Jeff Minick: Self-governance is the bedrock of liberty

Those who refuse to govern themselves will be governed by others.

This is one of the takeaway lessons from the recent elections, particularly in New York City.

There a young and inexperienced pro-Islamist and democratic socialist won the mayoral election in part by promising voters goodies like free bus transportation, free childcare, some government grocery stores, and heavier taxes on the rich.

Unable or unwilling to take care of themselves, Zohran Mamdani’s supporters have fallen prey to one of the oldest tricks in the book, dating all the way back to Ancient Rome’s bread and circuses for the masses: They have surrendered liberty and self-reliance for a mess of pottage. Such ignorance of the past, or worse, such willed stupidity, strips away freedom and empowers would-be dictators.