When we think of the Koch Brothers, we usually think of the political TV ads they’ve purchased, or maybe of Harry Reid’s personal little war against them. So here’s Charles Koch on the WSJ’s op-ed page today:
Unfortunately, the fundamental concepts of dignity, respect, equality before the law and personal freedom are under attack by the nation’s own government. That’s why, if we want to restore a free society and create greater well-being and opportunity for all Americans, we have no choice but to fight for those principles. I have been doing so for more than 50 years, primarily through educational efforts. It was only in the past decade that I realized the need to also engage in the political process.
A truly free society is based on a vision of respect for people and what they value. In a truly free society, any business that disrespects its customers will fail, and deserves to do so. The same should be true of any government that disrespects its citizens. The central belief and fatal conceit of the current administration is that you are incapable of running your own life, but those in power are capable of running it for you. This is the essence of big government and collectivism.
More than 200 years ago, Thomas Jefferson warned that this could happen.
Jefferson warned of it, but it was HL Mencken who foretold how it would happen. Here’s to hoping it isn’t Ayn Rand who had the solution — because frankly, I’m just too comfortable to enjoy a total economic collapse.
Read Koch’s whole piece. It’s good stuff.
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