Scope and scale of government

Bob Higgs makes the point that the assault on liberty takes two forms - the extension or expansion of government powers. It is this ratchett effect the is the mechanism that diminishes our liberty.

This ratchett effect is celebrated by statists and, in an interesting book, I came across the following sentiment about WW I:

"For Dewey, the growing drumbeat for war seemed to present a glorious opportunity: mobilization he predicted, would shake up the status quo, expand state power, and give progressives the chance to mold society anew." (p 107 Gage).

All war is an opportunity to "expand the state" and the attitude expressed is disturbingly familiar, the expansion of the state is perceived in some way to be glorious. And what is glorious? The dictionary tells us that it is characterized by splendor; magnificent; delightful; wonderful. So, to the extent that the population finds expanded state power wonderful, the ratchett effect that leads to diminished liberty accelerates - for it is only a tenacious belief in liberty and individual freedom that keeps Leviathan at bay.

What is this glorious state power used for? It is used to "mold society anew". Terrifying words that evolve the Inquisition or the Holocaust and yet the wider population seems to find this wonderful and delightful prospect.

Thinking about the process of economic change, it seems to me that this fundamental change in thinking - state power is glorious rather than a ultimate evil - poses the greatest threat to future progress. This belief system will be far more pernicious than the looming deficits and debt, the health care "debate" or any other goofy scheme concocted by the republicans or democrats.