Our Only Asset is Freedom

Too many Americans are ignorant of the past and consequently ignorant of the present and future. They take for granted our prosperity and way of life without ever thinking about or understanding how it was achieved. To them, the present is what it is. It was always that way and always will be, at least in their minds.

If asked why our living standards are higher than the rest of the world, they are apt to answer: “because we are Americans.” Their answer is correct, but they have little understanding as to why. To them, it is presumed in some fashion or other that we are “the chosen people.” They have no understanding of cause and effect and the complexities of society or economics.

Another group provides the same answer but understands what it means. To this group, it is (was) individualism, freedom, the rule of law and hard work. These attributes, so uniquely American, enabled America to leap past older, more established societies to its place of prosperity.

Both groups provide the correct answer, but only one group understands what they have said. This group understands that prosperity is not a permanent condition. Society is fragile. All change is not necessarily the right change. Societies can and do regress. In Ludwig von Mises’ terms: “time can run back.” History has shown this to be true for too many civilizations.

We are currently engaged with a great economic crisis that affects us all. There is growing dissatisfaction with the manner in which our elected officials are handling this and other problems. The dissatisfaction grows, at least according to polling data (Midterm Disaster Looms for Democrats as Confidence in Obama Wanes). The unrest is primarily anti-Democrat because they are in control. While we likely would have different policies with Republicans, it is unlikely that they would be very much different. The same unrest would manifest, perhaps not so strongly and perhaps not so quickly.

It is in the context of the two groups above that the Tea Party movement can best be understood. The first group, oblivious to the fragility of society, continues to plod ahead within the existing political system. They continue to root (and vote) for their team (Democrat or Republican).

The second group understands that changes occurring in Washington are detrimental to the delicate balance that was so uniquely American. Some continue to root and vote for their teams, but many break away, putting country ahead of political team. They loosely associate under what is known as The Tea Party. These people are Democrats, Republicans and Independents. Many have little in common other than a love of freedom and an understanding and a respect for the Constitution. They know the key role it played in the development of this country.

Personally, I abhor politics and politicians. A common house burglar has more character than most who inhabit Congress and certainly does less harm. The damage a burglar inflicts can be prevented and/or replaced. Furthermore he is more honest in the sense that he knows who he is, what he does and does not pretend otherwise. He does not pretend to help while robbing you.

I have no team and do not vote (it only encourages the bastards). I am not a member of the Tea Party (or any other Party). I do love my country, family and especially my grandchildren. I am concerned about their future.

We are approaching some crucial times in the history of this country. My reading is that things cannot continue on their present path without civil unrest and violence. If changes are not made via the ballot box, they will be made in the streets. That is why I root for the Tea Party movement to influence the course of events. They may be the key to avoiding “street democracy.”

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