing in Obama. He wants all increases in efficiency to be funneled through him so he gets his cut.

If such increases in productivity are not restricted by government, people live better, and need less government. Obama and his minions live in reduced circumstances, such as minor but annoying members of of homeowner’s associations.

[RipSawyer]

“He is saying that government creates wealth and it redistributes it. He says you have to have both. Fascinating. I recommend it. Great story too.”
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Okay, I’m mystified as to why you say we may be missing the brilliance of Hugo who says that government CREATES WEALTH AND IT REDISTRIBUTES IT AND YOU HAVE TO HAVE BOTH. What the Hey? Just what brilliance are you referring to?