by Rick Lowe
When I meet someone new and start talking about the Nassau Institute, and even discussing issues with some old friends, I'm sometimes told that I'm an ideologue.
According to Oxford, Ideology is:
"1 a system of ideas and ideals forming the basis of an economic or political theory."
"2 the set of beliefs characteristic of a social group or individual."
Now that sounds fine.
An ideologue, according to Oxford again, is:
"a person who follows an ideology in a dogmatic or uncompromising way."
In other words, as Michael Tanner recently alluded to in Cato @ Liberty,
"…to believe in free-markets, limited government, and individual liberty is to be “ideological,” on a par with being a small-thinking bigot. On the other hand, to believe that government should run more and more of our lives, that government functions better than markets, and that government should redistribute wealth is…what?"
So people that share the view that government is the answer to all life's problems are what? Non ideologue's we must assume? So that means what? They are right and my beliefs are wrong?
I'm sure they came by their beliefs honestly, just as I did, but it does get tiresome sometimes.
Ideology, either by leftists, rightists or centrists, is perfectly acceptable. There's nothing wrong with it.
I can't help it if my Libertarian belief offers the correct approach most of the time.
At least you have beliefs which are based on your own sense of reasoned thought, beliefs that have dots that connect.
You have a rationale.
Would you rather rely on someone elses ideology?
No, didn’t think so, most flit around embracing any flavor that comes along that seems fresher than the last one that didn’t work.
Is there any wonder some get so irate when confronted by reality?
Their sense of why doesn’t match the reality of their surroundings and the reconciliation doesn’t occur within their own mind.
So they turn to some other mind, and relinquish any responsibility for their own reality.
Look at the mental effect on most of “economic stimulus” or “bailout” and then compare it to the reality on the ground in a few months.
Promises made by those who cannot deliver same.