How Do You Like Democratic Socialism So Far?
Posted by freedomforall 3 years, 11 months ago to Politics
In the eyes of Big Government progressives and socialists, what has happened over the past few months isn’t an unmitigated disaster with no historical parallel, it’s an opportunity. It’s a chance to condition the populace to accept the tenets of central government control and the equitable reordering of other people’s lives:
Last month, an eternity in COVID-19 time, I indulged in some wishful thinking. I predicted that the virus would lead to a resurgence of progressivism, in which the U.S. moves away from militarism and predatory capitalism and toward a greener, more socialist style of governance. The system I have in mind would be fully democratic, unlike China, and it wouldn’t abolish capitalism, which even China has embraced. It would simply give more to those who need it and take more from those who don’t. I’d like to take a closer look at this possibility, which a bunch of pundits have explored.
— John Horgan, blogging via Scientific American
Coronavirus today, Global Warming tomorrow. Then Climate Emergency after that. Every crisis will be presented as dwarfing the last one and anybody who disagrees or presents refuting data will be deplatformed as misinformation and dismissed as conspiracy nuts. But each one will move us toward the Holy Grail of progressivism, a government-knows-best technocracy that forces equality on everyone (else).
Last month, an eternity in COVID-19 time, I indulged in some wishful thinking. I predicted that the virus would lead to a resurgence of progressivism, in which the U.S. moves away from militarism and predatory capitalism and toward a greener, more socialist style of governance. The system I have in mind would be fully democratic, unlike China, and it wouldn’t abolish capitalism, which even China has embraced. It would simply give more to those who need it and take more from those who don’t. I’d like to take a closer look at this possibility, which a bunch of pundits have explored.
— John Horgan, blogging via Scientific American
Coronavirus today, Global Warming tomorrow. Then Climate Emergency after that. Every crisis will be presented as dwarfing the last one and anybody who disagrees or presents refuting data will be deplatformed as misinformation and dismissed as conspiracy nuts. But each one will move us toward the Holy Grail of progressivism, a government-knows-best technocracy that forces equality on everyone (else).
Referring to CCP19, at first we heard a few factual news items.
Then the scares came on, each bigger and worse than before, unprecedented disasters forecast, the notorious Ferguson UK modelling applied to your home state. State and Fed governments fanned the scares, making statements about essential urgent tough measures, but waiting. They waited for the inevitable frightened populace who wrote to the newspapers about the value of life - cannot trade life against the economy, tough measures are demanded. So, they closed national and state borders (the right action but always too late) and imposed shutdowns, you know the story- Bondi Beach closed, fines and arrests for sitting alone on a park bench. Then the populace gets bored and broke and demands opening the economy. Then governments take measured and responsible steps, to return what should not have been taken. The outcome was far fewer deaths than forecast due to their brave and decisive action. (sarc)
Was it justified by the science?
I think, generally, no. But suppose it was, then what?
Pragmatism v. values?
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem said she would not impose a forced lock-down on her people because it would conflict with her duty to uphold the state and national constitutions.
This quote from a reader's comment on-
https://quadrant.org.au/opinion/qed/2...
For a sensible look at the science aspects, see-
https://judithcurry.com/2020/05/29/wh...
I have seen too many freedoms taken away with no real action.
Even before this crisis hit I had a few conversations with my dad. As he grew into the medicare years I watched him transform from an independent person to a puppy suckling helplessly off the government teet. Interesting to watch that transition because you then can see it all around you. Healthcare, safety, security, prosperity...A vast majority seem to be waiting for the government to provide all those.
Life is precious and appears even more so as you age, but is that kind of life worth living?
Being dependent on a manipulative government is very different than being dependent on family who love you.
The story of the "Twentieth Century Motor Company" constantly comes to mind.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmBs5...
"Who is John Galt?"
Sure, they have quelled half the people some of the time but can't quell half or all of the people all of the time.
We saw the past few days, amongst the georgie sorass rioters, a push back against the standard view and some clear thinking on the part of those affected. Their observation of the idiocy of these riots, destruction and mayhem, their observations of the ineptness of their governments. The locals knew the trouble makers were from out of town and I wouldn't be surprised if they think their local governments are complicit.
So, is this the beginning of their ends or the End of our beginnings...I guess we'll see.
PS...Memes up!...we sure do need a laugh.