Working for freedom
May 19th, 2008, 11:15 pm · 1 Comment · posted by by Alan Bock, Register editorial writer
Back from the opening dinner at Freedom Communications’ “Freedom School” tonight. It was mostly a get acquainted and reacquainted social session. Learning sessions — on immigration, church and state, whether freedom is in retreat, freedom and community service — begin tomorrow.
I did finally meet Jonathan Rauch of the National Journal, whom I have read for years, and chatted with him at dinner. He was suitably curious about Freedom Communications and its history, and explained some of his misgivings about 180-proof libertarianism — e.g., people seem to want more government, so they should pay more taxes or stop demanding more. A valid point, to be sure, but I think the effective “demand” for more government is exaggerated by the way the media cover things and numerous other factors.
Looking forward to tomorrow.
May 20th, 2008 at 8:20 am
I believe Jonathan has a great point. If the Feds were forced to have balanced budget we would see a much different reaction from the electorate since they would be forced to pay for the services they demand. I would go so far as to make this applicable to when a President decides to fight a war.
Milton Friedman once said the true cost of taxation is the federal budget. Big taxes now or bigger taxes later.
Despite the tax cut, Bush has saddled this nation with huge taxes to be paid long after he has left office.