Tom Kawczynski - Off the Record

At this time of the year, in celebration of the Halloween theme, we could talk about handing out treats for free, but I think that topic has been covered enough.  Instead, let's focus on some tricks and scare tactics.

I'm tired of people using fear as a motivator.  I feel like half our political debate, if not more, is motivated solely by the fear of what will happen if something isn't prevented.  As a libertarian minded person, I know this feeling all too well, but I'd expect more from people out there who are supposed to be our leaders and policy makers.

So here's my Halloween wish:  say what you support and why you support it.  For instance, were I running for an office, you would hear a constant drumbeat about the importance of liberty, the dangers of giving government the authority to make decisions over your life, and a discussion of policies from that philosophical grounding.  I would not be spending my time hammering the fear card because all that does is make governing impossible.  Win on ideas and people will follow.

I will, however, be sure to describe why the system makes people that way.  It's a shame.

Anyway, I want to wish all my readers a happy and safe holiday.