num_pages: 162
description: This new book addresses some of the most popular cliches used by modern American liberals as justification for their beliefs and policies. Often with humor and always with insight, Dr. Wilcox analyzes and explains the true meaning of popular liberal cliches. The book provides rational arguments refuting the ideas of the leftist radicals who have hijacked the term liberal, which---in classical literature---describes the individualistic, free-enterprise oriented philosophy of men such as John Locke, Thomas Jefferson and Adam Smith. The book consists of 10 essays focusing on political philosophy, economics and individual liberty as follows... POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY-- Right-Wing Extremists. A discussion of political spectra and a critical review of the definitions of conservative, liberal, communism and fascism. The essay highlights the libertarian model of the political spectrum, which is a vast improvement over the feckless models used in typical political science and civics classes. There is no Black or White, Just Many Shades of Gray. Discussion of the origins of Western philosophy, illustrating how the clash between Platonists and Aristotelians has dominated Western thought for more than 2000 years. Our Children, Our Values. An explanation of how politicians use our own values against us with classical "bait-and-switch" and "sting" techniques to justify new programs, taxes and even wars. ECONOMICS-- From Each According to his Ability, to Each According to His Need. Although this Marxist phrase is rarely used, it has reappeared in synonymous phrases such as "graduated income tax," "surtax on the rich," "level the playing field" and "equality of income." The analysis of this essay leads to discussion of the flat tax and the national sales tax. Monopolies are Inevitable in a Free, Unregulated Economy. This Marxist phrase is analyzed in a historical review of monopoly formation in America. The essay explains what Alan Greenspan meant when he said "The world of antitrust is reminiscent of Alice's Wonderland." Money is the Root of All Evil. This biblical quote is often used to condemn wealthy people. The essay demonstrates that those who do the condemning generally advocate the two primary evil practices that are possible relating to money! We Must Find a Way to Pay for Tax Cuts. This essay examines the three times in the 20th century that presidents (Coolidge, Kennedy and Reagan) have dramatically reduced the maximum marginal tax rate. In all three instances, total tax revenues have increased and the tax burden has been shifted from the lower and middle classes to the wealthy. Comparison of three 8-year peacetime expansions (1921-1928, 1983-1990 and 1991-1998) contrast the effects of tax cuts (Coolidge, Reagan) with tax increases (Bush, Clinton). INDIVIDUAL The Divine Right of the King. This cliche is never used in public. Rather, alternative forms such as "sex lies don't rise to the level of impeachment" and "everybody does it" are used---but amount to the same thing. In depth analysis shows how the Senate's acquittal of President Clinton raises serious questions about the future of the American Republic. The Problem is Hate Radio. This essay assesses the current status of The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and how liberals' credentials as defenders of free speech become "curiouser and curiouser" all the time. We Must Save the Neighborhood From People Who Would Paint Their House Purple. The concluding essay examines a little known threat to individual liberty, the ominous growth of Homeowner Associations (HOAs) and the petty "dictators" they produce and encourage. Their lobby in Washington, DC is so powerful that they are on an equal footing with the IRS and mortgage holders for homeowners who declare bankruptcy! You will learn how "a HOA is fertile ground for the seeds of injustice, and lawyers are the fertilizer."
language: English
title: Cliches of Liberalism: Governing Through Insult, Confusion and Sound Bites
titlecomplete: Cliches of Liberalism: Governing Through Insult, Confusion and Sound Bites
ratings_count: 1
publisher: DCW Industries