Call it Statism, Progressivism, or whatever big-government “ism” you see fit. This quote, from a February interview Obama gave with Katie Couric, reveals the fundamental viewpoint of what Friedrich Hayek called “central planning.” For context, he is referring to special deals made to members of Congress in order to sway them toward a “yes” vote on the health care bill.

“Look, I would have loved nothing better than to simply come up with some very elegant you know, academically approved approach to health care. And didn’t have any kinds of legislative fingerprints on it. And just go ahead and have that passed. But that’s not how it works in our democracy. Unfortunately what we end up having to do is to do a lot of negotiations with a lot of different people.”

The implication here is that those who hold power ought to be able to get with their smart professor friends and draft laws that are good for everybody, according to their own sensibilities, of course–without having to stop and ask everyone else what they think. And this from the president who was supposed to be above partisan politics.

Democracy and diverse opinions are an enemy of any collectivist agenda. How can an architect plan a beautiful city if he must consult homeowners and businessmen? How can a chef create a delicious meal if he has to consult the dinner guest?

How is a government supposed to create a utopian society if they must constantly seek permission to regulate our lives?