January 2, 2010 Newsletter
Can we depend upon our government for our wellbeing? The answer to this question divides the political spectrum. Our country was founded on the idea that government should be only as powerful as necessary to accomplish those responsibilities assigned to it under the Constitution.
It’s a comforting idea that citizens will work together for the good of all Americans. But who decides what is in our best interest, the government? If you happen to like the current government’s decisions and don’t mind paying the portion of costs assigned to you, your interests might be served.
But, when decisions go against you or you’re paying more than you perceive as your fair share, you probably get frustrated – even upset. Are you willing to trade the possibility of getting your way in the short term for near certainty that you will not get your way at some time?
Perhaps you think that the government can take on the responsibility of creating jobs and wealth. Again, this is a comforting idea because the government seems so big and powerful. To put this idea in perspective consider this: The government is no bigger than all of us put together. How can it take care of us as a group if we can’t take care of ourselves? We need to realize that ultimately we are responsible for our own lives.
It may seem an unfriendly idea that individuals must bear the largest portion of responsibility for their own lives. It’s easy to focus on risks associated with such an idea – an individual might not succeed. What happens then? In a healthy economy some individuals will succeed fantastically, creating wealth and jobs that must be shared.
That “must be shared” thing isn’t a government action, but an inherent benefit of our economy. If you’re a successful person, how can you enjoy your success without buying items or paying someone to work? Simply, we’re all in this together. We don’t need the government to redistribute wealth.
So, let’s demand that our government take the actions necessary to create a healthy economy. Generally that means getting out of the way of businesses except as necessary to prevent businesses from abusing their power.
Any other idea, no matter how comforting, will ultimately fall short. And, any politician that promises more than we can do for ourselves cannot be telling the truth. Perhaps that’s why congress’ approval has been below 50% for all but 3 of the past 35 years. Our instincts tell us we’re being lied to and that our interests aren’t being served.
The alternative to our current situation is as simple as it is difficult. I ask you to work with me to restore common sense to government.
Join the Resistance! Set America Free.
Sincerely,
Doug Keller