Grounds For Optimism

It’s an easy time to feel pessimistic about America.

Forget the fact that we have the worst president in history (althought that doesn’t help much). Part of the disaffected right would have you believe that our entire political class, GOP and Democrat, are about the same. I see your objection – Boehner’s depressing cave on spending – and raise you Ted Cruz and Justin Amash and a few good Tea Party Republicans.

But yet I feel some optimism.

Part of that is I’ve pretty much internalized Kevin Williamson’s The End Is Near (And It’s Going To Be Awesome), a masterpiece from last year about the inevitability of the eventual collapse of the current political system, and how, if we’re lucky and work hard, it could actually free up some space for the free market to actually solve things.

Along those same lines comes this piece from Victor Davis Hanson. You need to read the whole thing – but this was buried near the conclusion:

America is not saved by our elected officials, bureaucrats, celebrities, and partisan activists. Instead, just a few million hardworking Americans in key areas — a natural meritocracy of all races, classes, and backgrounds — ignore the daily hype and chaos, remain innovative and productive, and dazzle the world.

The silent few of a forgotten America have given the entire country an astonishing standard of living that is quite inexplicable.

The road to that paragraph is well worth travelling. Go there.

Posted

December 12, 2014

Capitalism v Socialism

Mitch Berg

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Kevin Williamson

Comments

4 responses to “Grounds For Optimism”

justplainangry

December 12, 2014

Talk to me when Boner is ousted. Until then, allow me to wallow in pity for our poor country heading to the dogs.
Powhatan Mingo

December 12, 2014

Okay, I bought Williamson’s book.
I am afraid, though, that the lesson history teaches us will be that a Federal government strong enough to win WW2 and put a man on the moon will one day get around to consuming everything. To balance the equation so that freedom remains, you have to have a government that is not so big that it can do big things.
If it comes down to a USSR-style crash, the people best positioned to determine who feels its pain are same numbskulls who believe that there is a difference between exporting jobs and importing workers.
Joe

December 13, 2014

Once again it’s the republicans’ to lose. It’s a bit more high stress this time since their opportunity comes right before the next presidential election; talk about a blessing and a curse all rolled into one. Any good moves will be called political opportunism and any bad ones will be called republican business as usual.

It’s probably too much to hope for that they will dive head first into the action with minimal consideration for race, civility (need some, but not as much as they think they need), and standard political “wisdom”. Be willing to sustain some losses, and hopefully the big players won’t be afraid to throw themselves on top of the hand grenade for the good of the group if necessary. Yes, that’s you I’m referring to, Mr. Akin.

They should immediately define themselves with a dollop of conservatism in the recipe. Then promote their self-definition. Don’t vary much from it either, and carry the big stick proudly. And for God’s sake (ours; the true One, not you-know-who), knock-off the weeping, crocodile tears, and hurt feelings.Yes, that’s you I’m referring to, Mr. Boehner.

Sounds quite simple, doesn’t it?
Emery

December 14, 2014

I wonder–does this mean the GOP might actually attempt some form of governance instead of endless simpleminded criticism?