Okay, here’s a little humor for a Friday. Anyone who has owned a dog or cat will see the humor in “pets’ diaries” immediately. But, as I received this via email, as a policy wonk is bound to do, I couldn’t help but think about worldviews and how they translate into the way we govern, who would be more likely to govern for freedom, and who would be more likely to govern for control. I began thinking about Thomas Sowell’s book “A Conflict of Visions” where he discusses those with a “constrained view”–we are inherently limited (by knowledge, experience, etc.) in what we can accomplish–and those with an “unconstrained view” (like pogressives who think we know enough to accomplish a lot through government and public policy). I also thought of Viginia Postrel’s excellent book, “The Future and Its Enemies” and whether those embracing the dynamism would be better than those who value stasis at governing in a free society. So, even if you’ve seen this, it’s fun to read and now you have the opportunity to ponder the larger questions about whether dogs or cats would value individual freedom in our system of Constitutional and representative democracy. Are you a dog or a cat?
EXCERPTS FROM A DOG’S DAILY DIARY: 8:00 a.m. Oh, boy! Dog food! My favorite! 9:30 a.m. Wow! A car ride! This is a blast! 9:40 a.m. A walk in the park! Ate some crap…Delicious! 10:30 a.m. Getting rubbed and petted! I’m in love! 12:00 p.m. Lunch! Yummy! 1:00 p.m. Playing in the yard! I just love it! 3:00 p.m. Staring adoringly at my masters feet…they’re the best! I’ll wag my tail in joy. 4:00 p.m. Hooray! The kids are home! I’m bouncing off the walls! 5:00 p.m. Milkbones! Great! 7:00 p.m. Get to play ball! This is too good to be true! 8:00 p.m. Wow! Watching TV with my master! Heavenly! 11:00 p.m. Sleeping at the bottom of my master’s bed! Life is soooooooo great! EXCERPTS FROM A CAT’S DAILY DIARY: Day 683 of My Captivity: My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomited on the floor. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a “good little hunter” I am. The audacity!! There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noise and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to my power of “allergies.” I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage. Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow-but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released-and he seems more than willing to return! He is obviously retarded. The bird has got to be an informant-I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. The captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe……. For now.