The Annals of Soft-Despotism

The Might of the Gentiles

President Reagan once quipped that the most terrifying words in the English language were, "I am from the government, and I'm here to help."  We are aware that for many such a statement  borders on blasphemy.  How dare anyone have such a cynical attitude toward the hand that feeds us.

Modern governments in the West have arrogated to themselves (with the ardent support and acclamation of the people) the vain hubris of being responsible and empowered to parent and provide for all citizens.  Welcome to life under the soft-despotic state.  Freedom and responsibility is at first attenuated, then killed off, by kindness.  Men--free men--depart, not with a bang, but a whimper.  Underneath lies a besetting sin: idolatry.  Today it is almost universal that "free" citizens worship the government in one way or another.  Become subjected to almost any trouble, any calamity and the reflexive, natural response now is to intone the litany of the secular idolater: "the government has to/should/ought/needs to do something".  It is the secular version of fervent prayer.  It is the established religion of our day.