BETWEEN THE LINES: Rediscovering truth, justice and the American way
One of the most discouraging observations I have made in my lifetime is our society’s failure to learn truths from the past.
As wise King Solomon once noted: “There is nothing new under the sun." Yet we continue to reinvent the wheel. That is certainly true when it comes to human nature. The seven cardinal sins, to my recollection, have remained firmly entrenched since human history began. Clearly wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy and gluttony still are going strong after all these years.
It seems logical to me, therefore, to read the wise words written in the past that could guide us along our journey. Unfortunately, for the most part, we have abandoned these classical works for the new and improved, marketed under the name of change. President Barack Obama was swept into office under its banner. Too bad the media and the electorate failed to determine what the Democratic nominee had in mind.
You see, in today’s culture, new ideas are automatically assumed better than old ones. The classical writings of the past are seldom read. Consequently, I have taken it upon myself to seek out these writings, focusing on the fields of government and economics.
In economics, that began with Adam Smith’s seminal work, "Wealth of Nations." The native of Scotland described how the free market and capitalism’s "invisible hand" worked to benefit all in his 18th-century world. French political economist Frederick Bastiat, through his essays, revealed 19th-century Europe apparently suffered from the same maladies that exist in 21st-century America, namely bureaucratic interference with the free market.
Politicians and government bureaucrats in those days thought they had all the answers, as well. Perhaps the French had their own version of Occupy Wall Street, calling for increased taxation of the rich and redistribution of wealth. To my surprise, socialists were not all born in the 20th century.
My search then led me to the Austrian school of economics led by Ludwig von Mises, and later by his protégé, Frederick Hayek. Somehow in my pursuit of an economics degree, alternative solutions were omitted because economics professors of the 1960s were too heavily influenced by the works of John Maynard Keynes.
My continued efforts then led me to Murray Rothbard and Henry Hazlitt, followed by modern-day economists Milt Friedman and Thomas Sowell. All of these writers’ observations and comments made sense. The bottom line is truth is available for those who seek it. Those who have a specific agenda in mind will only pursue avenues that take them where they choose to go.
I am reading a powerful essay written by G.K. Chesterton titled “What’s Wrong with the World." The author was born in London in 1874. The Englishman was considered one of the greatest Christian apologists of his day. His insights make for compelling reading.
Chesterton, known for his humor, made the analogy that political laws often make as much sense as a doctor finding a cure without knowing the disease. What is needed today is not political sound bites, but clear thinking and cooperation for the greater public good. Pitting one group against another is highly unproductive and is more representative of the actions of the French Revolution rather than the American Revolution.
Perhaps Superman, the hero from Krypton, can return to remind us the quest for truth and justice should never take a back seat to the latest fad or whim of the political elite.
Laughlin is a Christian Libertarian. He is an economist, teacher, father, husband and most recently a grandfather. He has written a weekly column for The Tribune for 12 years. He and his wife Gina reside in Meadowlakes. To contact him, email ablaughlin@nctv.com. He is an independent columnist, not a staff member, and his views do not necessarily reflect those of The Tribune or its parent company.