In today’s social, economic, and political climate, many viewpoints vie for our attention and to convert us to their way of thinking.
An example of that competition can be seen by comparing two men: Dr. Ron Paul and Peter Zeihan. Although most readers are probably familiar with both of these, the end of this commentary briefly summarizes these men and their renown.
In a recent commentary “The End of American Exceptionalism,” written by Philip Giraldi and published on Dr. Paul’s website, we read that we are watching the United States commit national suicide. We assume this has Dr. Paul’s cachet.
Giraldi makes many good points. The conclusion is that the United States is pretty much done for. That it did it to itself with its imperialist behavior especially as regards Russia, Ukraine, the dollar, and the ever-growing worldwide presence of American troops and proconsuls. And reading between the lines (and writings by others associated with Dr. Paul), there seems little hope of enough change to prevent the outcome of American national death. The American dollar, economy, imperial system, and probably the remnants of the federal republic itself.
It is a pessimistic, even depressing, attitude. And it matches the warnings and calls for national divorce, the decline of both civilization and empire, and the other cries of doom.
On the other hand, Peter Zeihan is seemingly very optimistic. His demographic analysis seems to be that no matter how stupidly the FedGov and various States and bureaucrats and “elite” act, North America, including the United States, is in the cat’s seat and will emerge from the present crises better off than ever. Some credit this to his naivety, or his simplification and belief in demographics and geography. Perhaps he does have too much faith in the common sense of Americans. He believes that the States will resolve the crisis that Giraldi describes by doing exactly what Giraldi says will happen: withdrawal from the affairs of other nations around the world. Including Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia. And that this will insulate and preserve we here in the States (and all of North America) from the otherwise worldwide economic collapse. Together, perhaps, with the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
In other words, no national suicide, but rather, a phoenix rising from the ashes. Not an end to American exceptionalism, but rather a rejection of “exceptionalism” which empowers and encourages the immoral and ultimately stupid American imperialism which has so damaged the world.
Now, although Giraldi does not appear to be a libertarian in any sense, Dr. Paul is a minarchist. Zeihan, on the other hand, seems to be careful not to clarify his political allegiance or philosophy. He may truly be in the center of the political diamond. He does not seek to condemn but only to describe. As lovers God and of liberty, we are naturally drawn to Dr. Paul’s view – though his pessimism is not an attitude followers of Christ should have. It is that optimism of Peter Zeihan that appeals to us as christians, however. And what we see as his reliance on facts and human nature.
The States are exceptional in many ways: the accomplishments of Americans in the States and around the world still shine brightly, though dimmed by the outrageous behavior of the FedGov (and many State governments and American-heritage corporations and groups) in the last 150+ years.
The solution to Giraldi’s warning and prophesy is simple: to revive and return to fundamentals of American liberty: responsibility, minding our own business, teaching and practicing freedom, promoting and allowing others to have as much liberty as we want, and voluntary, generally peaceful cooperation – true free markets and true freedom under God.
Can we do it? I think so.
Dr. Ron Paul is a former Texan Congressman, running for president both as a Libertarian and a Republican and head of the Ron Paul rEVOLution political movement. He is both an author and speaker, and commonly seen as a contrarian in many ways.
Peter Zeihan is an American demographic and economic analyst, speaker, and writer, known for his prediction of Britex, the 2016 and 2020 elections, and his expectations of China, Russia, and Europe.
The Price of Liberty 
Economic turmoil? Is there a “liberty” solution?
In the last five weeks we have four of the nation’s (and world’s) largest banks collapse. It doesn’t matter what terms the governments and the financial communities use – they collapsed. Every year – every month – there are bank failures, but for the most part these are small, local or regional banks. The impact is as hard on individual shareholders, bondholders and accountholders, but the big collapses have a much greater impact. (Obviously.) There is a macro-economic impact on the national and world economy when billions and billions of dollars seemingly dissolve into the air.
The banking crisis is far from over, as is not just clear to the financial pundits and experts (except those who shill for the FedGov and the political parties and transnational entities). It is clear to anyone who watches the streets and towns they drive through, the people trying to keep their businesses run, and those who patronize grocery stores. We don’t see the root causes, but we see the effects in exploding interest rates, rapidly rising prices, empty store shelves, delays in getting parts and services done, and a constant drumbeat of increasing taxes and spending by governments. Today’s decision by the Fed to again raise interest rates will just worsen the crisis.
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