“… we have been tempted to believe that society has become too complex to be managed by self-rule, that government by an elite group is superior to government for, by, and of the people.”
Ronald Reagan
The political doctrine of insurmountable complexity is not something new in the course of American history. It came into its own in the early 1900s finding presidential champions in the likes of Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson. It was their belief that modern life and new technology had pushed the world beyond the ability of everyday citizens to understand how they ought to be governed.
The solution was that the government needed to be run by “experts” kept isolated from evils like being voted into office, set terms of service, and the possibility of being fired. Thus, free of political influence and pressures these woke civil servants would be able to guide the country to the best of all possible futures.
But Americans were resistant to what was best for everyone and selfishly clung to the idea of personal liberty and the insane notion that they were capable of deciding their own course.
Then came the day when most Americans had electricity, telephones, color televisions, and automobiles. With possession of such marvels, we were tempted to believe in the insurmountable complexity of living.
The Book of James describes the process of temptation. “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed.” Temptation, according to this formula, requires two qualities or events, to bear fruit.
First, there must be lust. Americans lusted after the ease technology promised. We wanted a peaceful, hassle-free existence. But wanting is one thing, to truly be tempted there had to be an enticement—a promise that what was lusted after could actually be obtained.
And the idea of just turning all the hard decisions over to government experts promised us everything we wanted—all we needed to do was obey their voice.
And then Joe said, get the shot or we’ll take it all away from you—you know we can, we closed your businesses, your churches, your sports, your movie theaters and made you wear masks. You surrendered without a complaint except how your ease was interrupted. Comply and you can have a new normal, a better one with better experts and better guidance from your betters.
I’m no expert. I may not be capable of understanding the complexity of modern life. I do know when I’m being told to obey without question. Do you?
“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive a crown of life.”
Sic semper tyrannis
Comments