You are the problem redux

This would seem to sum it up nicely | For What It’s Worth

In a conference call with reporters, [Energy Secretary Steven] Chu said the more-efficient bulbs required would save consumers money over the life of the product, even if the up-front price is higher.

“We are taking away a choice that continues to let people waste their own money,” he said.

And isn’t that what government is for, to take away the choices stupid people would otherwise make? $20 for a single light bulb vs. $0.37 cents, but who knows better than Washington how you should spend your money?

That's what this government is for, yes.This administration embodies a new Puritanism.

I wrote in October of last year (link),

"Progressives" think that the masses are actually eager to be embrace statist control of their lives. The progressive world view is that ordinary people are basically incapable of living rightly. Therefore, they must be managed for their own good, and the more closely the better. Furthermore, they think that the masses agree. But we don't and we won't.

It is critical to realize, though, that "change for thee but not for me" is the motto of the Political Class. That's why the president and his family are not going to be the beneficiaries of Obamacare. Nor will the Congress or its staff. The Political Class is more resistant to change than the rest of the country because they are far more heavily invested in the status quo. They have the power to micromanage us, but their rules for you and me never decrease their wealth or power.

Worth repeating what last year's definition of progressivism by the Denver Post's David Harsanyi. "Progressivism is the belief that we have too much freedom with which to make too many stupid choices."

Exhibit A: Energy Secretary Chu.

And remember, kids - CFLs are so much simpler to clean up if one breaks! NOT!

Previous You are The Problem posts:

http://senseofevents.blogspot.com/2009/01/you-are-problem.html

http://senseofevents.blogspot.com/2009/01/you-are-problem-redux.html

http://senseofevents.blogspot.com/2010/06/you-are-still-problem.html