Barrel Strength

The search for a Third Way to address the failures of socialism and perceived inequity of capitalism is a constant phenomenon. Despite the failure of this policy in Far East during the 1990s, where it was implemented by a honest, educated and intelligent civil service, the philosophy is once again advocated by the book Nudged.

The reviews describe this book as “gem of a book”, “utterly brilliant book”, “book is terrific” and so on and so forth. The book advocates “Libertarian Paternalism” or “Soft Paternalism”. This philosophy believes the state can “help you make the choices you would make for yourself—if only you had the strength of will and the sharpness of mind.” Ah yes, the sharpness of mind. Before one signs up an Obama-wannabe, complete with an attitude and sidekick with a chip on her shoulder, for advice let us see how the state has done historically.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then this one is better than a thousand socialist slogans. Sovereign default seems to be a constant theme through the history. It seems all those who want to watch and hover over us, themselves need watching.