Comments on: What’s Right vs. What Works

By: uhm

uhm — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 03:18:54 +0000

I came across a book today called “The Underground History of American Education.” I’m not sure how much of it is accurate or not but it is very interesting regardless. If it is true then the reason Americans can’t be reasoned with is that compulsory education is intended to indoctrinate and break the libertarian and entrepreneurial spirit of Americans. After 12 years in school learning their neighbors are dumb, cruel and unfit for self government they aren’t going to support liberty. Then after learning about environmentalist causes through 13 years of indoctrination how could it be possible to reach them? All they know is propaganda.

The author has posted the book freely online:
http://www.johntaylorgatto.com/chapters/index.htm

By: Doug Mataconis

Doug Mataconis — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:52:28 +0000

Ben,

I don’t think it’s necessarily fair to call most . voters stupid. I just think that most people vote based on issues rather than ideas and I think it’s been that way for a very long time.

Libertarians spend a lot of time talking about ethics and natural rights and all that stuff. And I think it’s important.

But, if winning elections and changing the political system is what you’re after, you aren’t going to accomplish it by running your campaign like it’s a meeting of the Ayn Rand Society or the Murray Rothbard Appreciation Club.

Frankly, I think the problem isn’t that voters are stupid as much as it is that libertarians don’t understand how to sell their message to average people.

By: Ben

Ben — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:58:34 +0000

Excellent post Doug. I think this was one of the problems with Ron Paul’s campaign.

I love hearing/learning/debating monetary theory and complex explanations for problems where the speaker doesn’t treat me like I’m 5 years old, but sadly most voters are too stupid and ignorant for that tract to have any sucess. I agree with you in your assesment that many voters vote based upon the things you list, although I think you are too kind and that many of them simply can’t comprehend much else.

(Disclaimer so that I am not attacked by fanatical Paulistians: I donated to Ron Paul’s campaign, I became a Republican to vote for Ron Paul in the primaries, and I am an all around fan of Ron Paul.)

By: Akston

Akston — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:01:30 +0000

Another reality that people often miss: Freedom is one of the main reasons why we’re one of the only remaining superpowers in the world. We benefit from a history of the freedom to produce, unhindered by as much forceful redistribution of wealth as commonly found in other cultures.

Sadly, even this last great bastion of capitalism seems to be falling prey to Fascism’s Sweet Song. “Just give us more of your liberties, and we’ll make you safe.”

That “eternal vigilance” thing is much harder than just voting for perceived safety.