1913
was a turning point year for Progressives (now called Liberals) and President
Woodrow Wilson. In one year they accomplished the following: On February 3,
1913 Congress ratified the 16th Amendment allowing the government to
lay and collect taxes. On April 8, 1913 Congress ratified the 17th
Amendment which changed the appointment of a state senator to a direct vote. On
December 23, 1913, the Federal Reserve was born. It can print money anytime it
deems necessary. Woodrow Wilson of 1913 and our Barack Obama are kindred
liberal statist personas separated only by 100 years. “Statist” is the
principle or policy of concentrating extensive economic, political and related
controls in the state at the expense of individual liberties.”
Three
years later, William John Henry Boetcker a German immigrant who had become a
naturalized citizen and Presbyterian minister published his “The Ten Cannots”.
“You
cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.”
“You
cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.”
“You
cannot help little men by tearing down big men.”
“You
cannot lift the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer.”
“You
cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.”
“You
cannot establish sound security on borrowed money.”
“You
cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.”
“You
cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than you earn.”
“You
cannot build character and courage by destroying men’s initiative and
independence.”
“You
cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they can and should do for
themselves.”
His “Seven National Crimes” came later.
“I
don’t think.”
“I
don’t know.”
“I
don’t care.”
“I’m
too busy.”
“I
leave well enough alone.”
“I
have no time to read and find out.”
“I
am not interested.”
Read again Boetcker’s words written
in defense of personal freedom and responsibility!
This appeared in The Alpena News on Saturday, February 22, 2014
This appeared in The Alpena News on Saturday, February 22, 2014
No comments:
Post a Comment