The Freeway to Serfdom
"One of the annoying things about believing in free will and individual responsibility is the difficulty of finding somebody to blame your problems on. And when you do find somebody, it's remarkable how often his picture turns up on your driver's license." - P.J. O'Rourke
Sunday, January 16, 2005
Canada - The Last Great Nation of Rugged Individualists?
Welcome to the 13th edition of the Red Ensign Standard, a forum where we highlight some of the best subversive commentary from across the great northern Dominion.
It is customary for the host to give a brief speech explaining their reasons for raising the pre-1965 version of the flag on their website. We each have our own reasons, and despite some pathetic attempts to smear Ensign members as haters and right-wing ideologues, this has never been a committee or a "movement" - rather a group of individuals who have no compunction about questioning the orthodoxy that has been force fed to them throughout much of their lives. Far from a group of right-wing "reactionaries" our roster includes classical and contemporary liberals, a grab-bag of fiscal, social and neo-conservatives, several hardcore libertarians and even an anarcho-capitalist.
So what the hell am I, Mr. All-Government-is-Force-and-Fraud doing with a monarchy-themed flag on my website? Well, for the sake of our non-Canuck visitors, a brief primer is in order. The post 1960's Canada can be better described as Trudeaupia - a progressive-era dream that just kept on chugging along. The stage in our history where good liberals had become bad Liberals and were well past the point of no return. While Mr. Trudeau was exactly right in saying "the state has no business in the bedrooms of the nation" he, alas, felt the state had plenty of business everywhere else. Survey the conventional wisdom in the Canadian media, or even when talking to the average Joe in the street, you'd be under the impression that things were always and forever meant to be this way - a nation that values socialist health care above just about anything else, espouses squishy multilateral foreign policy and derives national identify only through contrasting its social programs with its more imposing southern neighbour.
Well, I am quite indebted to those who have had the temerity to remind us of the Canada of the past and expose the stubborn myths that perpetuate the Trudeaupian status quo. In particular, I continue to recommend William Watson's book Globalization and the Meaning of Canadian Life, nicely condensed within this Quebecois Libre op-ed by Martin Masse:
"Mr. Watson is, of course, in favour of choosing policies based on the principles of the free market and a limited government. He explains that the Canadian identity based on interventionism and protectionism is in fact a myth, and that we're certainly not distinguishing ourselves from the Americans by trying to become more socialist, since the Americans were there before. In two chapters in particular entitled The American Governmental Habit and The American Lead, he shows that new interventionist and collectivist fads in various sectors of the economy and society have usually been tried first south of the border, and only later brought in to Canada. If the perspective is so skewed today, it is because we unfortunately succumbed more than they did to the lure of tax-and-spend solutions in the second half of the 20th century and now have a federal government much bigger than theirs."
As Watson points out, the Canadian New Deal followed the American lead, as did Trudeau's Just Society follow the Kennedy / Johnson Great Society. Canadian taxes were consistently lower than US rates until the trend took an irreversible turn for the worse in the mid-60s.
Masse concludes (stand back!):
"So, what should we conclude of all this? Answer: that the real interventionists and socialists at heart are the Americans, and that the real Canadian tradition is one of rugged individualism being slowly frittered away under the overwhelming influence of American collectivism. As Scott Reid also explains in this special issue (see La Tradition Individualiste Canadienne), this is exactly the inverse of what we are told to believe.
The anti-Americans among us have a point: we should protect ourselves from the nasty winds coming from the south. But they are wrong about the rest. The Canadian identity that should be cherished and the Canadian tradition that should be upheld are based on individualism, small government and the free market. That's what we were until the 1950s. The new identity and tradition invented since are phony ones, and we should let the Americans have them"
Wow. File in the huge cabinet along with the rest of the "things you will not learn in the public school system." Rugged individualists, eh? I kinda like the sound of that. Flying across the country, as has become so routine for many of us - I'm always in awe of what Canada's pioneers accomplished. Those who came to North American shores and moved their way across the unforgiving landscape had to literally dig themselves an existence out of the rocks and brush and swamp. They sure as hell didn't have a Nanny State nagging over their shoulders. Our post-Trudeaupian deference to government authority would be alien to most of them. They would be unable to comprehend why we are constantly up in each other's faces over what percentage of our income will be poured into this or that government sink hole. It's that Canada I pay tribute to when I fly the Ensign - I'm not envious of the comparative state of freedom in the US: I honestly think we can do better, as history has shown.
So without any further adieu, sit back, grab an ice-cold Molson and enjoy the 13th Red Ensign Standard.
Following the crumbs over to just turned three Absinthe and Cookies the 24 fan gripes about how Fox appears to have lost its nerve in the face of a PC backlash. A&C also resets some old posts including instructive advice on how not to get an Instalanche.
Paul Jane remains Frozen In Montreal (reminding me that I'll have to change my blog to "Frozen in Van" if this bizarro weather keeps up), although Paul is kept on full boil by the nerve of waterheaded celebs like Madonna and Bono. By the way, Paul I'm with you on Tsunami fatigue and sick to death of droning politicos falling all over themselves to show how generous they are with other people's money.
Over at Anthroblogogy, one of several Ensigners residing south of the border, DirtCrashr comes out of a holiday blogout to sing the Diplomad's praises.
John of Argghhh! continues his shameless glorification of weaponry and admonishes slackers to get with the program. I must say, John, from this libertarian's perspective, that basement collection gets the "Don't Tread On Me" message across quite clearly.
Damian at Babbling Brooks continues to sift through the sludge of the recent campaign donations brouhaha and wonders aloud where the MSM are on the whole deal (Bloggers - we started it- we'll finish it). What was that saying about legislation and sausages again?
Youngster Chris at bluetory.ca pans the proposal to lower the voting age to 16, and is unapologetic for flying the Tory banner on his site. Hey, no prob Chris, like the Red Ensign brigade, there's no Official Party Line and we take each bloggers opinions on their own merits.
Andrew at Bound By Gravity is fast becoming Canada's quick linker, showing the stamina to round up numerous posts worthy of discussion (tremble, Instantman!). The Bounder loves to mix it up in the comments sections, although enthusiasm sometimes gets the better of him. Nothing wrong with that, cry havoc and let slip the blogs of war, I always say!
BumfOnline reminds us that not everything that pours forth from King Ralph's cake-hole can be dismissed as arrogant rubbish. Rob also defends the civilising effect of Shakespeare. Just look at his linguistic intelligence if you are in doubt.
Canadiancomment lays into Jack Layton over his Weaponization of Space fetish. Proud Maritimer Dana explains how he often is mistaken for a Newf and *ahem* a member of the opposite sex. Bob compares and contrasts Canadian government compassion in southeast Asia and in Sudan.
No word from Candepundit yet in 2K5.
The Big Unit at ChrisCam sticks up for the men and women in uniform and sticks to his guns on Iraq's weapons stash.
Rebecca at doxology is as confused as I am with regards to the miserable BC weather. Heck, I thought I left this crap behind in Ontario. A strong Catholic, Rebecca points her readers in the direction of fellow travelers.
Darcey at dustmybroom keeps us abreast of his new year's resolutions. Good lord, man, no cheapo beer - no coffee?! I'll give you two months - max. He also provides some valuable datapoints on the sorry state of modern Liberalism.
Enter State Right's Musings discusses Real Heroes and, with Dirty Harry covering his back, kicks Mike Moore to the curb.
Gen Xer Alan (another fine former Maritimer) continues his defence of Danny Williams and those seeking a "New Deal" for Canada's east coast. Alan shuns the idea of a "blogger ethics code" and prefers to remain master of his own domain. Testify, brother!
James at Hammer into Anvil notes the ominous parallels between the Sponsorship and Somalia inquiries and encourages Canadians to keep the Feds on the hot seat. James is a proud Hamiltonian and is looking to counter GTA snobbery regarding the armpit of Ontario (just kidding, James!).
Shhh, quiet, Hypothesis is deep into study hibernation for his upcoming LSAT.
John The Mad has a couple of thoughtful posts up on the appalling prisoner abuse scandal at Abu Ghraib.
All is quiet at the Just Between Us Girls henhouse.
Keith at Minority of One notes a possible upside to the hockey lockout. Liberty is often born or irony, Keith. Keith also knows a thing or two about football picks and how to apply Objectivist principles to Ottawa snowstorms.
Over at Musing, Jason comments on the Strippers, Pizza and Mafia Party , seconds (no, make that thirds) yours truly's opinion on the BC electorate and presents an example of Canadiana gone too far.
The Canadian Slacker is, well, slacking.
Our Southeast Asian correspondent Myrick has had alot on his plate recently: a move to Shanghai (potentially combined with "going pro"), a good showing in his regional blog awards and continuing updates on the Tsunami recovery.
Nathan provides us with some cool pics of Seoul and some stories of his cheeky English students.
Curt at North Western Winds has some deep thoughts on Ivory Tower Intellectuals and the hostile environment of contemporary college campuses.
Occam, my brotha, how ya been? 20,000 hits is sweet, the Windbag in Chief is indeed sickening. It ain't easy being a libertarian in Canada, hold your nose and vote for the lesser of two evils, or take your ball (and principles) and go home.
Quotulatiousness is, of course, your quote clearing house, serving up beauties from Joel Fleming, Theodore Dalrymple and Mr. Steyn.
Raging Kraut explains why he won't be sporting the CPC logo on his website anytime soon, and provides photo documentation of the statue that has the wholesome folk of Penticton, BC in a conniption fit. "Wee-wee-gate", heh.
Ravishing Light covers the latest example of language policing - an unfortunately all too common occurence in Ontario - Quebec border communities, provides some suggestions on cheap eats for students, and defends the attitudes of new university grads who appear less tolerant of working moms.
Rightjab is down and out in the new year.
It appears Shiny Happy Gulag has been dispatched to the Nunavut work camps for his subversive commentary. We await the appearance of a "<- NEW!" alert beside his place on the roll.
Skeet Skeet Skeet has had nothing new to add since the last go round.
Stephen Taylor, representin' the Conservative Party of Canada, is all over the political contributions spreadsheets that have been making the rounds. One of the big three parties are definitely "whores" but which one and for who? Stephen also comments on the inadequacy of the Canadian military, something I'm sure the Tories will play up in the next election.
Our friend Chris Taylor is having a rough go of it of late and is understandably cutting back on posting. Let's hope he gets through the storm ok.
The Green Baron is cooling his heels after a whirlwind tour.
Kate at The Last Amazon discusses Chinese and Canadian "freedoms" notes the failure of "soft power" to produce its intended results, and calls for more accountability for the "Blue Helmets".
On to the southwestern Ontario freedom fighters at The London Fog, where the gang is piling on the pigshitters shoving their snouts into the municipal budget trough. And don't miss their valuable government warning labels.
The Monger has come down with a bad case of work and pestilence, and as such, we are deprived of his choice rants for another week. Good luck with that, Doc.
The Phantom Observer has some advice for Dan Rather - what color is your parachute, Dan?
The Observer also points out that people love a winner, and therefore US Democrats should get to know newly minted ambassador Frank McKenna.
Ben at The Tiger in Winter is classical liberal, dammit, although he doesn't mind if people mistake him for a Liberal, if it means more votes. He's also got a couple of posts on what it means to be a true American ally
Tipperography is proud to be an annoying libertarian. Me too. Lately, she's been cheering on Arnold and (get this) graphing out her political leanings. Go have a look - I'm pretty sure my first derivative is always negative...
Trudeaupia notes that everybody has their price, continues to deride the global warming myth makers and provides some helpful skills development information for unemployed immigration ministers.
and finally,
at West Coast Chaos, Temujin emerges relatively healthy after an unfortunate stint in Canada's StalinCare system. Good news!
Well folks, there you have it - the best of bloggin' north of the border. The Next Standard is scheduled for the 31st of January at some yet-to-be-named lucky volunteer.
Thanks for reading.
Welcome to the 13th edition of the Red Ensign Standard, a forum where we highlight some of the best subversive commentary from across the great northern Dominion.
It is customary for the host to give a brief speech explaining their reasons for raising the pre-1965 version of the flag on their website. We each have our own reasons, and despite some pathetic attempts to smear Ensign members as haters and right-wing ideologues, this has never been a committee or a "movement" - rather a group of individuals who have no compunction about questioning the orthodoxy that has been force fed to them throughout much of their lives. Far from a group of right-wing "reactionaries" our roster includes classical and contemporary liberals, a grab-bag of fiscal, social and neo-conservatives, several hardcore libertarians and even an anarcho-capitalist.
So what the hell am I, Mr. All-Government-is-Force-and-Fraud doing with a monarchy-themed flag on my website? Well, for the sake of our non-Canuck visitors, a brief primer is in order. The post 1960's Canada can be better described as Trudeaupia - a progressive-era dream that just kept on chugging along. The stage in our history where good liberals had become bad Liberals and were well past the point of no return. While Mr. Trudeau was exactly right in saying "the state has no business in the bedrooms of the nation" he, alas, felt the state had plenty of business everywhere else. Survey the conventional wisdom in the Canadian media, or even when talking to the average Joe in the street, you'd be under the impression that things were always and forever meant to be this way - a nation that values socialist health care above just about anything else, espouses squishy multilateral foreign policy and derives national identify only through contrasting its social programs with its more imposing southern neighbour.
Well, I am quite indebted to those who have had the temerity to remind us of the Canada of the past and expose the stubborn myths that perpetuate the Trudeaupian status quo. In particular, I continue to recommend William Watson's book Globalization and the Meaning of Canadian Life, nicely condensed within this Quebecois Libre op-ed by Martin Masse:
"Mr. Watson is, of course, in favour of choosing policies based on the principles of the free market and a limited government. He explains that the Canadian identity based on interventionism and protectionism is in fact a myth, and that we're certainly not distinguishing ourselves from the Americans by trying to become more socialist, since the Americans were there before. In two chapters in particular entitled The American Governmental Habit and The American Lead, he shows that new interventionist and collectivist fads in various sectors of the economy and society have usually been tried first south of the border, and only later brought in to Canada. If the perspective is so skewed today, it is because we unfortunately succumbed more than they did to the lure of tax-and-spend solutions in the second half of the 20th century and now have a federal government much bigger than theirs."
As Watson points out, the Canadian New Deal followed the American lead, as did Trudeau's Just Society follow the Kennedy / Johnson Great Society. Canadian taxes were consistently lower than US rates until the trend took an irreversible turn for the worse in the mid-60s.
Masse concludes (stand back!):
"So, what should we conclude of all this? Answer: that the real interventionists and socialists at heart are the Americans, and that the real Canadian tradition is one of rugged individualism being slowly frittered away under the overwhelming influence of American collectivism. As Scott Reid also explains in this special issue (see La Tradition Individualiste Canadienne), this is exactly the inverse of what we are told to believe.
The anti-Americans among us have a point: we should protect ourselves from the nasty winds coming from the south. But they are wrong about the rest. The Canadian identity that should be cherished and the Canadian tradition that should be upheld are based on individualism, small government and the free market. That's what we were until the 1950s. The new identity and tradition invented since are phony ones, and we should let the Americans have them"
Wow. File in the huge cabinet along with the rest of the "things you will not learn in the public school system." Rugged individualists, eh? I kinda like the sound of that. Flying across the country, as has become so routine for many of us - I'm always in awe of what Canada's pioneers accomplished. Those who came to North American shores and moved their way across the unforgiving landscape had to literally dig themselves an existence out of the rocks and brush and swamp. They sure as hell didn't have a Nanny State nagging over their shoulders. Our post-Trudeaupian deference to government authority would be alien to most of them. They would be unable to comprehend why we are constantly up in each other's faces over what percentage of our income will be poured into this or that government sink hole. It's that Canada I pay tribute to when I fly the Ensign - I'm not envious of the comparative state of freedom in the US: I honestly think we can do better, as history has shown.
So without any further adieu, sit back, grab an ice-cold Molson and enjoy the 13th Red Ensign Standard.
Following the crumbs over to just turned three Absinthe and Cookies the 24 fan gripes about how Fox appears to have lost its nerve in the face of a PC backlash. A&C also resets some old posts including instructive advice on how not to get an Instalanche.
Paul Jane remains Frozen In Montreal (reminding me that I'll have to change my blog to "Frozen in Van" if this bizarro weather keeps up), although Paul is kept on full boil by the nerve of waterheaded celebs like Madonna and Bono. By the way, Paul I'm with you on Tsunami fatigue and sick to death of droning politicos falling all over themselves to show how generous they are with other people's money.
Over at Anthroblogogy, one of several Ensigners residing south of the border, DirtCrashr comes out of a holiday blogout to sing the Diplomad's praises.
John of Argghhh! continues his shameless glorification of weaponry and admonishes slackers to get with the program. I must say, John, from this libertarian's perspective, that basement collection gets the "Don't Tread On Me" message across quite clearly.
Damian at Babbling Brooks continues to sift through the sludge of the recent campaign donations brouhaha and wonders aloud where the MSM are on the whole deal (Bloggers - we started it- we'll finish it). What was that saying about legislation and sausages again?
Youngster Chris at bluetory.ca pans the proposal to lower the voting age to 16, and is unapologetic for flying the Tory banner on his site. Hey, no prob Chris, like the Red Ensign brigade, there's no Official Party Line and we take each bloggers opinions on their own merits.
Andrew at Bound By Gravity is fast becoming Canada's quick linker, showing the stamina to round up numerous posts worthy of discussion (tremble, Instantman!). The Bounder loves to mix it up in the comments sections, although enthusiasm sometimes gets the better of him. Nothing wrong with that, cry havoc and let slip the blogs of war, I always say!
BumfOnline reminds us that not everything that pours forth from King Ralph's cake-hole can be dismissed as arrogant rubbish. Rob also defends the civilising effect of Shakespeare. Just look at his linguistic intelligence if you are in doubt.
Canadiancomment lays into Jack Layton over his Weaponization of Space fetish. Proud Maritimer Dana explains how he often is mistaken for a Newf and *ahem* a member of the opposite sex. Bob compares and contrasts Canadian government compassion in southeast Asia and in Sudan.
No word from Candepundit yet in 2K5.
The Big Unit at ChrisCam sticks up for the men and women in uniform and sticks to his guns on Iraq's weapons stash.
Rebecca at doxology is as confused as I am with regards to the miserable BC weather. Heck, I thought I left this crap behind in Ontario. A strong Catholic, Rebecca points her readers in the direction of fellow travelers.
Darcey at dustmybroom keeps us abreast of his new year's resolutions. Good lord, man, no cheapo beer - no coffee?! I'll give you two months - max. He also provides some valuable datapoints on the sorry state of modern Liberalism.
Enter State Right's Musings discusses Real Heroes and, with Dirty Harry covering his back, kicks Mike Moore to the curb.
Gen Xer Alan (another fine former Maritimer) continues his defence of Danny Williams and those seeking a "New Deal" for Canada's east coast. Alan shuns the idea of a "blogger ethics code" and prefers to remain master of his own domain. Testify, brother!
James at Hammer into Anvil notes the ominous parallels between the Sponsorship and Somalia inquiries and encourages Canadians to keep the Feds on the hot seat. James is a proud Hamiltonian and is looking to counter GTA snobbery regarding the armpit of Ontario (just kidding, James!).
Shhh, quiet, Hypothesis is deep into study hibernation for his upcoming LSAT.
John The Mad has a couple of thoughtful posts up on the appalling prisoner abuse scandal at Abu Ghraib.
All is quiet at the Just Between Us Girls henhouse.
Keith at Minority of One notes a possible upside to the hockey lockout. Liberty is often born or irony, Keith. Keith also knows a thing or two about football picks and how to apply Objectivist principles to Ottawa snowstorms.
Over at Musing, Jason comments on the Strippers, Pizza and Mafia Party , seconds (no, make that thirds) yours truly's opinion on the BC electorate and presents an example of Canadiana gone too far.
The Canadian Slacker is, well, slacking.
Our Southeast Asian correspondent Myrick has had alot on his plate recently: a move to Shanghai (potentially combined with "going pro"), a good showing in his regional blog awards and continuing updates on the Tsunami recovery.
Nathan provides us with some cool pics of Seoul and some stories of his cheeky English students.
Curt at North Western Winds has some deep thoughts on Ivory Tower Intellectuals and the hostile environment of contemporary college campuses.
Occam, my brotha, how ya been? 20,000 hits is sweet, the Windbag in Chief is indeed sickening. It ain't easy being a libertarian in Canada, hold your nose and vote for the lesser of two evils, or take your ball (and principles) and go home.
Quotulatiousness is, of course, your quote clearing house, serving up beauties from Joel Fleming, Theodore Dalrymple and Mr. Steyn.
Raging Kraut explains why he won't be sporting the CPC logo on his website anytime soon, and provides photo documentation of the statue that has the wholesome folk of Penticton, BC in a conniption fit. "Wee-wee-gate", heh.
Ravishing Light covers the latest example of language policing - an unfortunately all too common occurence in Ontario - Quebec border communities, provides some suggestions on cheap eats for students, and defends the attitudes of new university grads who appear less tolerant of working moms.
Rightjab is down and out in the new year.
It appears Shiny Happy Gulag has been dispatched to the Nunavut work camps for his subversive commentary. We await the appearance of a "<- NEW!" alert beside his place on the roll.
Skeet Skeet Skeet has had nothing new to add since the last go round.
Stephen Taylor, representin' the Conservative Party of Canada, is all over the political contributions spreadsheets that have been making the rounds. One of the big three parties are definitely "whores" but which one and for who? Stephen also comments on the inadequacy of the Canadian military, something I'm sure the Tories will play up in the next election.
Our friend Chris Taylor is having a rough go of it of late and is understandably cutting back on posting. Let's hope he gets through the storm ok.
The Green Baron is cooling his heels after a whirlwind tour.
Kate at The Last Amazon discusses Chinese and Canadian "freedoms" notes the failure of "soft power" to produce its intended results, and calls for more accountability for the "Blue Helmets".
On to the southwestern Ontario freedom fighters at The London Fog, where the gang is piling on the pigshitters shoving their snouts into the municipal budget trough. And don't miss their valuable government warning labels.
The Monger has come down with a bad case of work and pestilence, and as such, we are deprived of his choice rants for another week. Good luck with that, Doc.
The Phantom Observer has some advice for Dan Rather - what color is your parachute, Dan?
The Observer also points out that people love a winner, and therefore US Democrats should get to know newly minted ambassador Frank McKenna.
Ben at The Tiger in Winter is classical liberal, dammit, although he doesn't mind if people mistake him for a Liberal, if it means more votes. He's also got a couple of posts on what it means to be a true American ally
Tipperography is proud to be an annoying libertarian. Me too. Lately, she's been cheering on Arnold and (get this) graphing out her political leanings. Go have a look - I'm pretty sure my first derivative is always negative...
Trudeaupia notes that everybody has their price, continues to deride the global warming myth makers and provides some helpful skills development information for unemployed immigration ministers.
and finally,
at West Coast Chaos, Temujin emerges relatively healthy after an unfortunate stint in Canada's StalinCare system. Good news!
Well folks, there you have it - the best of bloggin' north of the border. The Next Standard is scheduled for the 31st of January at some yet-to-be-named lucky volunteer.
Thanks for reading.
