The Limits of Government
The limits of governmental power to solve the problems created by expanding governmental power are rising globally.
I composed this essay before the election, as the limits of government apply regardless of who takes the reins of leadership.
Elections are the opportunity to transfer the powers of government to a new set of leaders. As fascinating as this process may be, I’m more interested in the shadow cast by elections, the limits of government’s powers. Elections focus our attention on the powers of government to change society, the economy, foreign policy and the cultural zeitgeist. The limits of government receive little attention, for obvious reasons: elections are the sizzle, and state power is the steak.
I know this sounds cynical, but much of what passes for government’s power to transform society and the economy boils down to the power to print or borrow money on a truly immense scale. Yes, there are all kinds of legal powers: Congress can pass new statutes, the President can issue Executive Orders and the judiciary can change society with a new interpretation of the Constitution. But beyond changing the laws,
Article from LewRockwell
LewRockwell.com is a libertarian website that publishes articles, essays, and blog posts advocating for minimal government, free markets, and individual liberty. The site was founded by Lew Rockwell, an American libertarian political commentator, activist, and former congressional staffer. The website often features content that is critical of mainstream politics, state intervention, and foreign policy, among other topics. It is a platform frequently used to disseminate Austrian economics, a school of economic thought that is popular among some libertarians.
