The political foundation for anti-virtue is the 17th Amendment and its directly attached Entitlement Mentality--- until we understand this phenomenon, we will never see a balanced budget.

on the 14th Amendment-- The words of the 14th-16th seem fine on their face. But in practice those words carry a devastating affect. The Incorporation Doctrine, in cahoots with the 17th Amendment, destroyed the state as a protector of our rights and brought nationalism directly to the people. Republicanism was thereby replaced by socialized democracy, and the 17th Amendment Entitlement Mentality rules the day.

"Freedom is seldom destroyed all at once. More often it is eroded, bit by bit, until it is gone." Lincoln's "silent artillery of time." We've been suffering from liberalized democracy since 1913, at a slow boil. The one good point with an over-zealous Obama is the unintended consequence of a quickening of the pace of socialism, Question is--- will we wake up in time to make an about face without a violent revolution ??

PPACA is far from settled law. Roberts has a plan!

As always, I highly respect Dr. Sowell's words and thoughts. And, for what my wennie opinion is worth, I agree that Roberts' HC ruling was a betrayal of his oath, when the decision is seen in its narrow view. However, and with all due respect to Dr. Sowell, today's political schemes are all over the judiciary; liberalism has inculcated every nook and cranny with every perversion they can dream up- such as the Incorporation Doctrine relative to the 14th Amendment. "Freedom of Contract" is another. I believe this decision by Roberts is a well-laid plan to use a long-term perversity, and this time it is the strategy of the Right- fighting fire with fire! We will see this strategy begin to play out in the courts beginning in 2014.

That end Franklin spoke of began in 1913; the 17th Amendment has brought us to a national crisis with the all-consuming entitlement mentality. And yes, it looks as though we've come too far to turn back now.

Excellent --again-- Dr Sowell. I have this book, dated 1926--- has some scribblings in the margins and a signature (in pencil) from a Dr. Hawthorne. “ …. In every case [of proposed surtax reduction], recommendation has been based on the fact, which by this time is a matter of common knowledge, that the higher rates of surtax are not productive …” pg 128, 129

Dr. Sowell, I'm nobody special. But I've studied this phenomenon for decades and I would so love to have a chance at explaining this to you. I'm an injured out of work vet, but I would move heaven and earth if I had the chance to meet with you. The character of our country is crumbling, and i believe I have the cure. I know that sounds ego-driven (or whatever other adjective you wish) but I am convinced that if I had a few minutes with you I could convince you of its soundness. You have a favorite coffee shop? I am sure you can contact me through townhall.com.

I hope you're reading this Dr. Sowell, because no one else (apparently) is able to hear this message. Dr. Sowell, the American people-at-large are (as you probably know) suffering from decades of indoctrination from institutional sources (multiple sources and with various "tools"). I contend those sources have a commonality, not only in origin but also in purpose. That origin is also the Big Brother of the more targeted civil rights laws/policies that are doing their vest to ravage through Black America (which means Black America is getting a double wammie). This point of origin is the 17th Amendment- the cause of entitlement fever: feeding white guilt and killing the soul of Black America. The 17th Amendment mentality:

Want evidence of this? Okay- just sit back and think about how we went from Reagan to Clinton so quickly ?? Our only chance at ridding socialism from our American fabric is to repeal the 17th Amendment.