University of Michigan economist Justin Wolfers has publicly conceded that his libertarian friends were right about the dangers of concentrated federal power. Writing in response, the Reason essay notes that Wolfers previously assumed good people in government would prevent abuse, but now acknowledges that concentration of power can be and is being abused. The author commends Wolfers for admitting error, comparing him to earlier admissions by Cass Sunstein and Noah Smith.
The essay stresses that the problem is systemic, not merely a matter of one politician. It invokes James Madison's warning that enlightened statesmen will not always be at the helm, and argues that political ignorance and bias make demagogues like Donald Trump a recurring risk. Wolfers says his new appreciation for libertarian concerns has made him "more small-c conservative," favoring established rules that have served generations well.
The author partially agrees, but argues that many existing institutions no longer constrain government power and need restructuring. He calls for tighter limits on federal immigration authority, stronger enforcement of constitutional restrictions on delegating legislative power to the executive, and rollback of government control over land use to address the housing crisis. The essay suggests these priorities could form the basis for cooperation between libertarians and "abundance liberals," with common opponents in MAGA nationalists and democratic socialists.