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“A great revolution is never the fault of the people, but of the government.” 

~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Quiet revolutions happen in congress.

For example, the American revolution of 1913.

What changed?

Well, some may highlight the creation of the Federal Reserve – “The Creature from Jekyll Island.”

But it was actually something of greater significance.

1913 marked a turning point on the pendulum of history.

Here’s what:

Several events happened in the Congress…

First, the 17th Amendment, which established the direct election of U.S. Senators by popular vote. Formerly elected by the State, Senators became a part of the democratic process.

Second, the introduction of federal income tax (initially at rates of 5-10%), which would empower the growth of the federal government.

That basically meant each State became arms and legs of the Federal government.

And third, the creation of the Federal Reserve, which would further centralize power in favour of the federal government.

It marked a significant shift, a quiet revolution from the battle of ideas between federalism and State sovereignty to increased federal control and government intervention in America.

Suddenly, the belief that a centralized, federal government could solve all problems in America was solidified in the mind of the every day Americans.

The same idea perpetuated every other quiet revolution after that…

Crisis after crisis the government quietly expanded.

First with federal programs to “fill the gaps,” which required bigger budgets.

Then, more government employees to execute those programs.

You can see what happened since 1971.

The detachment of the USD from the gold standard completely removed the need to argue between increased taxes and increased spending.

Democrat or Republican, it didn’t matter!

Democrats increased taxes while reducing money printing.

Republicans decreased taxes while increasing money printing.

Both parties policies stayed while the government grew.

Take a look at the federal surplus / deficit chart since then.

All that mattered was controlling inflation.

Until spending went completely out-of-control after the dot-com bubble crisis…

Then the Great Financial Crisis…

Then the Pandemic…

Now, the quiet revolution may be coming to an end…

Because deficit spending is just another day in the Swamp.

And now the pendulum appears to be turning the other way, toward individual liberty and freedom, and away from centralized, socialist governments.

Here’s Peter St. Onge with more on the shift:

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