Karen and Lew: all of this reflects the central theme of my Calculated Chaos book. Institutionalism—with the state as the primary enforcer—is the deadliest virus we face. Any ordinary condition (e.g., fluctuations in planetary temperatures, the outbreaks of flu—which historically result in the deaths of some 35,000 each year, etc.) can provide the state with enough fear-objects to keep Boobus on his knees begging for more “protection.” “But wait, here’s another bit of ‘breaking news’ from Wolf Blitzer in ‘The Situation Room.’”

The Best of Butler Shaffer