The process by which the progressive mindset causes increases in the size, scope and power of government never ceases. Robert Wenzel, a leading Liberty Movement blogger, posted a list of things that were legal in 1975 but are illegal now:
“In 1975:
- You could buy an airline ticket and fly without ever showing an ID.
- You could buy cough syrup without showing an ID.
- You could buy and sell gold coins without showing an ID.
- You could buy a gun without showing an ID.
- You could pull as much cash out of your bank account without the bank filing a report with the government.
- You could get a job without having to prove you were an American.
- You could buy cigarettes without showing an ID.
- You could have a phone conversation without the government knowing who you called and who called you.
- You could open a stock brokerage account without having to explain where the money came from.
- You could open a Swiss bank account with ease. All Swiss banks were willing and happy to open accounts for Americans.
There are thousands of other examples.”[9]
Government has been growing steadily and rapidly since the dawn of the Progressive Era; is growing now and will continue to grow unless that mindset is replaced or eliminated or until the state collapses under its own weight or is overthrown by revolution or civil war. Short of one of those contingencies, under progressivism, the state will grow until it controls everything and absolutely. That is, it will grow into a totalitarian state.
In science it often happens that scientists say, "You know that's a really good argument; my position is mistaken," and then they would actually change their minds and you never hear that old view from them again. They really do it. It doesn't happen as often as it should, because scientists are human and change is sometimes painful. But it happens every day. I cannot recall the last time something like that happened in politics or religion. - Carl Sagan