We were warned about the direction of our nation

It was a two-page summary of a book, "The Road to Serfdom," that caught my attention more than 20 years ago. Its message was a warning that a nation, even the republic-democracy of the United States, could drift toward becoming a socialist society.

Published during World War II, the book by Fredrich von Hayek, an Austrian economist, outlined how such a change could occur and how freedom of individuals is stifled.

More recently it was an editorial in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette that renewed my interest in von Hayek. The editorial, "Ever Deeper in Debt," referred to von Hayek's warning. It tied together the $18 trillion American debt with the massive increase in planning and regulations which bombard us every day. Hence the 'Cuff of a few weeks ago in which I promised to further pursue the topic.

Fast forward. I decided to dig out my condensed copy of von Hayek's book to refresh my memory. You guessed it. I couldn't find the book which I may have loaned to someone. The following paragraphs will be an attempt to recall von Hayek's warning, how a drift to socialism can occur. The author firmly declares such drift destroys competition through planning regulations (sometimes through coercion) by weakening individualism and personal initiative. Pushed forward, the result can eventually destroy a free society, its capitalist base and, more importantly, personal freedom.

von Hayek notes the transition can appear harmless since it changes at such a slow pace through planning and regulations. Such ideas are promoted by progressives who honestly believe their ideas will create a more utopian society. The changes and ideas are "sold" as being necessary to solve problems or to clarify positions. So often, new and unexpected problems are created. This results in the necessity for more planning and possible changes which continue the process. The resulting compromising of individual freedom occurs and further weakens or destroys a portion of that freedom.

If the process is not stopped or reversed, history has shown, as in Austria's own government, a totalitarian or dictatorial central government evolves which controls almost everything. Individual liberty or freedom becomes mostly nonexistent.

Hayek contrasted such central ruling with the "rule of law" which the founders of America created in our Constitution. Three branches of government, executive, legislative and judicial, operate independently, providing the safeguards that have protected more than 200 years of freedom for individuals and states. It is when the three-layer system is compromised, for whatever reason, that those personal freedoms are weakened and a stronger central government emerges.

As an economist, von Hayek's writing focuses on how regulating the nation's economic structure plays a significant part in the nation's overall operations and how personal liberty and freedom are affected. He warned the balance can be twisted and manipulated through actions and proposals which appear positive but which often have negative consequences by creating a dependency that, over time, weakens or destroys personal initiative at the expense of personal freedom and liberty.

Limited central government authority is a necessity, von Hayek suggests, but it must work in harmony with the rule of law which guarantees personal liberty, he noted. It requires careful balance. This has been the hallmark of America's three-branch government which requires nonpartisan Constitutional interpretation that does not ignore the personal and state freedoms.

The "Ever deeper in debt" editorial focused on the inability of government to control deficit spending and over-burdening regulations, much of which have been fostered and brought about by so-called demands of the citizenry. Populist promises continue to churn out programs which play a great part in increasing the debt through dependency on government for expensive answers. Many answers appear to weaken self-reliance and strengthen government at the expense of personal liberty. It can be, and often is, a never ending circle toward a socialism-based society.

von Hayek's answer was a quote in the editorial: "The curious task of economics is to demonstrate to men how little they really know about what they imagine they can design."

Until our three branches of government accept the realization of where self-reliance replaces dependency, the $18 trillion debt continues accumulating for our grand and great-grandchildren. von Hayek has given us enough warning. Government planning, programs and regulations do not hold the answers. Our liberty and freedom hang in the balance.

Dodie Evans is a former owner and publisher of the Gravette News Herald. Opinions expressed are those of the author.

Editorial on 06/24/2015