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Should We Ask the Government for Everything?
- Mar 12, 2008 at 10:36 AM
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- Comments (34) Total Views (2578) Everyone can see this journal post.
We have become so used to turning to the federal government for everything we want or need that we as a nation have long since forgotten the purpose of the federal government - and perhaps worse yet, we have forgotten the difference between government and society. As Thomas Paine wrote “Society in every state is a blessing, but government even in its best state is but a necessary evil in its worst state an intolerable one ...”
Wanting to help find a solution to a problem, promote a worthy cause, find a cure for a disease are all honorable tasks and benefit society ... but funding for such endeavors should come from society – NOT from government. The more we turn towards government, the less we turn towards each other ... and individuals, neighborhoods and communities loose their sense of self and strength in the process.
It is time we Americans look to each other for creative answers to our problems ... and cut the strings which always come with government intervention and oversight. Let us reclaim society's blessings and further remember the "Common Sense" words of Thomas Paine ...
“SOME writers have so confounded society with government, as to leave little or no distinction between them; whereas they are not only different, but have different origins. Society is produced by our wants, and government by our wickedness; the former promotes our happiness positively by uniting our affections, the latter negatively by restraining our vices. The one encourages intercourse, the other creates distinctions. The first is a patron, the last a punisher.
Society in every state is a blessing, but government even in its best state is but a necessary evil in its worst state an intolerable one; for when we suffer, or are exposed to the same miseries by a government, which we might expect in a country without government, our calamities is heightened by reflecting that we furnish the means by which we suffer! Government, like dress, is the badge of lost innocence; the palaces of kings are built on the ruins of the bowers of paradise. For were the impulses of conscience clear, uniform, and irresistibly obeyed, man would need no other lawgiver; but that not being the case, he finds it necessary to surrender up a part of his property to furnish means for the protection of the rest; and this he is induced to do by the same prudence which in every other case advises him out of two evils to choose the least. Wherefore, security being the true design and end of government, it unanswerably follows that whatever form thereof appears most likely to ensure it to us, with the least expense and greatest benefit, is preferable to all others...”
For the complete text ... http://www.earlyamerica.com/earlyamerica/milestones/commonsense/text.html
Comments:
Brillian post Jan, you know I completely agree with you!
I have always felt that private oganizations, individuals, privately funded charities ect. do a MUCH better job at raising funds and awareness for causes than the federal government does!
I donate of my own accord to many causes that help people in hardships or who suffer from illnesses and I think thats the way it should be, individuals giving freely....not forced! and not mandated by the government.
and it doenst mean we dont care if we are against the government getting involved! I keep seeing people say people who feel like you do Jan are insensitive, rude, dont know what your talking about, heartless, drama queen.....the list goes on, and I cant believe it!
I personally care very deeply about many causes and am personally affected by several...but I still dont want the government involved in the process of medical research and funding!
Such a great journal!!!! Here is my favorite line:
"The more we turn towards government, the less we turn towards each other"
I wish more people would see this. It seems the ones who advocate government take over of important things are the ones who preach the importance of helping others the most. However, there is a contradiction there even if not intentional.
The Common Sense excerpt was fantastic!
Great post and I agree with every word. From a biblical standpoint, it is right on, too! God never inteded for us to give handouts and have others decide for us. He gave us an ability to make our own decisions and choose to follow His plan or not. Now the Government tells us that we have no choice but to submit to teachings and giving money to issues that we don't agree with! It makes me so mad to hear people say that Jesus would have been a Democrat. He came to teach and give people a handup. The bible tells us that the Church and our own free will should be taking care of those in need. We should love and teach each other. He says not to help the lazy and wicked, (love them, yes)so why are we?
"The more we turn towards government, the less we turn towards each other"
That is a perfect quote! What ever happened to compassion, hard work, and respect for other and their property. It is almost nonexistent it seems.
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