Obama’s Nanny State
[Guest post by DRJ]
Beldar posts on plans by Barack Obama and Cass Sunstein to implement “libertarian paternalism,” i.e., subtle methods designed to get people to do what government wants or thinks is best for them — even if they don’t want it. The point is for Americans to do what the nanny state wants, and Beldar sarcastically points out that’s anything but libertarian:
“What Sunstein and Obama are doing is just arrogant paternalism, period. Instead of anything remotely resembling real libertarianism, Sunstein is promoting the notion of government regulation so subtle, so perceptive, so … well, just so damned clever that it won’t really seem like much of a bother to do what Sunstein and Obama and the government want you to do. You’ll think it’s your own idea!
‘Cause they’re smarter than you and me, see? Get it? If you don’t, then just keep clinging to your guns or religion or antipathy toward people who aren’t like you or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment. Something. You moron, why do you think you’re even remotely qualified to run your own life? Sheesh.”
I don’t trust politicians that don’t trust me and I think Beldar would agree, but read the whole thing and tell him what you think.
— DRJ
True Libertarian paternalism would be “leading by example.” You know, like when you think everyone should stop smoking, you stop smoking yourself.
Kevin Murphy (5ae73e) — 5/16/2010 @ 7:00 pmSo this Sunstein is know for his interest in animal rights?
What about his stance on civil or human…nevermind, he’s a member of the O!ne’s administration. Don’t know what I was thinking there for a sec.
EW1(SG) (edc268) — 5/16/2010 @ 7:53 pmTwo good comments. Wish I’d thought of them.
DRJ (d43dcd) — 5/16/2010 @ 8:44 pmGood Lord.
Usually before I make a comment here, I try to educate myself a bit on the subject at hand.
As far as I’m concerned, Sunstein can use Beezlebub to destroy Libertarianism as long as he asks the demon to take that hack NYTimes writer along to the hell where it belongs.
Ag80 (f67beb) — 5/16/2010 @ 9:02 pmIt’s interesting to note that even the most ardent athiestic Socialists still believe in Original Sin. Man is imperfect, therefore he needs the guidance of the Father (or fatherland) in order to better himself. Left to his own devices the common man cannot possibly improve.
Of course those of us out here in the real world — beyond the halls of acedemia — see this type of thing happen everyday. Those that feel the overwhelming need to take control ‘for the sake of helping those of us that can’t control themselves’ can’t see that; they’re too busy dwelling on (and exploiting) those that have not yet made it to the next level.
Icy Texan (07f5ff) — 5/17/2010 @ 4:43 am