True North

From a recent Rasmussen Poll:

In his first inaugural address, President Ronald Reagan delivered a line succinctly capturing the sentiment that elected him: “Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.”

A generation later, that attitude still resonates with a solid majority of Americans. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 59% of voters agree with Reagan, and just 28% disagree.

So, why is America enamored of a young prince who espouses hope through the expansion of government? – a global view of ‘equity’ which can only result in a massive expansion of government?  Is it because of the age-old seduction that men are incapable of operating for the public good, only for their own good – and that personal self-interest is, by definition, contrary to the public good?

According to this poll the only thing more corrupt than an individual’s selfish interests are government’s self interest.  What should we glean from this? – the Founding Father’s were right – every so often a revolution ought to take place, a blood-letting, if for no other reason than to insure the government is starved of oxygen.

This is good news.  Celebrate with imported scotch!  It means that some liberals understand (though they are loathed to admit) that “charity,” if it has to be enacted by force of law, is theft.

The recent bailout of the banking industry is a perfect example of how the growing tide of cynicism against government cuts across ideological lines.  Even the left-wing blogosphere is siding with Ronaldus Magnus.  In a column by Arianna Huffington, she recently scripted:

“Twenty-seven years later, in the midst of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, and seven-plus years into the reign of Bush and Cheney, Reagan's anti-government battle cry should be on trial. But, stunningly, it is not.”

Huffington believes the candidates should be asked about Reagan’s view in their next debate.

It appears the only people refusing to listen to Reagan are the very people he warned us not to put in office.

Cross-posted at Freedom Dogs. Comments welcome.