Ron Paul, The Tea Parties & Freedom
While I have the utmost respect for Ron Paul, and all those who are gathering together in the “Tea Parties”, I can’t help but think – “been there, done that”. Sure their heart is in the right place, but their strategy is doomed.
What I’m referring to is the very idea that political action will change anything. I was caught up in this belief for 20 years – as a political activist, bent on bringing change via the political process.
But what I’ve learnt, over the years, is that freedom will never arrive via the ballot box. There is simply no way to convince enough people of the validity of the “freedom” proposition to win in any political horse race.
The end result is that millions of man/woman-hours are wasted in this idealistic endeavour.
Politics is the art of compromise. If you intend to go into politics then you will never go far unless you are prepared to compromise – compromise on the very ideals that set you on that path in the first place.
To reach the pinnacle – the seat of power – requires the greatest compromise of all. And it’s dead certain that if you were to reach such a position, then your ideals would have abandoned you long ago. And without your ideals, you would be like any other politician in a position of power. You’d be corrupted by the process, and end up being worse than all your previous totalitarian nightmares put together.
What is needed is not political activism – but a political strike. Just as the heroes of Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged went on strike, this is the only way to bring the system down. By refusing to participate you withdraw your sanction of the political process – and stop the narcissistic, psycho power-lusters in their tracks.
The whole political charade depends on creating an aura of legitimacy. That’s the reason the power-lusters are always clamouring for us to vote, for without our vote they are cast aside as irrelevant.
Take it from me. Give up your dreams of change via the ballot box. It ain’t gonna happen!
Instead, take your freedom dreams and apply them via direct action – on your own life. Don’t waste a precious moment of your life on trying to convince others. Simply discover practical ways to increase your own freedom and do it. Your self-directed energy will be well-rewarded.
In my opinion, you are absolutely right with your position to “vote with the feet”. I am living in Western Europe at the moment, and I am scared to see how people trust the government and mainstream medias. According to surveys, they don’t trust the politicians, but they trust the government, which is pretty strange! If you turn on the tv (bad idea), you will see that the key area of discussion is redistribution of wealth, called “social justice” to make it attractive. For example, people are always ready to approve new or higher taxes when they are paid by others. In these countries, “the others” are only considered as a potential source of income.
99.99 percent of these people are ready to give up the rest of their freedom to have the feeling of being protected and assisted by the state. It is simply a waste of time to try to convice them that, in such a political system, we are all losers.
I think to each his own. If you feel the fight at a population level is a lost cause ( that is, it for sure will not succeed) or you feel your contribution won’t affect the outcome much, then it is fine not to engage. On the other hand, if your career is academic, if you are a writer, or political commentator ( think Glen Beck), then you might actually benefit yourself ( advance your career, make a good living) and at the same time fight for a greater overall country. Don’t forget that the US founding fathers were real people, not gods, and were able to create something in this world that was truly exceptional. Don’t think it is impossible to achieve again.
I too become disillusioned by the world, and I don’t make my happiness depend on political outcomes. But if something positive like Tea Parties arises, I feel we may not be as far from real influence in a better direction as I had imagined.
Yes, the Founding Fathers were real for sure, but they didn’t have to deal with democracy
It is difficult to for me to even consider not voting, but it is even more difficult to reject your logic. Liberty may be an inalienable right and part of human nature, but I’m afraid that the majority prefer to remain serfs.
I can influence a few people but not enough to change voting patters. I can, however, change my own life and actions.
Great post