Econopocalypse

If there was ever any hope that I might find a glimmer of wisdom and truth in the Republican party, it was lost with the creation of their budget proposal last week. It would contain the largest tax cut for the wealthy in history. Absolutely the wrong thing to do, as they continue to propose the very opposite of what needs to be done.

Was the beginning of the econopacalypse Clinton's fault? Or perhaps it began back in a Republican Congress. At least some people saw the beginning of economic havoc.

Poor Billy over at FNC still can't comprehend the paradigm shift that is being caused by technological advancement. He thinks newspapers are going out of business because they are "far left." He doesn't get that it is the nature of newspapers themselves that is becoming outdated, and soon ALL newspapers will either have to adapt or cease to exist.

Now, for something more constructive:

It is useful, when considering the political spectrum, to take a look at these charts. The Nolan Chart has its two axis based on personal freedom and economic freedom. The Pournelle Chart has its based on attitude toward the state, and attitude towards social progress. These layouts show the complexity of the political landscape better than the conventional idea of a one dimensional line with left and right extensions, although a third dimension might provide even more precision in determining relations between political viewpoints. At first glance, it would seem that the libertarian corners are the ideal location, being the opposite of totalitarianism. But, I would caution, that these extremes leave out important considerations. Any extension of freedom is going to have as its converse, a dimension of responsibility. Is a completely free society a responsible one? If the purpose of government is not to promote the common good, than I can't think of a reason to even have a government. Some libertarians might respond by proposing just that - no government. Their position might be consistent, but I think it is not very practical in the long term, and in the 21st century I think the wealthiest country in history can do better.