Thank God our Nation has men and women who serve and even sacrifice themselves to preserve America's security and promote democratic ideals throughout the world. Thank God they have families and friends who unconditionally stand by them as they give so freely of themselves. I pray that all Americans will work tirelessly and selflessly to reduce the need to ask so very much of so very few.
Whether we are talking about individuals or government, it is better to be selfless (vs. selfish), compassionate (vs. intolerant), broad-minded (vs. insular) and work to a greater good (vs. parochial interests). As to the blanket assertion, "When the government takes from one to give to another, it harms both," it isn’t supported by facts. It is demonstrable that the government does provide innumerable benefits. It is perfect in its administration? No. Is it the “evil empire” some would have us believe it is? No.
ReplyDeleteWhen people pay taxes, they get something useful in return. They enjoy the benefits provided by police and fire departments, the protections of the judicial system, the results of legislative processes at every level, and realize increased security as a result of our homeland and national security apparatuses. The taxpayer can even drive on the road with the reasonable expectation that other drivers will comply with existing vehicle and traffic laws, and so doesn't have to feel at risk by ungoverned vehicular recklessness. So too do people who do not pay taxes enjoy benefits provided by the government e.g., minors, the infirm.
These things are part of the greater good funded by taxpayers and provided by their government. In saying this, I am not suggesting we must or even do personally agree with every law, administrative rule or policy. However, as responsible citizens we are obligated to abide by them, even as we do have a voice in their creation, modification and retention. We also have the right to express ourselves—even as we're protected by slanderous and libelous expression by others. Hopefully, when we do express ourselves, it is in a constructive and uplifting way, not in a negative or polarizing way.
We often take government-provided beneficial things for granted, or operate under the misperception that government services are alá carte, i.e., we can unilaterally pick which laws and regulations to which we will adhere and ignore the rest. Imagine if all did that; imagine the anarchy that would result. We even resist acknowledging their benefits, often for no other reason than we don't personally care for particular aspects of a given program, law, etc.
The rights and protections briefly mentioned above are not universally enjoyed throughout the world. For all our challenges, we are fortunate. We, through our government, used our taxes to allow Americans to vote who were previously denied, to eliminate slavery, to institutionalize improved civil rights, to protect the handicapped, minors and laborers—and to provide some level of financial security where no security existed before--building on the eternal promise contained in our nation’s founding documents.
Remember, too, the premise under which we operate as a nation...each gives a little so all can gain a lot. Our government may not be perfect, but neither is it without goodness. Beyond that, if we cannot compromise, if we cannot accommodate, if we cannot work with others, if we cannot stand up for ourselves and others, we have no right to expect those things from others—be they individuals or the government.
One can and should certainly have principles and beliefs. However, declarative assertions such as the government only takes and does not provide anything in return is just not demonstrable. Beyond that, rigid polarization helps no one and advances no legitimate cause.
I do agree with you that some do not appreciate what is given to them...that was exactly my point above. That is life, and while we may wish it otherwise, it should not discourage us from thinking and acting as a nation, and doing the things that must be done not only for some citizens, but for all citizens—even as we attend to our personal needs and desires.
Clearly we have some real issues before us, e.g, domestic needs, international needs, human needs. We will better serve ourselves and our nation if we work on these things together, realizing that in giving a little, we all get a lot.
Thoughts on Two Superbowl Commercials: The difference between Chrysler commercial featuring Clint Eastwood’s half-time pep-talk analogy and the Chevrolet disaster commercial was interesting and, I might even say, instructive. Chrysler’s commercial is uplifting, even motivational. It reminds us we are really better than we have been, and we can be better than we are currently. On the other hand, the Chevrolet truck commercial resorts to data manipulation and inappropriate comparisons (i.e., a person's death is due to owning a different brand of truck). It is likely both will be appealing to many, though for very different reasons. As for me, I prefer Chrysler’s approach. It better depicts what being American represents and because it takes the high road, it better serves us. The low-road, “I’m only great if someone else is small,” philosophy implied by Chevrolet’s commercial serves us not at all.
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