Confusing The Leader For The Nation
Written by Brian Garst, Posted in Culture & Society
Although their exact characteristics vary from instance to instance, dictatorships tend to have a number of features in common. One such feature is the confusion of the head of state for the nation itself. In this view, the welfare and success of the country is inextricably tied to the welfare and success of the leader. It is convenient for dictators to foster this belief, as it ties the well-being of the individual citizen to the success of the leader via the welfare of the nation. The individual need not even consider what specifically the leader is doing. Whatever it is, he must succeed.
I am saddened to see an elected official promoting such illiberal and undemocratic views right here in America:
“It appears that the Republican Party leadership in the Congress has made a decision that they want to deny President Obama success, which means, in my mind, they are rooting against the country, as well,” the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee chairman told WAMU radio host Diane Rehm on Tuesday morning, promoting his new book, “The Waxman Report.”
Barack Obama is a politician. He is not the United States of America.
I serve as Vice President of the Center for Freedom and Prosperity, a non-profit think tank dedicated to preserving tax competition and free markets. This site features my personal views, which are not reflective of CF&P.