Correspondence
Gov. Rick Scott’s gutsy piece, “More Medicaid? No Thanks”
(TAS, September 2012) sparked some thoughts: One of the
huge problems with federal/state “partnerships” is that they
introduce more debt where it would otherwise be avoided, and more
legal counterfeiting where it would otherwise be impossible.
This generates financial leverage of the worst kind, which will
lead to disaster when higher interest rates inevitably kick in. It
also generates political leverage of the worst kind, whereby
federal czars and czarinas exercise extreme influence over state
and local activities, even when federal “funding” is just a small
percentage of the programs’ costs. I add quotation marks because
the “federal funds” don’t come from some magical stash. After all,
Uncle Samta can only give away what he already pilfered from
hapless citizens. The only real federal magic lies in hoodwinking
the taxpayers, who all too often accept the illusion that somebody
else will be paying the bills. Most state and local politicians
seem to fall for this scam, along with the gullible among us. But I
suspect that in many cases the pols know pretty well what’s going
on, and play along just to expand their own political leverage.
Thank goodness for courageous souls like Gov. Scott who
understand the reality of it, and are willing to stand up for
what’s right. We’ll be better off with far more state and local
control and far less federal leverage. Let’s hope that the coming
election gives us a jolt in the right direction.
Burnell Brown
Drexel Hill, PA
Jonathan Aitken offers some excellent “Advice for
Septuagenarians” (TAS, September 2012). I would like
to add the point that Pascal’s Wager offers an argument that ought
to be particularly persuasive to them for taking Mr. Aitken’s
advice to heart.
Briefly: The wager is quite straightforward. If there is a
God, then there is a huge advantage in believing in Him and living
one’s life accordingly, versus not doing so. If it turns out there
is no God, then the (much smaller) consequences in this life are
all that matter, and indeed it is not at all clear that one has
lost anything by believing. Therefore, a rational person should
believe, live one’s life accordingly, and cultivate one’s
faith.
Now, all of this is especially true as one gets older, for
several reasons. First, we have less time to postpone grappling
with these fundamental questions. Second, as our time on
earth grows shorter, considerations of what might happen in the
next life become stronger. But third and most importantly, as we
grow older the cost-benefit analysis of the consequences in this
life more and more heavily favor believing. That’s because the
worldly pleasures one might gain by not believing (sex, drugs, rock
and roll, etc.) are less salient, and the comforts of faith—which
are real and which are physical, mental, and emotional—are more
salient. That is, what you give up by believing becomes less
and less valuable, and what you gain by believing becomes more and
more valuable.
Roger Clegg
Fairfax, VA
I DON’T CARE whether this gets printed or not. All I wanna say
is that I want that T-shirt on the cover of your September issue,
but you don’t seem to have an online shop!
Ron Knight
Via the Internet
Recently, probably suckered in with a book promo, I
resubscribed. But I haven’t read the magazine. Wife brings home.
Announces it. Throws it somewhere into the gathering piles of
crap—a future bog? Who knows. I ask for it later on
way to the euphemism. DON’T KNOW WHERE! This continues for
three days. Finally, we decide this d—n thing shall not win
this time. Crap flying hither, yon, and about. IT RISES! I
clutch it and rabidly panting am porcelain bound. We ponder
and decide. Why is it never read? Because your covers
suck. Your cover almost doesn’t LOOK like a cover at
all. Maybe someone turned the mag inside out to an ad? No
gloss. No depth. No appeal. I ended up reading the
Pacific Standard even though your mag finally made it into the
throne room. Sorry. The cover got me, kemo sabe.
Stephen Boone
Via the Internet
I just read Roger Scruton’s article “Waving, Not Drowning”
(TAS, July-August 2012) and was once again enlightened by
his insightful perspective on disturbing social trends.
However, I was dismayed to see that this will be his last regular
contribution to this fine publication. I have particularly
enjoyed Mr. Scruton’s interesting insights and unique presentation
on a wide variety of relevant topics.
He has many talents and obviously has mastered several
disciplines in his wide range of life experience. Mr. Scruton
has a special ability to present complex ideas and associated
philosophical insights in a clear and comfortable manner that’s
engaging and friendly. Reading his articles often feels like
having a relaxed conversation over a cup of tea. I suppose
you could say that I have developed a vicarious friendship with Mr.
Scruton through his fine writing.
While there was no indication as to the reason he is
discontinuing his regular contributions I certainly hope that he
will reconsider and continue to submit frequent, if not regular,
articles in the future.
Darvin Sparks
Via the Internet
Managing editor Kyle Peterson replies:
Our sentiments exactly. Mr. Scruton, having finished his new
book, How to Think Seriously About the Planet (Oxford
University Press), has moved back to England and on to other
endeavors.
He remains most welcome in these pages.
Celebrate With the Spectator
After 45 years of caterwauling and bamboozling, we’re in the
mood to celebrate—and you’re invited. Join staff and longtime
contributors, including R. Emmett Tyrrell, Jr. and Ben Stein, and
special guest Sen. Tom Coburn at The American Spectator’s
Bartley Gala on November 14.
More information: www.spectator.org/gala
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Send correspondence to editor@spectator.org
