Freedom Means Getting Involved

When it comes to money and power, our elected government representatives have, at least, two distinct philosophies of government that affect every decision they make and every bill they sponsor. On one side, you have those who believe in a limited, citizen led government. They believe citizens should remain free to succeed or fail without undue government interference. They believe in self-reliance and the American dream. They believe that what a person earns belongs to them.

On the other side are those who believe the government is the caretaker of all citizens. They subscribe to a socialist view of big brother watching out for everyone --whether they want it or not. In this scenario, nothing truly belongs to the citizens--including what we earn. Those in government that hold this viewpoint believe they know better how to spend our money than we do and take every opportunity to increase taxes and funding for their pet projects. This group is not unlike the very governments from which our forefathers fled.

A third group are those who base their so-called values on the latest polls and say conflicting things, believing the electorate too unintelligent to see through their campaigns of misinformation. For the average citizen it comes down to money and power. It seems common sense that the more money I have in my pocket, the more power I have, and the more I'll have to spend, which impacts the economy. Also, the fewer restrictions and penalties I have in investing, the more I may risk in a business venture.

This country was founded by those escaping tyrannical, oppressive governments. Those who fled to America fiercely held to their "rights," and formed a government with limited power with a citizenry who "called the shots." But government didn't stay limited. Over the years, citizen involvement has dwindled through apathy, frustration and outright maneuvering from some in government who should be safeguarding, not sabotaging, a citizen led government. Today many in government have little respect for the average citizen.

Little by little we are becoming wards of the state that takes what we earn and promises to care for us from cradle to grave. This isn't freedom. It is simply another form of slavery.

Clara Barton, who brought the Red Cross to America, did not believe in hand-outs because she didn't believe that in the long run this helped anyone. Clara did believe in a hand up. She didn't just hand out--for example--clothes. She'd show those in need how to make and market them.

When our elected officials speak, what are they really saying? Do they believe we have the right to decide how to spend our money--lower tax rates and tax cuts, or do they simply want to add to welfare lines, where they remain in charge of our money?

It's a matter of freedom. It's a matter of choice. As citizens, if we want to keep our freedom, we need to speak out, we need to vote for those who value our freedom to choose above their desire to control us, and we need to hold our government representatives accountable for decisions they make.

We make a difference by doing our homework on the issues. We make a different in our vote. We also make a difference by writing and/or calling our president and representatives on those issues we care about. Our government was set up for citizen involvement. Without it, we lose not only our right to impact and change policy, but also our very freedom. As citizens it is not only our right, but also our responsibility to get involved and reign in government for ourselves, and for the generations to come.