There was a time when such an event was an economic blessing for a city; now, these political monstrosities are losers for unconnected businessmen and taxpayers. With armies of officials, fixers, lobbyists, soldiers, reporters, cops, and spies descending on Manhattan and Boston, the entire city centers will be shut down for days. Making everything worse is the level of security. Of course, as at airports, it is not real security, though its costs are real. But like our federalized airports, such events are an unimpeded chance for government to order everyone around. Cities may not be able to turn down such displays, anymore than a local landowner could refuse the honor of a visit by Henry VIII and his horde of locusts. But shouldn’t the feds find some more convenient place for its circuses? How about the land they are running exactly as they would like to run America? I hear the Baghdad Hilton has openings.

The Best of Llewellyn H. Rockwell, Jr.