Infinite MonkeysAs long as we're talking libertarians and the presidential election, be sure to read Gene Healy's essay on the "cult of the presidency" at Reason's website. Here's the crux:
The chief executive of the United States is no longer a mere constitutional officer charged with faithful execution of the laws. He is a soul nourisher, a hope giver, a living American talisman against hurricanes, terrorism, economic downturns, and spiritual malaise. He — or she — is the one who answers the phone at 3 a.m. to keep our children safe from harm. The modern president is America’s shrink, a social worker, our very own national talk show host. He’s also the Supreme Warlord of the Earth.This messianic campaign rhetoric merely reflects what the office has evolved into after decades of public clamoring. The vision of the president as national guardian and spiritual redeemer is so ubiquitous it goes virtually unnoticed. Americans, left, right, and other, think of the "commander in chief" as a superhero, responsible for swooping to the rescue when danger strikes. And with great responsibility comes great power.
The piece is actually an excerpt from Healy's new book of the same title. John Derbyshire reviewed it favorably, along with Ron Paul's new manifesto. Follow all of the links, read everything, then buy one or both of the books.
Posted by Ben at May 12, 2008 10:45 PM