he Foundation for Economic Education's founder Leonard Read's book Accent on the Right (1968) hits the half-century mark this year. And its chapter, "On Thinking for Self," is particularly relevant for more than just its anniversary. It offers valuable insight into a major issue in the most recent Presidential campaign and in the 2018 midterm elections, just three months away, that will be, in large part, a referendum on its outcome.

Read brings us to a central insight that is easy to miss amid the histrionics, mud-slinging, "fake news," etc. that passes for public policy debate—electoral results reflect what people demand. Until enough people who now endorse robbing Peter to pay Paul, whenever they happen to be named Paul, can be convinced that they face better prospects under expanded freedom, those they elect and their parties may change, but not their substance of seeking benefits for some at others' expense.