The Che Myth

We had a nice discussion based on the book "The Che Myth" Thursday evening at book club. The boo0k itself is enlightening for those who have not been aware of what Che Guevara was. But, the importance of the book to the club was the discussion it led to. A question was posed, "Why do so many myths surround the leftists and not the free markets types?" This led to the question of "Why do so many countries follow the leftist road rather than toward free markets and liberty?" This led to the real question we have to face today: "Why aren't there any societies like the U.S. in the late 18th century and early 19th century?" Is it inevitable that societies tend to move toward larger government no matter where the society begins? I think, sadly, it is. I like the optimism in Ridley's "The Rational Optimist", but I have a hard time making it seem logical. A study of history does not provide any basis for the continuance of a free or libertarian society if one should arise. Democracy breeds rent seeking and increased roles for government. A Republic form of democracy leads to a breakdown of the Republic and a move to empire. A study of Rome, for instance, shows the pattern of the development of a Republic and a gradual decay to empire and then collapse.