“The statesman  who should attempt to direct private people in what manner they ought to employ their capitals, would not only load himself with a most unnecessary attention, but assume an authority which could safely be trusted, not only to no single person, but to no council or senate whatever, and which would nowhere be so dangerous as in the hands of a man who had folly and presumption enough to fancy himself fit to exercise it.”
– Adam Smith

The Second Regular Session of the 97th General Assembly is underway. It can be frustrating to observe the plethora of ways government officials and bureaucrats inject themselves into the routine daily activities of Missourians. What may be even more exasperating is how tolerant the culture has become to government over-regulation and micromanagement of society.

Almost as confirmation of the excesses of government, I recently received a letter indentifying pending appointments to office under contemplation by the governor. I am going to list a portion of the boards, commissions, and committees identified. Bear in mind that this is only a PARTIAL list:

From this truncated list, would you say that state government is transparent, efficient, and affordable? I certainly would not! This list is not to discourage you, but to remind us all that unless citizens are diligent, government outruns them and turns on them and their liberties. Who can deny that Washington, D.C., presents a continual threat to our individual liberty and economic freedom but state government has the same natural flaws including a relentless quest for more power to control and manipulate society.

The federal and state constitutions have been written and ratified to limit government power and protect freedom, but you are its owners, and elected officials its keepers. As the 2014 legislative session progresses, may we be mindful of the words of Adam Smith:

“The statesman  who should attempt to direct private people in what manner they ought to employ their capitals, would not only load himself with a most unnecessary attention, but assume an authority which could safely be trusted, not only to no single person, but to no council or senate whatever, and which would nowhere be so dangerous as in the hands of a man who had folly and presumption enough to fancy himself fit to exercise it.”    

Adam Smith was speaking to government abuse of the free market, but his remarks can easily be applied to numerous government presumptions. I pray that I will not be caught up with the power of government and forget his warning.