I am right where other economists are wrong for a simple reason. My mind is euphemism free. And, what is a euphemism exactly? It is a substitute for reality. Euphemisms are to humans what sand is to an ostrich. Fill your mind with euphemisms, accept them as true and you have no chance of understanding the world and its events. The average economist applies what I call the “little God” definition to individual humans. Human beings don’t even think independently of one another, especially in politics. Certainly they are not autonomous as they are assumed to be in mainstream economics.

For all but the last several hundred years, citizens worshiped their leaders and served them as slaves. Group behavior, like the physical animal evolves over time. When new ideas like “freedom for everyone” show up  as they did in Europe and the united states during the 1700s, it takes centuries to change the various instinctive propensities they posses. People understand more intellectually than they are able to put into practice in their lives.

Today in the United States, citizens are technically in charge of government but they are so prone to worship leaders that they still end up serving their leaders. Our history is peppered with leaders who are remembered as being something other than who they were. Two good examples are Franklin D. Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan. For decades Roosevelt was celebrated as having save the country during the Great Depression. The facts show that he did nothing but make the economy worse. Ronald Reagan is considered the conservative icon of all time. The facts show that he started and normalized intense central economic planning as a function of government. Reagan set all kinds or spending records.  American citizens do not rein in government and that is their job. They worship their leaders instead.

Do not expect American citizens to hold politician’s feet to the fire. They are programmed instinctively to do just the opposite. It doesn’t have to be that way. Hardly a soul is aware of this. Instinctive behavior is a path of least resistance but it can be overridden.

Unfortunately human to human worship is encouraged from birth throughout live. At extremely young ages, children are taught to establish arbitrary loyalties. Students are expected to be loyal to their school, support the home team and have school spirit. Children form clicks and all want to be like the ones who are deemed cool. What are they doing? They are worship one another. What is a role model? A role model is someone adults want their children to worship. Of course, children should be their own role model. Everyone has an inner compass.

Here is a common definition, “Reverent honor and homage paid to God or a sacred or to any object regarded as sacred.” When human beings place faith in one another they are performing an act of worship.

This is the biggest hindrance we face in picking a president in 2016. The various candidates are looking for worshippers and voters  are looking for a messiah. Politicians and voters do have at least two things in common. Both are guided by self interest and both act in keeping with the principles of dominance and subservience.

Who do you suppose comes out ahead in this transaction?

Take note: Free your mind from euphemisms and observe people worshipping one another. Bring it so someone’s attention and notice the reaction you get.  One aspect of the euphemism filled mind is that it cannot observe itself. But, try anyway. It is worth the effort.
Sweet Suzie’s Kool-Aid is a timely tune by Curbside Jimmy. Sweet Suzie’ Kool-Aid

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