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The Hopelessly Enslaved - Awake!
Posted by Doug Craig at 1/26/2008 5:32 PM and is filed under Libertarianism,Income Tax,Liberty,christine Smith 
The Hopelessly Enslaved - Awake!
by Christine Smith, Jan. 26, 2008
I received quite a few responses to my recent (Jan. 23) opinion piece "Abolish the Federal Income Tax and replace With Nothing," all in support of my conclusions, but several also expressing reservations whether the American people are ready or willing to embrace such liberty. Thus, I offer this response to those of you who favor incremental steps versus my resolve that we must focus on the major issue of setting our sights and our work on achieving the main goal - not resign oneself to possible small incremental steps just because so many aren't yet aware of the message and facts. On the contrary, this means all the more, we should strongly shine the light of liberty for all...because each time you do, more blinders come off and people see.
Granted, the socialist mentality is inbred in generation after generation thanks to government schools which raise our youth to be good little slaves - obedient to social conformity - and to all its masters with the government being their primary source of provision and security. Children are taught not to question, but to accept. Thus, we have millions of Americans who actually believe government serves them by protecting them both as a nation and even as an individual should they require help in their personal lives. They're not about to challenge the status quo - it's always been this way so why challenge it? - or so goes such a line of thought.
But it has not always been this way. Americans were once a strong people who valued independence. We were a nation of people who had a strong self identity as individuals, a greater understanding that we own ourselves, are responsible for ourselves, and are entitled to the fruits of our labor. We for years had an ingrained abhorrence for taking what was not ours, much less allowing others to steal from us and give it to others, and yet somehow we as a society have devolved into a weak people who look to government to take care of them from birth to grave. But for 126 years Americans were free from being taxed on their income. We worked, we invested, we bought homes. Our income and savings had value. We were far freer than today personally and economically.
So many think they are free in midst of a society where the invasive government is becoming more arrogant each day in its alarmingly self-granted authority over the American people. The safeguards of due process have been eroded - but this fact and its repercussions remain unknown/not understood by many. After all, consider how many still get their news and commentary from their TVs and newspapers. Thus, many Americans aren't comprehending that basic Constitutional rights are being discarded though it is they, and those they care for, who will ultimately suffer.
Thus, today, we're dealing with a people that are as Goethe so accurately described in which: "None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free."
But I differ with libertarians who believe the way is to slowly and gradually affect change. No. The encroaching economic crisis (if not collapse) we face, the alarming and dangerous elimination of civil liberties which Americans have always taken for granted, and the imperialistic power grabs worldwide, demand radical action. In this case, if the people believe they are free, then we must do a much better job of clearly exposing to them the facts. They live in a world of illusion. Illusions are painful to lose, but it happens, especially when a movement of those who see the truth come together to bring and work for the truth. It's happened before - how did we become a nation giving women the right to vote? A nation ultimately recognizing all men, regardless of race, as equals under the law? For that matter, how did the people (the majority at the time) who believed the earth to be flat ever change that belief?
No matter how ingrained a concept is, people can change, but it takes exposure again and again to the facts. The "hopelessly enslaved" can become the enlightened fighting for liberty once their illusions are destroyed. But they must be met with the liberty message repeatedly (just as good marketing strategy functions).
I believe we as libertarians can appeal to Americans today if we stay focused on speaking to their rationality, values as well as their morals (something libertarians haven't been strong in emphasizing). I believe those virtues of hard work (and the enjoyment of spending one's money which they earned) still exist within the hearts and minds of many of the American people. I also believe many Americans have a sense of a morality which precludes stealing from one person even if to give to another. Americans are a generous people. They willingly give to charitable causes they support. They do not need (nor do I believe they really want) government to take the money they worked for to give to causes. They prefer to keep their money and choose how to spend it. They just don't realize that there is not one benefit they are receiving by giving the federal government their money each year.
People simply cling to the notion of the federal income tax because they mistakenly think they're receiving something of value in return. It's time to destroy that illusion. It is not time to simply rearrange the thievery.
The key, then, is for those who see the truth of what the government has done in stripping away our liberties (including their giving themselves the legal authority - backed by all their force of punishment - to steal people's hard earned income) to consistently and unwaveringly educate our fellow citizens to the facts. With respect to those who say that Americans are just too complacent, apathetic or perhaps downright stupid to care - I say no. I believe it is just that they have been relentlessly brainwashed for generations, many subject to a life of varying degrees of struggle to survive economically, and they know no other way. The government in their eyes is a benevolent figure who has only their best interests at heart - yes we know otherwise - so how to break such blind allegiance and acceptance?
I don't think we should automatically assume the American people will reject an end to the federal income tax. To make such an assumption means one gives up trying, it means you think people cannot change, and more than ever I think we're at a point in this nation where the people are hungry and receptive to the message of liberty. And hitting them with an argument that increases the money in their pocketbook may be more persuasive than almost any other. People value money. If we as libertarians begin to emphasize the practical real-world benefit to them financially, I think we can waken many up to the truth. Once they see clearly the income tax it is not needed for essential government services, they'll begin to realize the income tax is just theft - plain and simple.
The economy and people's personal finances are on everyone's mind. Now is the time for libertarians to strongly make the case for the abolishment of the income tax. We must raise the question to the level of a national debate. And never before have we had such an opportunity as now. People are disturbed. They are concerned. And they are disgusted with what the politicians they elected are doing. People's financial situations are one of the most important things in their lives - now everything they've worked for is at risk. Why? Because of out of control government spending and a Federal reserve which prints meaningless paper to give everyone a false sense of relief from the ever encroaching financial collapse of our nation.
We must remain dedicated, and willing to work hard, to help more and more awake, and the only way they're going to awake is if those of us who see through the lies we've been fed boldly and courageously proclaim the truth. The emperor doesn't have any clothes! You're getting nothing in return for the money you give the federal government every year. You are being victimized. Show them the facts. Brainwashing can be overcome. And I say from personal experience, when in discussion with people, as soon as they realize they've believed in a lie all those years that moment is precious! Their eyes light up, they keep asking questions, they ask for more resources to learn and how to get involved in working for an end to this tyranny.
People are waking up just because of concern over a looming possible economic collapse. Add to this the Americans who wake up to the fact the Iraq invasion was a major mistake. Add the Americans who wonder if they're going to lose their homes or be able to send their children to college. What you get is the majority of Americans are concerned, dissatisfied and they want change. Sure all they've been given are big government advocates on the left and right. But let's give them the alternative. Yes, we need libertarians elected to offices at every level and tackle issues at local levels of course, but we must also boldly stand up and tackle an issue such as abolishment of the federal income tax.
If there was ever a time to do it - it is now. No, I don't believe we as libertarians should resign ourselves to just incremental steps. Claim the cause of liberty whenever you can - yes! But don't leave it at that.
We need major changes immediately to stop the downward spiral we're on. Incremental steps are slow and most often overrun/overturned and result in little if any significant change. We must accomplish more. I view our nation on the verge of a major crisis. Incremental steps will not save us from such suffering and hardship. Those who prefer pursuit of incremental steps over pursuit of bold radical steps are, in my opinion, underestimating the power of an awakened people and thus in resigning themselves to never achieving such a large goal they certainly can't communicate a passionate informed argument for libertarian principles and solutions, though this is what they need be doing in order for others to awake and join in the cause of liberty.
I believe it takes bold radical major change to set this country on the path to liberty. And I believe the American people are ready - but only if we as libertarians are up to the huge task of educating, enlightening and inspiring all Americans to the cause. Never give up! The goal of abolishing the federal income tax is one we must focus upon, and frankly, I think most Americans - once their concern over whether the federal government would still have adequate revenue for essential service is answered - will enthusiastically support this libertarian vision.
It reminds me of yet another quote from Goethe, "He only earns his freedom and his life, Who takes them every day by storm." Part of that job, that storm, that struggle of battle, is to incessantly provide the opportunity for the currently "hopelessly enslaved" to awake so they join in the fight. That is our job! You don't avoid an important issue and libertarian solution because it is monumental - you choose that issue precisely because it is thus.
by Christine Smith, Jan. 26, 2008
I received quite a few responses to my recent (Jan. 23) opinion piece "Abolish the Federal Income Tax and replace With Nothing," all in support of my conclusions, but several also expressing reservations whether the American people are ready or willing to embrace such liberty. Thus, I offer this response to those of you who favor incremental steps versus my resolve that we must focus on the major issue of setting our sights and our work on achieving the main goal - not resign oneself to possible small incremental steps just because so many aren't yet aware of the message and facts. On the contrary, this means all the more, we should strongly shine the light of liberty for all...because each time you do, more blinders come off and people see.
Granted, the socialist mentality is inbred in generation after generation thanks to government schools which raise our youth to be good little slaves - obedient to social conformity - and to all its masters with the government being their primary source of provision and security. Children are taught not to question, but to accept. Thus, we have millions of Americans who actually believe government serves them by protecting them both as a nation and even as an individual should they require help in their personal lives. They're not about to challenge the status quo - it's always been this way so why challenge it? - or so goes such a line of thought.
But it has not always been this way. Americans were once a strong people who valued independence. We were a nation of people who had a strong self identity as individuals, a greater understanding that we own ourselves, are responsible for ourselves, and are entitled to the fruits of our labor. We for years had an ingrained abhorrence for taking what was not ours, much less allowing others to steal from us and give it to others, and yet somehow we as a society have devolved into a weak people who look to government to take care of them from birth to grave. But for 126 years Americans were free from being taxed on their income. We worked, we invested, we bought homes. Our income and savings had value. We were far freer than today personally and economically.
So many think they are free in midst of a society where the invasive government is becoming more arrogant each day in its alarmingly self-granted authority over the American people. The safeguards of due process have been eroded - but this fact and its repercussions remain unknown/not understood by many. After all, consider how many still get their news and commentary from their TVs and newspapers. Thus, many Americans aren't comprehending that basic Constitutional rights are being discarded though it is they, and those they care for, who will ultimately suffer.
Thus, today, we're dealing with a people that are as Goethe so accurately described in which: "None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free."
But I differ with libertarians who believe the way is to slowly and gradually affect change. No. The encroaching economic crisis (if not collapse) we face, the alarming and dangerous elimination of civil liberties which Americans have always taken for granted, and the imperialistic power grabs worldwide, demand radical action. In this case, if the people believe they are free, then we must do a much better job of clearly exposing to them the facts. They live in a world of illusion. Illusions are painful to lose, but it happens, especially when a movement of those who see the truth come together to bring and work for the truth. It's happened before - how did we become a nation giving women the right to vote? A nation ultimately recognizing all men, regardless of race, as equals under the law? For that matter, how did the people (the majority at the time) who believed the earth to be flat ever change that belief?
No matter how ingrained a concept is, people can change, but it takes exposure again and again to the facts. The "hopelessly enslaved" can become the enlightened fighting for liberty once their illusions are destroyed. But they must be met with the liberty message repeatedly (just as good marketing strategy functions).
I believe we as libertarians can appeal to Americans today if we stay focused on speaking to their rationality, values as well as their morals (something libertarians haven't been strong in emphasizing). I believe those virtues of hard work (and the enjoyment of spending one's money which they earned) still exist within the hearts and minds of many of the American people. I also believe many Americans have a sense of a morality which precludes stealing from one person even if to give to another. Americans are a generous people. They willingly give to charitable causes they support. They do not need (nor do I believe they really want) government to take the money they worked for to give to causes. They prefer to keep their money and choose how to spend it. They just don't realize that there is not one benefit they are receiving by giving the federal government their money each year.
People simply cling to the notion of the federal income tax because they mistakenly think they're receiving something of value in return. It's time to destroy that illusion. It is not time to simply rearrange the thievery.
The key, then, is for those who see the truth of what the government has done in stripping away our liberties (including their giving themselves the legal authority - backed by all their force of punishment - to steal people's hard earned income) to consistently and unwaveringly educate our fellow citizens to the facts. With respect to those who say that Americans are just too complacent, apathetic or perhaps downright stupid to care - I say no. I believe it is just that they have been relentlessly brainwashed for generations, many subject to a life of varying degrees of struggle to survive economically, and they know no other way. The government in their eyes is a benevolent figure who has only their best interests at heart - yes we know otherwise - so how to break such blind allegiance and acceptance?
I don't think we should automatically assume the American people will reject an end to the federal income tax. To make such an assumption means one gives up trying, it means you think people cannot change, and more than ever I think we're at a point in this nation where the people are hungry and receptive to the message of liberty. And hitting them with an argument that increases the money in their pocketbook may be more persuasive than almost any other. People value money. If we as libertarians begin to emphasize the practical real-world benefit to them financially, I think we can waken many up to the truth. Once they see clearly the income tax it is not needed for essential government services, they'll begin to realize the income tax is just theft - plain and simple.
The economy and people's personal finances are on everyone's mind. Now is the time for libertarians to strongly make the case for the abolishment of the income tax. We must raise the question to the level of a national debate. And never before have we had such an opportunity as now. People are disturbed. They are concerned. And they are disgusted with what the politicians they elected are doing. People's financial situations are one of the most important things in their lives - now everything they've worked for is at risk. Why? Because of out of control government spending and a Federal reserve which prints meaningless paper to give everyone a false sense of relief from the ever encroaching financial collapse of our nation.
We must remain dedicated, and willing to work hard, to help more and more awake, and the only way they're going to awake is if those of us who see through the lies we've been fed boldly and courageously proclaim the truth. The emperor doesn't have any clothes! You're getting nothing in return for the money you give the federal government every year. You are being victimized. Show them the facts. Brainwashing can be overcome. And I say from personal experience, when in discussion with people, as soon as they realize they've believed in a lie all those years that moment is precious! Their eyes light up, they keep asking questions, they ask for more resources to learn and how to get involved in working for an end to this tyranny.
People are waking up just because of concern over a looming possible economic collapse. Add to this the Americans who wake up to the fact the Iraq invasion was a major mistake. Add the Americans who wonder if they're going to lose their homes or be able to send their children to college. What you get is the majority of Americans are concerned, dissatisfied and they want change. Sure all they've been given are big government advocates on the left and right. But let's give them the alternative. Yes, we need libertarians elected to offices at every level and tackle issues at local levels of course, but we must also boldly stand up and tackle an issue such as abolishment of the federal income tax.
If there was ever a time to do it - it is now. No, I don't believe we as libertarians should resign ourselves to just incremental steps. Claim the cause of liberty whenever you can - yes! But don't leave it at that.
We need major changes immediately to stop the downward spiral we're on. Incremental steps are slow and most often overrun/overturned and result in little if any significant change. We must accomplish more. I view our nation on the verge of a major crisis. Incremental steps will not save us from such suffering and hardship. Those who prefer pursuit of incremental steps over pursuit of bold radical steps are, in my opinion, underestimating the power of an awakened people and thus in resigning themselves to never achieving such a large goal they certainly can't communicate a passionate informed argument for libertarian principles and solutions, though this is what they need be doing in order for others to awake and join in the cause of liberty.
I believe it takes bold radical major change to set this country on the path to liberty. And I believe the American people are ready - but only if we as libertarians are up to the huge task of educating, enlightening and inspiring all Americans to the cause. Never give up! The goal of abolishing the federal income tax is one we must focus upon, and frankly, I think most Americans - once their concern over whether the federal government would still have adequate revenue for essential service is answered - will enthusiastically support this libertarian vision.
It reminds me of yet another quote from Goethe, "He only earns his freedom and his life, Who takes them every day by storm." Part of that job, that storm, that struggle of battle, is to incessantly provide the opportunity for the currently "hopelessly enslaved" to awake so they join in the fight. That is our job! You don't avoid an important issue and libertarian solution because it is monumental - you choose that issue precisely because it is thus.
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