Shadows in the Cave

Shadows in the Cave

We all know Plato's shadows-in-the-cave allegory.  In short, the prisoners in the cave are only permitted to see shadows of reality.  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allegory_of_the_Cave)  They are resistant to accepting reality even when it is presented to them.  They prefer their shadows -  their reality. This allegory has had applications not only to philosophy and governance, as Plato illustrated in "The Republic," but also to religion, science, and psychology, to list only a few.  It also applies to the politics of our time.  For our politics, we examine a few of the shadows and their correspondent reality.

Debt.
Shadows: The only path to economic prosperity is the continuation of spending programs to stimulate the economy. The government is the only agency that can be entrusted to this vital goal.

Reality: This Keynsian theory has yet to demonstrate a successful example. It is one of those economic theories that plays sonorously to well intentioned folks but is not economically viable.  But... When the debt becomes too high and non-recoverable, the only option is default (ala Stockton, CA).  Let the bond-holders suffer the loss. Eventually, on the current trajectory, the debt will become so massive the populace, guided by those in power, will simply say " let's default." 

Going green.
Shadows: Green is good.  It will lead to energy independence.  It will take time and investment (code for spending), but it will happen with due diligence.

Reality: What is striking is that the very people Obama counts on for votes, the poor, the unemployed, and the disenfranchised are thrown under the bus as Obama policies seek to increase energy prices to make green alternatives competitive.  Moreover, green initiatives provide a bountiful source of campaign cash.

Note:  Green is actually good.  When competitive with other energy sources, it will benefit all.  But can it be made artificially competitive?

Dependency.
Shadows: The people need help to endure these hard times.  Many are out of work and unable to meet their obligations whether their mortgage or food-on-the-table. We must help.

Reality:   Make the populace dependent on government assistance.  Once hooked, many will not be inclined to turn back to individual responsibility. Look at the new rulings on welfare and the work requirement, Consider the massive increase of folks on food stamps, and sustained broad sense unemployment rate.

Health care.

Shadows: We will all pay for the health care of others.  It is the right thing to do. Other, mostly European countries are doing this.  They are thriving.

Reality: The cost of covering all under a government mandate will bankrupt the nation under a profound burden of debt. European countries are living on the brink of bankruptcy under a mountain of debt partially caused by extensive social programs.

Counter: Cost is not the object.  Votes are.

Illegal immigration.

Shadows:  These illegal immigrants are here, they work, they contribute in taxes, and they should have certain rights such as education at discounted rates, welfare, and health care.  How about the vote?

Reality: Even those non citizens have rights, full rights including the vote, to all the benefits accruing only to citizens. The "Dream Act" now implemented after a fashion gives illegals rights beyond those of regular citizens.  

Taxing the rich.

Shadows.  The rich must pay their fair share; others must be given a fair shot at the American dream.  This will make the key difference in our goals.

Reality: Increasing the tax burden on the rich (however defined) will not close the debt crisis even by a small percentage.

Dictator-in-a-democracy.

Shadows. What I am doing is just; it is right; it is humane; it is concomitant with American principles.  We cannot ignore the needs of the people, nor our antiquated leadership role in the world.  American exceptionalism is an artifact of the past.  Congress will not "compromise" on what is needed.

Reality: Spending required is far beyond our capacity to recover. Regulations now implemented are far beyond what government should exact without a thorough congressional debate. Abrogations of the law by unilateral changes in the enforcement of the law are over and above what any previous president would have even considered – maybe even dreamed. The Presidency as one of the triadic pedestals of government, I fear, has changed forever.

Local Catastrophies

Americans are seduced by local catastrophies and react to create permanent changes.

• Business profits are down for a quarter.  Make a policy change.
• School performance is down for a couple of years. Make a policy change.
• Temperatures increase for a couple of years.  Cry climate change.
• ...

High Technology - from the Past

I've been all over the world and have seen many of the great monuments left behind by ancient civilizations.  The great pyramids, Aztec and Inca cities, cathedrals and churches, ruins from the ancient Greeks and Romans, tales of the seven wonders, and more.  Naturally, I'm impressed.  Who wouldn't be? 

Why do they exist?  One reason is they exist as a testament to the day.  Another is that they were the high tech of their age.  What peasant coming in from the bush to see these structures would not endure shock and awe at seeing them.  They were so very far beyond their conception and ability they were shocked into believing in the power, the potency, and the scope of the priests and kings maintaining them.  They were in such awe as to submit to the superiority of this class without question.

Nowadays, this kind of shock and awe is not available.  Most people are numb to technology.  They endure it, use it, live with it, but are not shocked or awed by it anymore.  It is no longer clear what remands the peasant,  like you and me, to shock and awe - to submit unreservedly to current power.  This implies an almost certain consequence, though what it may be is not clear.  Going forward to the future, we don't have such beacons of power that "keep us in line."