We Don't Do Numbahs

This is a reprise of an oldie but goodie with an addition or two. The oldie can be found here if you want to see exactly how much I am plagiarizing myself. (can you do that?)

In the video California State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, who is a Democrat, obliquely takes a shot at the Republicans for focusing on the Culture War instead of bread and butter issues like controlling State spending. But he really opens several new orifices on Democrats.

And now. For some really old stuff brought to you by Clayton Cramer. Federalist Paper #62. And other creamy goodness. So when you are done here go there.

...great injury results from an unstable government. The want of confidence in the public councils damps every useful undertaking, the success and profit of which may depend on a continuance of existing arrangements. What prudent merchant will hazard his fortunes in any new branch of commerce when he knows not but that his plans may be rendered unlawful before they can be executed? What farmer or manufacturer will lay himself out for the encouragement given to any particular cultivation or establishment, when he can have no assurance that his preparatory labors and advances will not render him a victim to an inconstant government? In a word, no great improvement or laudable enterprise can go forward which requires the auspices of a steady system of national policy.

So some white guys 200 years ago figured out that discontinuity in government is bad for business? And the new guy came in promising to remake America? And voters thought it would be a good idea? Well voters, a little more change than you had hoped for? You betcha.

Here is a nice low cost printed version of The Federalist Papers.

H/T Instapundit

Cross Posted at Classical Values

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