When I read your link, Texas Fossil, I was reminded more of Obama’s Stimulus package and how all that was “seen” there was the short term life support for state worker jobs that could be saved (his voters) - but I see what you’re getting at with Madison. I think Bastiat’s essay there was more economically oriented, and would apply to Obama’s catastrophic-in-the-long-term policies, whereas Madison’s seen and unseen consequences of his structure for America maybe pertain more to human nature, which is admittedly also related to the laws of economics. Thanks for the reference - I’ve read most of “The Law” and I hadn’t realized till now this is where Henry Hazlitt probably got his story of the broken window - in his book Economics in One Lesson. I’m sure he gave credit where it was due.
I wish I could express how many times in studying the founders I have had moments of awe at their long term wisdom.
They understood fully human nature and how things really work. It is no wonder that the Left hates the sound of the word “founders”. You know, those old dead white guys. hee hee hee
Bastiat understood Socialism. It is not tied to reality and only exists as an illusion, however the consequences of Socialism are so damaging and far reaching as to be mind boggling. They all must lie or they can never trick anyone into subscribing to their demise. Much like Islam.
When I first read Bastiat’s treatment on the “seen” and the “not seen”, alarm bells went off all over the place.
Profound statements of wisdom like that should be experienced by everyone. Unfortunately it does not work that way, few look at things in any depth today. Serious study is not a part of life today.
What made such men as those what they were? It was the abuses of the Monarchies and the political system. Such abuses on a large scale over a long time have lasting impressions. Lessons learned for a lifetime (or 2 or 3).
Thanks for taking the time to read what I reference and for your comments.