The new fascism

The Washington Times ^ | May 16, 2002 | Richard Rahn

[logician2u]

Chances are we will be less free in the coming years because of a rising statist authoritarianism primarily emanating from Europe.

The increasing assault on financial privacy is an example of this new threat to individual liberties. Financial privacy, a fundamental liberty necessary for individuals to protect themselves from corrupt or despotic governments, kidnappers and other assorted criminals, is increasingly attacked by the European Union, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the United Nations and even elements of the U.S. government.

[logician2u]

Surprising words for a "mainstream" economist such as Rahn.

Also surprising to see this in The Washington Times.

[TheDon]

adjunct scholar of the Cato Institute

Mainstream?

[First_Salute]

Bump.

[StriperSniper]

BUMP!

[AzJP]

Nice to see a definition of "liberal".

Or, as a good friend used to say "those b@*t@rd* stole a perfectly good word"!

[rdb3]

Since Republicans are empirically even bigger Socialists than the Democrats, this is good news.

Pure hyperbole.

Is there a Progressive Caucus in the GOP?

[logician2u]

When I used the term "mainstream" economist, I meant it in the sense that nobody should have to ask "Who is this guy?"

Anybody who has lived through Nixon's wage and price controls, Ford's WIN buttons and Carter's malaise would instantly recognize the face (with one eye covered by a patch) if not the name. Rahn was chief economist for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for several decades, if that's not mainstream enough for you.

Rather than get hung up with whether Cato or Discovery favor or oppose policies having no relation to this column, could we please assess the principle thrust: that European "mixed economies" are becoming more and more authoritarian and this country is hot on their heels?

I believe Rahn has, if anything, soft-pedaled the issue.

True or not?

[colorado tanker]

I agree with these conclusions, but the pendulum already seems to be swinging back to the free market position. We have conservative governments in Spain, Italy and the Netherlands. From all indications, it looks like the left is likely going to be kicked out in France and Germany, also. If the Senate swings Republican this year, there will be a real opportunity for reform in the US also. The "Third Way" governments of the '90's are disappearing.

[logician2u]

font fix?

[headsonpikes]

"Mainstream?"

Well, yes. Free market economics has become mainstream since Thatcher put the run on the British Socialists.

Certain unreconstructed 'big thinkers', however, continue to sneer at the doings of mere 'shop-keepers'.

This would include neo-Marxists, assorted 'communitarians', and you Rooseveltian types. ;^)

[logician2u]

Again?

[colorado tanker]

Huh? Looks like the same font as everyone else to me.

[rdb3]

When was the last time DEMOCRATS decreased it?

The point is, there's no reason to single one out when both are guilty. Your willingness to jump on Pubs instead of RATS is telling, and lack of political understanding is downright appalling. Click here and tell me who is doing what under the name which you so liberally (no pun intended) toss around.

So, go to the polls and vote for whomever that you know won't win, then come back to FR and gripe some more. I don't curse, but I'll quote my uncle here when he said, "Bitch, bitch, bitch!" That's all some are good for.

The purely awful ambassadorship continues...
And I'm not a Pub, so don't even try it.

[Wave Rider]

All this is, is nothing except an overview of the Ten Planks of Democratic Liberal Socialism that was started in 1848 and has been working towards dissolving our Constitution and the Bill of Rights since then, towards their way of Thinking and Life!

[logician2u]

When is the last time the Republicans decreased the size of government?

All talk, no action.

Is it any wonder that the libertarians take such a beating from Republicans on this forum? Whether it's envy or loathing, I'm not sure. People don't like to be reminded of their own failings, and the Republicans have a bunch of them over the years in economic policy.

With the policy misdeeds of Nixon, Ford, Bush I & II and even, regrettably, Reagan, with regard to economics, taxation and invasion of privacy, it's politically expedient to harp on the Democrats.

Not that the socialist, union-lackey Democrats have a better solution for America, because they don't.

However, I'm beyond the stage of being so scared by visions of what Democrats would like to do that I'll fall in line behind a Republican who knows the right words but has no understanding of economics beyond the Keynesian version he learned in college.

[Eagle Eye]

IMO, the rank and file Republican voters have less impact on Republican policies than do Democratic and third-party voters.