My Findings versus Those of Cass Sunstein

Cass Sunstein writes:

In recent decades, some of the most important research in social science, coming from psychologists and behavioral economists[...]That research is having a significant influence on public officials throughout the world. Many believe that behavioral findings are cutting away at some of the foundations of Mill’s harm principle, because they show that people make a lot of mistakes, and that those mistakes can prove extremely damaging.[...]Emphasizing these and related behavioral findings, many people have been arguing for a new form of paternalism, one that preserves freedom of choice, but that also steers citizens in directions that will make their lives go better by their own lights.

Of course, when Sunstein says "make their lives go better by their own lights," he really means by government coercion. Yup, he is using "scientific" research to demonstrate that government should play a more important role in individual lives.

Here's what I found about what an increasing government role in individual affairs can mean: Government way out of control.

Estimated number killed by Adolf Hitler when in power:  17 million to 20 million

Estimated number dead with Joseph Stalin in power: 40 million to 62 million

Estimated number dead with Mao Zedong in power: 45 million to 75 million

Yeah, people can make errors, but it is better when people make errors on their own, then when they make the mistake of putting a strong government in place and they then make the further mistake of putting a psychopath in charge. If Sunstein wants to live under a powerful government, then I think he should do so, there are plenty around the world to choose from, but I really wish he would keep me out of his crazed central planning.