The Literal Literary Horror of Big Government

Constitutional Moment of the Day

If you don’t like what is in the Constitution, or want to grant more or fewer powers to any branch of the government or privileges to the citizenry, then this is what you have to do.

Article V

The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress; Provided that no Amendment which may be made prior to the Year One thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any Manner affect the first and fourth Clauses in the Ninth Section of the first Article; and that no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of its equal Suffrage in the Senate.

The Framers deliberately made the process difficult. They wanted the Constitution to be a rock for the ages not to be chipped away or re-sculpted based on the whims and fancies of the moment. But, that is exactly what has slowly happened over the years through the decisions of activist judges, executive orders, and unchallenged Congressional legislation.

Quote of the Day

"If in the opinion of the people the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the Constitution designates, but let there be no change by usurpation; for though this in one instance may be the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed."
- George Washington, Farewell Address, September 17, 1796

"All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others."
- George Orwell, “Animal Farm”

The Literal Literary Horror of Big Government


The recent release of the motion picture adaptation of Ayn Rand’s masterpiece, “Atlas Shrugged” started me thinking about other literary depictions of the horrors of Big Government.

Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World”, “Anthem” by Ayn Rand, “1984” and “Animal Farm” by George Orwell, “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury are all dystopian novels describing oppressive central governments that exert their will on the people, stifle the natural rights of citizens, and smother free will, independent thought, and individuality. In short, each is a warning against relinquishing too much control to the government. These are but a small sampling. I could list hundreds of novels, novellas, and short stories with similar themes.

Liberals - I’m sorry they like to be called Progressives now (it’s a bad sign when you have to change your name in order to sell your ideas) - for years have championed more government involvement in our lives through new entitlement programs, increased regulations in almost every area of human existence, and censorship under the guise of political correctness. Conservatives have sought to impose their morals on society by fiat, abridge constitutionally protected civil liberties in the name of national security, and entangle the nation in unconstitutional and seemingly limitless military adventures around the world. Libertarians believe in the supremacy of natural rights, strict adherence to the Constitution, limited government, low taxation, minimal regulations, free market principles, personal responsibility, and the power of the individual.

So, my question is this. If big intrusive government (espoused by Liberals/Progressives and Conservatives) is so great, why have scores of writers throughout history penned horrific tales prophesizing the inescapable outcome of such governments? Where are all the nightmarish stories and prophetic warnings of the evil things to come when limited, unobtrusive governments (advocated by Libertarians) run amuck? The message is clear; an ever expanding central government ultimately leads to deprivation, oppression, and despair. Small, limited government fosters prosperity, personal freedom, and self-fulfillment.

“Experience should teach us to be most on our guard to protect liberty when the government’s purposes are beneficial. Men born to freedom are naturally alert to repel invasion of their liberty by evil-minded rulers. The greater dangers to liberty lurk in insidious encroachment by men of zeal, well-meaning but without understanding.”

- Justice Louis Brandeis

“Since the general civilization of mankind, I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments by those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.” - James Madison

To combat these “gradual and silent encroachments,” be vigilant, stay informed, ask questions, and never fear speaking your mind.