One of the biggest decisions we have in November is THE Proper Question: What kind of America do we wish to have? We are faced on being on the Train of Socialism / Progressivism that Obama and the Democrats, as they sit in the Engineer’s seat, hand on the full open throttle, have us rocketing towards the trestle bridge of failure: What is the Proper Role of Government.
Statists / Socialists / Progressives (both Democrats and Republicans) cannot believe that returning to a time with lesser government is even workable. They cannot accept that individuals can make their way in the world without the hand of Government showing them the way, helping them with their choices, or even making choices for them? Charity and help, however, ALWAYS comes with THEIR strings attached.
The TEA Party / 9-12ers / Constitutionalists reject this notion as being not only "of the Nanny State" but as a complete repudiation of the Founders vision of private property, individual freedom, and free markets unfettered by Government interference.
After I wrote this, I rediscovered this article that outlined two anecdotes. This was the second – which will send the former group absolutely stark raving crazy – sacrilege!:
The second story is contained in the wonderful insight into an essentially pre-government world provided by the 11-year diary of Thomas Turner. He was a shopkeeper in the small village of East Hoathly, Sussex, outside modern day Brighton in England. His diary is circa 1750 and relates everyday life in a world we no longer comprehend.
He rarely handles money because every thing is done in kind: A labor for a labor, a skill for a skill, a product for a product. Currency was from all over Europe and only had value for its weight if it was gold or silver. Each person was identified for social concerns by their village or town of birth. That community had certain responsibilities to them determined by citizens who served the church by serving on committees that recommended actions. This role as a deacon was defined in the early church as follows; a lay officer appointed to assist a minister, especially in secular affairs, or historically an appointed minister of charity.
For example, if a woman was pregnant out of wedlock she had to declare the father and a person was sent round to make sure the father accepted and paid for his responsibilities. If a person was out of work support was provided until a job was found. If the person was from another village then they were sent back to that village. Each village was required to provide accommodation as they travelled.
Turner did his job diligently despite occasionally normal human concerns about weariness. He knew it was his responsibility and did those things he did best. He also knew others were contributing as they knew how. They were in the truest sense of the word volunteers – “a person who freely offers to take part in an enterprise or undertake a task.”
So now we know who did all those things listed above before there was government. There are still volunteers but nowhere near as many. What they did was taken over by government at great expense with decreasing efficiency because of the lack of care or commitment – it’s just a job.
Wonders of wonders – a lesson. People can do for themselves. That WAS the norm. Government? Much of it is not necessary – and strictly, not constitutionally enumerated. Much to the surprise of Progressives, people ARE able to do far more than you think they can.
The unwinding of Big Government will be fraught with obstacles – not from the Productive Class that are used to doing for themselves. They are used to hard work and responsibility.
Rather, it will be from those that will continue to justify their existence drawing a taxpayer funded paycheck – they will squeal the most (heck, they squeal now!). Just remember: NO one (regardless of what FDR’s Second Bill of Rights declared or the Soviet Union Constitution declared) deserves or is entitled to a job. Make yourselves useful.
For those on the dole – there are some that REALLY cannot do for themselves – if there is no family around, society must take care of them. However, having worked with many on the dole, many can work – it IS easier, especially when economic times are better, to not work. So, they don’t.
For them, the Puritan work ethic should apply (or choose "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress"): work or not. Your call – but entitlements for those that do not wish to work should cease.
After all, we are out of money.
