Authoritarians, Petty Tyrants, and Dictators

Over at Townhall.com today, David Harsanyi has an excellent article today entitled Authoritarianism Is Getting Out of Hand, in which he cites a number of petty tyrants that have way over-reached, using the current pandemic as an excuse to become little dictators. Here's the thing, though; the Constitution was written for both good times and bad. We The People do not surrender our rights in either case.

Harsanyi:

It's reasonable to assume that the vast majority of Americans process news and data, and calculate that self-quarantining, wearing masks and social distancing make sense for themselves, their families and the country. Free people act out of self-preservation, but they shouldn't be coerced to act through the authoritarian whims of the state. Yet this is exactly what's happening.

There has been lots of pounding of keyboards over the power grabs of authoritarians in Central and Eastern Europe. Rightly so. Yet right here, politicians act as if a health crisis gives them license to lord over the most private activities of American people in ways that are wholly inconsistent with the spirit and letter of the Constitution.

...snip...

Under what imperious conception of governance does Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer believe it is within her power to unilaterally ban garden stores from selling fruit or vegetable plants and seeds? What business is it of Vermont or Howard County, Indiana, to dictate that Walmart, Costco or Target stop selling "nonessential" items, such as electronics or clothing? Vermont has 628 cases of coronavirus as of this writing. Is that the magic number authorizing the governor to ban people from buying seeds for their gardens?

Mr. Harsanyi goes on to cite examples of other Governors and Mayors grabbing power for themselves in the mistaken belief that they are entitled to do so. Nothing could be further from the truth. Even President Trump has stated that he and he alone can open up the American economy again. I have news for him; the American people will decide, not Trump or any other petty dictator (I'm looking at you, Roy Cooper.)

There has been much talk about the fact that most small businesses, that operate on thin margins of 2  5% profits can not really stand to be closed for even 1 month, let alone for two, or three, or as some have suggested until September or later.  Indeed, every year the day after Thanksgiving Day is celebrated as Black Friday.  Why?  Because many retailers actually lose money throughout the year, but the buying season between Thanksgiving and Christmas makes it possible come out slightly ahead at the end of the year.  Contrary to popular opinion, these people are not rich.  But, like you, they are trying to make a life for themselves and their families.

To have Governors and Mayors, and here in Wake County, County Commissioners, deciding what businesses are essential and what products may be sold, who can travel and for what purposes, is a fool's errand.  You should have learned this from history.  Central planning of the economy doesn't work.  Remember all those failed 5 year plans in the Soviet Union?  Where is the Soviet Union now?And please note well, every business is essential to those that work there.

Oh, and now there is a proposal that you must have a certificate saying that you have been tested and found safe in order to travel.  Does anyone remember the Nazi era of "papers please" at check points?  Anyone...Bueler...anybody...

Please go read Harsanyi's article in full, and think about how you will show your freedom today.