However, the insidious accretion of power to a benign and democratic state, through the use of the legislative process to restrict what we do and shape who we are, is more destructive in the long run because it creates a society of pliant individuals who look for someone else to help them out. Personal responsibility is destroyed and gives way to a notion that the state or one of its many agencies will provide everything. We become dependent upon others rather than on ourselves; supplicants and clients of the state.Couldn't agree more with this guy's entire article. Seriously, go give it a read, it'll have your head nodding furiously in approval.
I'm getting me the book.
Have you noticed that anti-authoritarian, common sense articles such as this are becoming ever more prevalent recently? Could the pendulum of opinion at last be swinging back towards liberty?
8 comments:
"Have you noticed that anti-authoritarian, common sense articles such as this are becoming ever more prevalent recently? Could the pendulum of opinion at last be swinging back towards liberty?"
Oh I do hope so DP, for the sake of my sanity, I do hope so.
The lobby scandal may be the last nail in the coffin.
If we are lucky it may become plain that a lot of nanny state legislation is cynically manipulated by business to sell products.
Interesting how the hags Hewitt and Merran have been taking bribes from, well who could possibly have a vested interest in the ban ?
"Could the pendulum of opinion at last be swinging back towards liberty?"
Perhaps, but not fast enough. To be honest I think the pendulum is probably still on it's way towards authoritarianism, but perhaps this means that it's on the upswing and slowing down now.
I think we have been here before. Everything cycles from the economy to religion. Eventually the general population gets tired of the rhetoric and they rebel. I keep thinking that they will cross the line. Maybe its banning salt in restaurants in NY City. Maybe its the scam of third hand smoke. Maybe its something we haven't seen yet. It will happen, just a matter of time.
Let's hope so! Although, like AE, I think there's still far, far too many people who really belive 'something must be done' about whatever they see in their morning paper....
A while Back Patricia Hewitt was on R4 arguing for a law that would require employers to consider flexible working for their staff.
The interviewer said something like:
"Surely the last thing a business needs during a recession is more red tape?"
PH: "I would think during hard times they would welcome being given the freedom to consider flexible working."
He pointed out they already had that freedom, and she essentially repeated the same thing, but he didn't press her much over this.
I, however, could hardly believe my ears at what she had said. She actually thinks a law forcing you to do something gives you the freedom to do it.
My God, what reasoning! She made it right to the top too.
I bloody well hope so
"She actually thinks a law forcing you to do something gives you the freedom to do it."
I keep hearing this idea again and again and again.
How can this sort of galloping stupidity be tackled? Answers on a postcard please... Sorry, I meant "a new law making replying compulsory will empower and encourage stakeholders to choose to respond".
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