The New Road to Serfdom

[@StereoSpace]

Brilliant lecture. I wish we had public officials of this quality and with this commitment to to freedom and limited government in the USA.

[@weltarchiv4]

You might not have the polititians but you've got the institutions.

[@fionacrowl689]

One of the best orators of our time. A lesson in public speaking, if you're into that sort of thing.

[@IdolHans]

very heart warming and inspirational----and alarming and terrifying----Hannan comes to warn us like Militiades came to warn Athens!

[@donstacy7012]

I am nowhere near as generous as Mr. Hannan, for I don't believe the European Union was, is, or ever could be a good idea.

[@petion2013]

Every single evidence shows that it hes been an horrendous idea

[@stephenelkington4971]

@@petion2013 Then why do so many countries want to belong to it ? Why do 93% of Irish people want to belong to it ? Why is tariff free trade between consenting countries a bad thing ? Do you seriously think that the peace and prosperity of the post war period in Europe has got nothing to do with the EU ?

[@petion2013]

@@stephenelkington4971 First of of all, don't twist historical fact. The EU is a new institution and cannot be credited for the economic success of post war Europe. There was an organisation called the EEC (European Economic Community). That one did work because nations remained independent. And it was it that put Europe back on the map. As far as so many people want to be part of it, so what. Communism seduced hundreds of millions around the world too, even though it was the disastrous ideology in human history. Europeans, since the end of WW II have been indoctrinated into believing in big, centralized States as the answer to all. Name me one big super government idea that they didn't like. Lastly, I don't believe those numbers either. No way that so many believed in Europe. If that was the case, Bruxelles wouldn't have imposed its dictate. For instance, the French votes with a huge gap against the EU Constitution. It was imposed onto them. Most plans are imposed from Bruxelles withoutnational approval. So no, I'm not buying the EU being so good for Europe.

[@stephenelkington4971]

@@petion2013 Strange that Hannan should be so anti EU - during the referendum campaign he was saying if we left the EU we would remain in the Single Market - Thatcher was one of the architects of the Single Market - one of her few sane policies. Her 'heirs' seem determined to destroy one the few positive aspects of her time in power. I'm not too sure what Communism has to do with any of this - though interestingly governments of left and right seem happy to stay in the EU. Why ? Because it gives them access to the biggest market in the world - and if you stay in the EU - rather than being in the Single Market, but not the EU [like Norway] - then you have input into how EU policies are shaped. I'm not naive about the EU - there's lots of things about it I don't like - the lack of real power exercised by it's parliament to name one. But it gives the British economy access to a market of half a billion consumers. I just don't buy all the guff put out by leavers that we'll do better outside - the US economy is 7 times bigger than ours and when Trump says 'America First' - you'd better believe him ! Our negotiators will be wearing their bollocks for earrings if they ever sit round a table with him - the massively powerful industrial, agricultural and financial lobbies will make sure of that ! I watched a leading Indian politician being interviewed a while back. When asked about the prospects of a trade deal with Britain he was positive - but insisted that greatly increased immigration from India would have to be part of any deal. Hmm, tell that to those who voted Leave who were told it would lead to lower immigration.

[@livetwice7702]

That was such a true and moving speech .....I am quite choked listening to it .......never give up your freedom USA ......a beacon to the world ....our only hope in a dark world .....god bless you all from the 🇬🇧

[@MrWompz]

You sir are a good man. Continue spreading the truth, and may God Bless you.

[@heartfire451]

This man is probably as rare in England as Ron Paul is here.

[@VonStierlitz]

Great speech. Great guy. Faved.

[@athomemom85]

Daniel Hannan--the smartest man on the planet!

[@reksub10]

so whats this got to do with people that work in libraries ?

[@NathanJosephCole]

That's mainly because of first past the post, if we get rid of that (and replace it with single transferable vote), we will have a truly representative government.

[@RandallSteen]

Good fortune and God's grace to you as well.

[@CLVASHJBHWFS]

What makes it worse in eu (no 'the' or capitals required), is that these states are actually Nation State Countries, just like the USA. Germany France and the UK are multi (federal type) state Countries with either states (Germany), Provences (France) or Kingdoms (Britain UK), as examples, which too, had histories (Scotland, England for Britain, or Bavaria, Saxony Hesse, for Germany) before being united into Countries (like the USA) which have long histories (like the USA), apart from Germany.

[@HoldingOnToLiberty]

@rumco Do you suppose that because we often refer to our Republic as a Democracy (thanks mostly to the Progressives who support that form of collectivism) that he actually meant our Republic? Just asking.

[@Artisticer]

@wespayne67 Probably the only people aware of what you mean by "Classical Liberal" are amongst those who would actually take time to watch this glorious speech. I posted this on my Facebook & not one person of my 300 friends has yet to view the entire thing - of course, they think I'm over the top anyway, but it frustrates me incredibly that they'll spend hours viewing football or golf or trash like "The View" but not 20 minutes for this masterpiece so eloquently done by Hannan. LvMI

[@michaelharnedy]

One country DID have a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty - Ireland.

[@MaxxTheMerciless]

@gracilism cont.. Note, I didn't say WE as individuals don't play a role. We most certainly do. But we do require more of our leaders to be the example that we have to look to. A leader in a position of authority can say and do things that discourages certain behavior in society itself. It may be something as simple as what Mayor Guiliani did in NYC, by removing the boards off of windows in derelict buildings and such.

[@TheLegalImmigrant05]

@rumco "Hannan is too obsessed with democracy. Democracy has given us what we have now. Democracy does not guarantee freedom." - Second that 100%.

[@TheCarrShow]

I love Daniel Hannan, but it's kind of odd hearing a British accent say, "Your Declaration of Independence..." I felt like I was about to get scolded.

[@Yesica1993]

Too bad we can't have this man as president!

[@logansowers1674]

We Americans need a Monarchy! It is better to have a King that does nothing than a President that does everything. It is also time for us to become a Parliamentary democracy.

[@TheCompleteGuitarist]

"if government becomes remote, cut of from the people it purports to speak for, concentrated in the hands of an elite, then inevitably, that elite will become self serving" Irony at it's best, I think 'English' humour may be a little too subtle for the American audience, because this is clearly a reference to recent American Presidential Administrations and the state of it's bureaucracy .

[@MaxxTheMerciless]

@gracilism cont... This is where Libertarians fall short, and why I say that Conservatives are actually to the Right of Libertarians because we value certain moral principles to guide the individual, the family, the community, the city, the state, and then the nation. They do not even think of such things of importance, but they most certainly are. It's not enough to free people; you have to give them something to be free for.

[@MaxxTheMerciless]

@bxjam85 I think you misunderstand what I mean. The problem isn't necessarily Democracy or Republics, it's US. We have to be good. WE, have to be principled. And we let all these problems happen, because we thought we were being just, benevolent, never truly considering the nature of what Freedom is, and what it means to be Free. There are solutions, but I often find that they're not the kind of solutions anyone, especially libertarians, want to hear.

[@TheLegalImmigrant05]

Hmmm.... While I love Daniel and generally love the speech, the intent behind the Constutional Convention was NOT to disperse power, but rather to centralize it. Madison and Hamilton wanted to set up British Empire Lite.

[@christandcapital5070]

This was fantastic!

[@4thstuning]

Hannan for President!!

[@MaxxTheMerciless]

@bxjam85 I was a libertarian at one time because I thought that's where I belonged. Except my experience taught me how crucial morality was to a society, and whenever I would bring up such matters invariably they would ignore it. It soon dawned on me that quite a sizable chunk of those who call themselves libertarians only advocate for Liberties so they can get what they want. I'll PM you more about what I mean....

[@iannutter2111]

why doesnt this have more views??

[@MaxxTheMerciless]

@bxjam85 I meant US as in Me and You. I mean that what we're experiencing is a cultural problem. I'm afraid of coming off too much of a fuddy-duddy, but the licentiousness, the avarice, the debauchery you see in our modern pop culture is our fault. And it has an impact. When you have people who no longer really care about taking responsibility for their own lives, but always look to others, and this includes you and I by the way, what do you expect?

[@fritoman182]

@rumco Which is why Jefferson and Hannan both greatly endorse federalism.

[@jwinter228]

@louiethegreater Agreed on Glass Stiegel - but the only reason it was needed was bc of FDIC insurance. Only 7-8% of all deposits were lost during the Depression. FDIC insurance is a key moral hazard that allows banks to gamble with our savings because we don't care what they do with the money - it's like telling investors to invest in your new company and they'll never lose a dime. So get rid of the regulation that caused the need for more regulation, introduce free banking, and that's a start.

[@nikc888]

Well he's very English. I wonder what that says about our two countries?

[@jwinter228]

@louiethegreater I would much prefer the consequences of taking the time to understand the reality with our banking system than to become slaves of debt. I think the key is that regulation - given our current situation - is sometimes necessary. However, the key is that the so-called protections and regulations often are the disease masquerading as the cure. Sure, not caring about banks and guaranteed savings sounds great - but what are the unintended consequences? Who does it truly benefit?

[@BRADSZ99]

@ajsaccount1991 Japans economy has been stagnant or falling for 20 years. But i generally agree with you.

[@gracilism]

@MaxxTheMerciless I understand your dilemma. But Libertarians (of the mature persuasion) understand morality cannot be dictated from high above by government. As free people, it is the responsibility of the people to determine the moral code of our society. It will never work and will be rejected if it is legislated to the masses no matter how honest the intentions are. It must be determined at the local level (IE Church and other non-public entities).

[@jwinter228]

@louiethegreater I used to think that way but then I started learning economics. If you have to pay 1 lazy American the equivalent of 47 Chinese, you're worse off. The point is the US has too much protectionism in the form of cronyism - it's about the too-big-to-fails, monetary destruction, and the illusion that we can afford the regulatory structure, wars, entitlements, etc. I just wish you would consider the fact that there are various factors at play here that you completely ignore.

[@gracilism]

@MaxxTheMerciless I agree with almost everything you are saying. My point is you cannot accomplishing "purpose or morality" through force of government. The failure of American values go hand in hand as we have become less free and the government plays a larger and larger role in our daily lives.

[@Tommytune45]

We speak of electing a sensible politician like Daniel Hannan would solve all our problems. His American counterpart clearly is Ron Paul. But a gov't. reflects it's people. Sadly, Hannan and Paul do not reflect the people. In reality, people elect someone who resonate with their ethics and soul. It's why we end up with the likes of the last half dozen presidents, congresses, and senates. Hannan and Paul hold Republican Democracy so dearly because of their strong spiritual relationships to God.

[@Gaius8666a]

Wonderful!

[@gracilism]

@MaxxTheMerciless Ahhh, but thats my point. We have opened the door to legislate Christian morality, and now we see "secular" morality being legislated left and right. I still insist its the people's responsibility to determine proper behavior. If someone else is exhibiting behavior that you don't believe is moral, convince them your life style is better, don't try and force them through government. Taking away freedoms do not produce more moral citizens. It produces slaves.

[@TheKibeer]

Will centralised socialist EU be worse than 27 more or less socialist more isolated states? He says yes. And gives example of deterioration of EU competitiveness after forming sort of EU. I argue that the deterioration is due to member states going under thanks to mainly themselves and not thanks to Brussels. True you have one more regulation to obey but it is also easier to compete. At least you don't encounter tariffs that often. And East Germany drags West Germany down as are PIIGS nowadays.

[@ProNorden]

When I grow up, more fully, I'd like to be Daniel Hannan ...except with a button-down collar shirt and a narrower tie with a half-Windsor knot. And maybe as a member of the British National Party .... if the Conservatives fail to follow Hannan's lead.

[@MaxxTheMerciless]

@tiarnan76 I would ask you to do the very same thing. I would also ask you to reevaluate that based on Catechesis, interaction with govt. forces, and other things. Those that take such a view miss a lot of crucial points, because they apply a modern perspective where it shouldn't apply. Also, it indicates that no persecution is ever justified - sometimes it is. There are also a lot of secular elements at play - especially in Yugoslavia, where it's more about ethnicity than faith.

[@MaxxTheMerciless]

@tiarnan76 That last line there is also proof of your ignorance. Yugoslavia is mainly about Ethnicity, and politics behind it all. I served three years both during and after the Bosnian War. While the Orthodox and the Catholics (in Croatia) had a lot in common, they were completely at odds because the Serbian element is more or less linked to the slavic ethnicities of South-eastern Europe.

[@jwinter228]

@louiethegreater Banks would have to compete & likely be audited by firms to entice depositors to come to them - just like any other business. It's regulation to the extent that it's self-regulating, but it's voluntary and spontaneous. On protectionism- in protected markets, the cost of goods is higher- that's bad. To your point earlier, look at the inflation data since the 60s (yes even the CPI). Honestly look at it and say that inflation hasn't been a huge burden placed on the middle class.

[@ProNorden]

As for what you call 'economically left wing', the economics of national loyalty are traditional and conservative, e.g. the first law enacted in America after we established our Constitution was the Tariff Import Tax ..to become economically independent of Europe, & self-sufficient. Within 15 years we were. The depredations of 'maximizing shareholder value' of 'free trade' zombies is what we used to call 'Manchester Liberalism' and is traditionally known as overly abstract and destructive.

[@MegF142857]

Fun & good speech, but ... 5:38 The USA definitely isn't "rich hummus".Perhaps "grits". 7:19 Man is fallen? Original sin? That is very Bible Belt of you. 12:10 Jefferson's ghost wouldn't be in chains. 23:40: We do need more parties vs just usually two flip flopping. Unlike Britain we have the 2nd Amendment, which is important to maintaining freedoms. Bonus: Learned a new word - adumbrate: Report or represent in outline. Also got into a discussion about Latin grammar with my hubby.

[@ProNorden]

Further, I would expect that the BNP favors Worker Coops as well as the Tariff Import Tax to guard against Predatory Trade by foreigners and against Economic Treason domestically. No coercive socialism (i.e.'Left-wing economically') in all that. On social/cultural issues the BNP is consistently 'Pro-Family' (traditional 'show cause' standard for divorce; Natural definition of marriage; Opposing unnecessary abortion) as would expect Hannan is ..and opposed to giving citizenship to foreigners?

[@MaxxTheMerciless]

@gracilism No, they weren't. True, there were mistakes, and some injustice applied, but all of that is checked by what Catholicism has built and continues to do primarily because there are moral principles that guide what they do. Where the sale of Indulgences, for instance, has occurred one can point to where this is wrong according not only to Scripture but Canon Law. There has been a lot of myths associated with Catholic rule by those who have a few axes to grind with them.

[@jwinter228]

@louiethegreater As if the entire dynamic of our economic well-being is based on one variable. What you've omitted is the breakdown of our monetary system in the 1960s which allowed the public treasury to become the public trough to fund endless bureaucracy, corporate/social welfare, wars, etc. The transfer of wealth via inflationary pressures is extremely regressive. Those at the bottom are picked up by welfare, the top can afford it, but the middle class is slowly wiped out. Read up on it! =)

[@MaxxTheMerciless]

@gracilism cont.. Moreover, Morality is not an individual Freedom. Because you stated that, you do not know what Freedom is. Freedom comes in two parts - Liberty and Purpose. And they must always go together. It's not enough to be free from something, you have to have a goal in mind to do once you are liberated. Freedom, in essence, is Power. Though some have more Power than others, what everyone has in common is a desire for Purpose, a desire to Succeed in life and make ...cont...

[@nikc888]

European commissioners. Their wealth relies on him shutting up

[@PalmTrall]

It works if you work it so work it cause you're worth it.. A slogan from the rooms of AA.

[@jwinter228]

@louiethegreater Americans have become lazy to an extent- the wealth we previously amassed has allowed that in many good ways. The reason we work is because we want/need stuff. I think the issue is that we've become arrogant, apathetic, and we've resorted to extracting our wealth by use of force. Eventually that will break down, just like the dollar, and then your concerns about the Gini index/disparity of wealth won't be an issue because most will regress to the bottom unfortunately.

[@TacticalCitySlicker]

Good speach!

[@TheKibeer]

The problem is many European countries already have the socialistic policies and on top of that corruption and theft. They are therefore happy or at least don't mind sending their power to Brussels. Free trade in EU in order to boost competition is necessary. Also with EU you have extra layer of judicial protection. And you have bigger labour market. Forcing countries like UK to either stop immigration from poorer corners or restrict their welfare system.

[@MaxxTheMerciless]

@gracilism cont... Succeed, and make the best of what limited Power we have. To do that, there are certain behaviors that successful people exhibit that both keep them from trouble and help them to succeed. Religion provides the advice, and hold up the mirror that is necessary for individuals to see what they're doing wrong and succeed in spite of their baser inclination. So, in essence, the State has to decide what is right and wrong on some level, provided that faith agrees with it.

[@Yehudittx]

@SandCmpbll Um, yeah, we know it's a think tank, duh. What's your point?

[@MaxxTheMerciless]

@gracilism Also, it's actually untrue that you cannot accomplish Purpose or Morality through force of government. It's done every day. Our entire framework of law is built on this. The notion that you can't Legislate Morality is nonsense. We legislate prohibitions against murder, theft, rape, fraud, perjury, prostitution, and a whole host of other things. Doesn't always mean it's right, though, also it doesn't mean that govt. alone can promote excellence.

[@gracilism]

@MaxxTheMerciless A thousand years of slavery and serfdom under Catholic rulers cannot be defended. It was only when America was founded with religion free from the state did prosperity for the common man prevail.

[@Yesica1993]

Couldn't tell you. I just wish he was a politician here. We need his common sense.

[@jwinter228]

@louiethegreater On the surface it may appear so, but there are quite a few reasons. We heavily surpress our interest rates, which replaces savings & capital investment with consumption. Without real savings, there isn't capital or loanable funds to invest in businesses - people just want to spend their money. That, along with Chinese RNB surpression by their government, keeps it going. Just consider that there are many factors you're not addressing - open up your head to some other viewpoints.

[@ukipwarrior]

we must have serfdom and socialism!!!!

[@Krifko]

Hannan is actually only appealing to people who are predisposed to his ideological positions. You are just looking for a nice suit with an English accent to reiterate your talking points. If you want to see an effective speaker in the English language (since you most likely are monolingual), look up the conservative mayor of London Boris Johnson. He is a master of appealing to a broad public. This guy is just good at preaching to the converted, which is about as easy as public speaking gets.

[@JordanViewer]

@drizztmay way to good, hannan is greate

[@AntQuick1102]

brilliant mind

[@jwinter228]

@louiethegreater If you're saying free trade is the culprit, then why don't you base your view off the same principle on a different scale? Rather than a national scale, how about we use protectionism between states, or between communities? The only difference is the presence of a monopolized currency. So maybe that is the problem. Nothing to do with interest rates, savings, or capital? I feel like you're making this a political debate because you don't want to discuss facts.

[@MaxxTheMerciless]

@bxjam85 Republicanism and Democracy didn't fail. People failed. We ceded our responsibilities as Free Men, and I do mean Men (Don Corleone was right, women and children can afford to be careless, Men never), and we're paying the price. All we have to do is assert and take up those responsibilities again, to govern as Men should govern themselves. We must become more Family-centric, not career-centric. There will we find power and greatness again.

[@MaxxTheMerciless]

@gracilism Depends on what you want. Do you want a moral and just society? Well, you aren't going to get there by promoting atheism, evil, and secularism. The thing is I don't necessarily outlawing things like sodomy because it is an excuse to get rid of troublemakers you do not want in society at large. Because you have to understand where evil begins to subvert society from within. To that end, I see no problem because that's where govt. can take a valid role to protect society.

[@MaxxTheMerciless]

@gracilism Well, I disagree to some level. The State has a role to play where morality is concerned, and it has to promote such things that lead to Success, Health, and Happiness in life. If it doesn't, the nation itself begins to rot from within. Prohibiting Prayer from school or the Ten Commandments, and then promoting homosexuality as a equal and healthy lifestyle to heterosexual sex within the confines of marriage (ignoring abstinence) does not promote Excellence. cont...

[@MaxxTheMerciless]

@gazz12345a What "values" are you talking about? You mean like socialism? Communism? Fascism? The so-called Enlightenment was hardly enlightened, but represented a divergence of thought that would result both in the American Revolution which is a continuance of Judeo-Christian values, and the French Revolution, which tried hard to abandon everything Christian and religious and replace it with a religion of the State.

[@wayne17700]

him and nigel farage are good

[@Krifko]

Fringe Central Station over here. Let me get on the next train and get off at station Sanity. Bye.

[@Artisticer]

@jkirk1626 WONDERFUL COMMENT!

[@nightsrider]

25 minutes well spent to understand what we Europeans are submissively subjected to.

[@28Tramnat]

I really like this guy's speech. However I can't help but notice that he's sporting a John Boehner-like tan.

[@patrickmcmanus1360]

Oh my God! "The one was about freedom, the other about *centralization of power*". ... ... ... Interestingly enough, *centralization of power* is the precise phrase used to describe the changes from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution. What a doofus.

[@AndrewIanDodge]

@nick10463 Alas, I am not sure we would elect someone like Dan. There is an unfortunate anti-intellectualism on both sides of the aisle which sneers as this sort of intelligent thought. Start talking about CATO here and people think are a bit odd, I can tell you this from experience.

[@ProjektLament]

@633562 haha that was awesome. Love it.

[@GodOfTheInternets]

Socialism in Europe? That's rich.

[@Kindred788]

Thank god for Brexit! But the open primaries seem to have failed us in the U.S. for this presidential election.

[@ericd4401]

Our country will remain great if we can eliminate socialism effect it is having on the productive class. Everyone would like something free but hard work is what made America strong. Our current government has grown so large and parasitic that it won't surprise me if the productive class just gives up and moves their money elsewhere.

[@janedrill]

That's a Benny Hill joke.

[@MaxxTheMerciless]

@gracilism cont.. There is a danger to promoting Freedom without promoting Excellence, and we are living in this danger today. Too many people equate Freedom with an abrogation of personal responsibility; you have probably seen videos of people who believe because Obama is in the White House they don't have to worry about their house payments, or their rent, or their food anymore. This is not a mistake, because we have allowed such nonsense to flourish unchecked.

[@notbadsince97]

You mean Capitalism because comparing economic systems to feudalism is our (the left) metaphor, your taking that away like you did the word libertarian

[@rich7831]

Hell no he needs to be a Canadian

[@callmeishmael7452]

Doug Lawrence too intelligent , could you imagine a debate with trudeau

[@MaxxTheMerciless]

@gazz12345a Everything. It promotes subjective morality, which is no morality, and promotes the baser aspects of man.

[@MaxxTheMerciless]

@tiarnan76 If you believe such nonsense, it's because you want to believe it, and the truth wouldn't matter to you at all. I could provide evidence that refutes it, but you don't want to accept it.

[@Roddyoneeye]

Not Abandoned, STOLEN !

[@MaxxTheMerciless]

@gracilism This is a golden opportunity for you to discover the truth on your own. The Catholic Church did not imprison and murder scientists. I really do not know where you got such nonsense, but you really need to reevaluate what you believe, for you are gravely mistaken.

[@rumco]

Hannan is too obsessed with democracy. Democracy has given us what we have now. Democracy does not guarantee freedom. He seems also naive about the current state of affairs, i.e. how much "democracy" there is left. "A democracy is nothing more than mob rule..." -- Jefferson

[@benprytherch]

Nope SandCmpbll, no one but you has ever heard of the Cato Institute.

[@JuggernautSPQR]

no, im an IMPERIALIST ! hahah :D

[@TreachMarkets]

@633562 Haha, no doubt. Too bad the current president has a pro-serfdom policy.

[@JuggernautSPQR]

im gona try something : USA delenda est !