I know it’s not a pleasant exercise, but just imagine for a moment that you believe that you are the only one who truly understands the proper way that people should conduct commerce and live their lives. Certainly this would lead you to pity the poor unwashed masses that simply don’t “get it.” Metaphorically, you are trying to give them a sweater, to keep them warm and protect them, and they just don’t appreciate your generosity or seem to understand that you know best what is good for them.
Most people would say that you would be exhibiting an arrogant attitude. Perhaps the intended recipients of your sweater simply see it for what it is; ugly, smelly and pulled from the rubbish heap of history where it belongs. Thankfully, it is unraveling worldwide. The folks who should be credited with pulling the initial stray threads are Eastern European leaders like the President of the Czech Republic, Vaclav Klaus, who have had quite enough of socialism to last a lifetime, thank you, and are not buying into “Europeism” as the political, social and economic model that all countries should be striving to emulate. Even hopelessly Orwellian Western Europe has had those who aren't afraid to call a spade a spade like Lord Christopher Monckton.
Socialism and its (more) evil twin communism, are lies and will always be seen for what they truly are eventually. The scary part is that sometimes this realization comes only after it's too late. A large percentage of Europeans were trapped in the "worker's paradise" for decades because they were so focused on the free cheese, that they did not see the mouse trap. Fortunately, this was not the case last year in the United States. The next in line for congratulations should be Americans in the Tea Party movement, for correctly identifying the threat to their essential liberties and responding with great vehemence.
Everyday citizens yanked on the sweater's loose strands so forcefully that the progressives are still spinning in circles! Confident and armed with a firm reliance on the brilliant system of government that has been handed down to us, the American people may be saving the world once again without firing a shot. We do so by our example; repudiating the tenets of socialism (as we did communism) for all to see. Our very existence provides a counterpoint to those who believe government is the answer to all of life's questions. They rely on government to secure happiness, while we have faith in mankind and an understanding of the marvelous accomplishments that can be realized through the dreams, aspirations and sweat of free men and women.
I believe that we can declare victory in this round of the never ending battle against statism. In Europe, socialism is in decline and the eco "Chicken Littles" are in retreat, due to the continuing revelations about the doctoring of data and outright lying by climate scientists. In the USA, our President and his willing accomplices in Congress have been stymied by the nick of time arrival of the formerly silent majority. This doesn't mean that we should rest on our laurels. We certainly need to deliver the votes this election cycle and stay focused, but let's not forget to pat ourselves on the back a bit, grab our favorite adult beverage and enjoy watching the growing pile of yarn. We've earned it!
