Philosophy of Government
There are basically two conflicting beliefs in our country and whichever one prevails will determine the future path for our nation for better or worse. Forget about the rich and the poor, republicans and democrats, young and old, the real clash boils down to the most basic philosophy of Government and its purpose. There are those that believe Government should be limited and disciplined. They know that Government can not possibly pay everybody’s way in life because there just is not enough money for that to be achievable. They realize that the Government does not have money of its own that can be shared with the people to make their lives easier, the only money in their possession is the money seized from specific citizens of the population of which they likely belong, and simple math dictates that the few can not endlessly carry the burden for the many. This group of people realizes the true ingredients for success and prosperity stem from individual rights and freedoms that allow each of us our own personal pursuit of happiness. It is clearly believed that individuals would prefer to be responsible for their own actions in life thus allowing them the fruits of their labors upon success and the burden of consequences for their failures. Not making this choice is to choose a mediocre outcome with the same result all the time, never having to deal with failure, but also never soaring to greatness through one’s efforts of which have been indispensable in the success of our nation. Government is plainly seen as subtraction by addition, upon their involvement in any matter a healthy dose of incompetence, inefficiency, and corruption are sure to follow. Government is viewed with skepticism and suspicion because it develops a voracious desire to continually expand its power and control over society and invariably it begins oppressing the very people it governs. The common viewpoint held with these individuals is that Government is never the answer, it never has been and it never will be. Oppression will never encourage reaching the heights of mankind, only individual rights and freedoms will provide such achievements.
On the other side, we have the ones that believe Government is the answer, being an all-inclusive and benevolent institution that will take care of its people, in fact, have an obligation for that care. They possess a misguided attitude that the Government’s purpose is to solve all their challenges in life and they do not realize or care that this is not possible unless resources are confiscated from another. Individual rights and responsibilities are not important to this faction as they see themselves being in the care of a paternal Government of a rich nation, thus relying on it for their safekeeping and also to resolve their hardships. These beliefs are completely opposed to the underpinnings that built this country in general since its founding, yet it appears that this mind-set is on the rise in our nation. We seem to be pushing the conversion of our Government to the same collectivist dogma as many other nations around the world as if it has been proven successful.
One of these two philosophical camps is going to prevail as we move into the future, and it sure appears obvious which is predominant at this time. We really need to question whether we should reject our historical model of governing that has been unmatched in prosperity so that we can emulate the rest of the world. The prevailing outcome will permanently shape this nation going forward and present the true character of Americans, do we continue to lead by example or fade back into obscurity and reduced living standards? Hopefully, the outcome of this struggle gives the message we want to portray.
May 18th, 2009 at 10:23 pm
I loved the article. I wish I had written it. I think this country will find its way back to the country our founders left us. I think it will be a long and uncomfortable journey but we will make it. The silent majority has been awakened by the excesses of the past two administations, especially Obama, and they are not too happy at what they have found. I just hope we can take back a little in 2010 to stop the bleeding before it becomes an all but irreversable trend.
May 21st, 2009 at 9:16 am
Where is this voice in either party? Surely our “leaders” have read the same history books we have and must know that the answer is never MORE government.
It does seem like a very simple black and white issue-you either believe in more government or you believe in less. That’s really the fundamental difference that seperates liberals from conservatives. At the end of the day if you vote democrat, you’re voting for someone to take care of you, for the rich to feed the poor, to be coddled and to have decisions made for you (ie. school choice, gun laws, health care). To vote republican means not wanting the government to take care of you, to limit the powers it has and to abide by what the founding father’s thought this country should be about.
I’m saddened that so many people have voted to be taken care of and that our society has turned into one of entitlement-”rich” people should pay more in taxes ot take care of people who don’t pay taxes at all?? How is this a good idea? You are so right, the only way we will succeed is to limit the government’s power, its size and its ability to control our supposed free market system.
Its up to us as Americans to make our voices heard by voting our conscience not for the person who gives the best speaches, seems the most diplomatic or is inspirational to a segment of the population. We need leaders, not icons.
May 13th, 2010 at 10:38 pm
That socialism has NEVER worked is apparently no reason not to try it yet again.