I have been giving a lecture series on the evolution of the U.S. Constitution for the Henry George School of Social Science. Among the attendees are several rather progressive, several rather conservative and one very libertarian person. The back and forth discussion regarding very fundamental principles of justice and the limits to one's liberty as an individual reveal that Americans are (as Richard Hoftstadter argued decades ago) essentially anti-intellectual. Even many college or university educated people are such. Higher education for many is about getting credentials rather than acquiring a deeper understanding of the human condition. The study of constitutional law is a very minor part of the requirements to obtain a law degree.
And, there is this (which you appropriately point to). In matters of wealth acquisition, Americans have been speculating in property (meaning "land") markets since the first Europeans landed on the shores of the western hemisphere. Few ever have cause to think about the societal destruction associated with the rentier-driven economic system condemned by Thomas Paine and later by Henry George.
One thing I know with absolute certainty. If Donald Trump's administration follows thru with what he proposed as changes in public policy, the nation will be pulled into a catastrophic economic and financial crisis in 2026. That said, I would have expected a similar outcome would have occurred under a Harris administration. Ours is a credit-fueled and speculation driven economy. What is needed are systemic reforms, not shoot-from-the-hip policies designed to meet the demands by special interests.
My lecture series continues for the next four or five Monday evenings on Zoom beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the east coast. We have finished discussing Franklin Roosevelt, the New Deal and the changes in law that occurred during the Second World War. This coming Monday we will cover the post-war era under Truman and Eisenhower. This is the period of American Liberalism, by which I mean a period during which the center emerged to guide policy and contain the influence of those on the far right or far left. The entire lecture series was recorded before being delivered and can be viewed and listened to on my personal Youtube channel (search "Edward Dodson"). If you would like to join in on the discussion, you still might be able to register for the series (it is free of charge) on the website of the Henry George School of Social Science.
Good analysis in the midst of liberal angst and denial.
Thanks, Chris.
Hi Ken,
I have been giving a lecture series on the evolution of the U.S. Constitution for the Henry George School of Social Science. Among the attendees are several rather progressive, several rather conservative and one very libertarian person. The back and forth discussion regarding very fundamental principles of justice and the limits to one's liberty as an individual reveal that Americans are (as Richard Hoftstadter argued decades ago) essentially anti-intellectual. Even many college or university educated people are such. Higher education for many is about getting credentials rather than acquiring a deeper understanding of the human condition. The study of constitutional law is a very minor part of the requirements to obtain a law degree.
And, there is this (which you appropriately point to). In matters of wealth acquisition, Americans have been speculating in property (meaning "land") markets since the first Europeans landed on the shores of the western hemisphere. Few ever have cause to think about the societal destruction associated with the rentier-driven economic system condemned by Thomas Paine and later by Henry George.
One thing I know with absolute certainty. If Donald Trump's administration follows thru with what he proposed as changes in public policy, the nation will be pulled into a catastrophic economic and financial crisis in 2026. That said, I would have expected a similar outcome would have occurred under a Harris administration. Ours is a credit-fueled and speculation driven economy. What is needed are systemic reforms, not shoot-from-the-hip policies designed to meet the demands by special interests.
My lecture series continues for the next four or five Monday evenings on Zoom beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the east coast. We have finished discussing Franklin Roosevelt, the New Deal and the changes in law that occurred during the Second World War. This coming Monday we will cover the post-war era under Truman and Eisenhower. This is the period of American Liberalism, by which I mean a period during which the center emerged to guide policy and contain the influence of those on the far right or far left. The entire lecture series was recorded before being delivered and can be viewed and listened to on my personal Youtube channel (search "Edward Dodson"). If you would like to join in on the discussion, you still might be able to register for the series (it is free of charge) on the website of the Henry George School of Social Science.
Always appreciate your comments, Ed. Thanks.