No Serf

Lily comments at Hot Air:

So, on the one hand we have the party of slapping the food out of people’s hands because they are stupid and don’t know what to eat and on the other hand we have the party of presidential candidates who write epic songs about PIZZA!

The choice could not be more clear.

Choose wisely America.

It is in connection with the deliberate effort of the skilled demagogue to weld together a closely coherent and homogeneous body of supporters that the third and perhaps most important element of selection enters. It seems to be almost a law of human nature that it is easier for people to agree on a negative program — on the hatred of an enemy, on the envy of those better off — than on any positive task. The contrast between the “we” and the “they,” the common fight against those outside the group, seems to be an essential ingredient in any creed which will solidly knit together a group for common action. It is consequently always employed by those who seek, not merely support of a policy, but the unreserved allegiance of huge masses. From their point of view it has the great advantage of leaving them greater freedom of action than almost any positive program. The enemy, whether he be internal, like the “Jew” or the “kulak,” or external, seems to be an indispensable requisite in the armory of the totalitarian leader.

— F.A. Hayek, The Road To Serfdom, from the chapter entitled, “Why the Worst Get on Top.”

In case you haven’t seen:

Section 311 of US Code Title 10:

(a) The militia of the United States consists of all able-bodied
males at least 17 years of age and, except as provided in section
313 of title 32, under 45 years of age who are, or who have made a
declaration of intention to become, citizens of the United States
and of female citizens of the United States who are members of the
National Guard.
(b) The classes of the militia are -
(1) the organized militia, which consists of the National Guard
and the Naval Militia; and
(2) the unorganized militia, which consists of the members of
the militia who are not members of the National Guard or the
Naval Militia.

In memoriam, members of the unorganized militia of Flight 93.

FBI adds ‘preppers’ to potential terrorists list

No word yet if they’re asking to track people (like me) who are bulking up their Earthquake (or Fire) Preparedness Kits in California yet. But I’m sure that’s coming soon.

If I disappear over Christmas, you know where to look. (Assuming I’m flying.)

Explanation by parable:

Back in the ’50s, a bunch of the Yankee players were eating out together, when old wizened Ty Cobb walked into the restaurant. This sparked a speculation among the New York Nine about what Cobb’s batting average would be against today’s pitchers. Yogi Berra chose “.260, maybe .270.”

“Really?” was incredulous answer. The guy with the lifetime average of .366? Only .260?

“Well, yeah,” Berra replied. “He’s what? 80 years old?”

What does this have to do with Obama?

He’s Carter, but Carter’s 80 years old and senile.

(In response to: http://pajamasmedia.com/instapundit/125868/ )

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