I too search for signs of “slight optimism” within America. They are there, hence this blog, and multiple others, chronicling the gradual legislative destruction of American (freedom’s) values.

Will actual freedom loving Americans be able to fend off the taxeaters, which Jim mentions? I do not know at this point in time. I can only attempt to bring the continued gradual destruction of America, “The Endarkenment,” to the forefront of individuals thoughts.

A real problem, though, is that the hobgoblins, imaginary though they be, are more welcomed by the mass of Americans than reality.

Now that the SOTU speech is over we see that Obama is staying the course ala FDR. No matter how much he destroys the economy, he is unable to see his policies as a cause because he means well and in his mind good intentions can’t possibly have bad results.

I do think the American people are quite capable of committing economic suicide by slaying the demon of banks and finance companies. I mention the differences above as signs of slight optimism. If the American sense of life can hang in there a while longer, Objectivism has a chance to make a difference.

The scary thing to consider is that this situation may actually be close to true nationwide, but is only being held back so far by the not-quite-democratic institutions in this country… and by that I mean things like the Electoral College.

Mike N. – While I would like to believe that individuals who understand Objectivism, or Market-anarchism, or even simply free markets, can make a difference, I do not think they necessarily will.

I am not encouraged when I note that the individuals who voted in the State of Oregon, voted to further punish the wealthy, corporations, and those “upper-level” profits, via higher taxes with the State as their enforcer.

I have no data to back this up, but I would wager that the Oreganians who voted to do just this, were the middle class.

I would like to be incorrect.