What people are saying
I am starting to wonder if Barack Obama crossed the thin red line between traditional American liberalism and socialism yesterday. Traditionally, liberals in the US have taken pains to generally argue that the rich need to pay for their programs because theyare most able to pay. This differs a bit from socialists, who would argue that the rich should pay because they are guilty. For a libertarian like myself, it tends to be a pretty subtle difference, but I think it is important -- are taxes on the rich enforced charity, or are they reparations?I woke up this morning profoundly depressed, which is unusual for me. I have a good friend who is having some personal problems, so it is hard for me to separate effects in my mind, but I really feel like Obama stepped over a line yesterday. TARP pissed me off, but we have bailed out companies before (though not for this much). The stimulus bill absolutely offended me, but we have seen stupid pork spending insanities before (though not for this much). But Obama's plan to remake tax law and the budget began with this paragraph:[...]
“Is the relinquishment of the trial by jury and the liberty of the press necessary for your liberty? Will the abandonment of you most sacred rights tend to the security of your liberty? Liberty, the greatest of all earthly blessings - give us that precious jewel, and you may take every thing else! … Guard with guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every one who approaches that jewel”
- Patrick Henry, speech to the virginia Convention, Richmond, Virgina, June 5th, 1788
Hat Tip: Stop The ACLU