Transformer-in-Chief Barack Obama is at it again.
The president’s latest tune is a variation on a very old theme: whatever government breaks “requires” a new government program.
See a problem; propose and enact a government solution; the problem gets worse, some new ones pop up; blame everything on the voluntary, “freedom” side; demand more and newer government programs.
It’s a trap. Literally, since it involves more coercion by government at every step.
Here’s the story: President Obama was largely repudiated at the polls last November. The performance of his administration and congressional allies proved so lackluster that his party couldn’t muster much of a vote in their favor.
So now Obama promotes the idea of compulsory voting.
“It would be transformative if everybody voted,” Obama said. He mentions Australia, which has had mandatory voting for a while. He doesn’t mention North Korea, which also forces its citizens to vote, or that totalitarian and authoritarian regimes have often used compulsory voting to give their dictators a patina of “democratic legitimacy.”
I’d be embarrassed to bring it up.
Obama brought it up in the context of fighting the influence of big money.
So, to fix particular problems, government gets involved in the economy generally, everywhere — and not by playing umpire to establish a “level playing field,” but by siding first with one group, then with another, with mandates, prohibitions, regulations, etc. (He calls all this “fair,” incredibly.) Naturally enough, affected businesses and individuals petition for insulation from each and every proposed “fix.” Many go on for special favors. This leads to increased money in campaigns, as well as increased lobbying.
So now? Direct coercion of citizens — simply to “get out the vote.”
It’s always force with these folks.
This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob.
