The Good of Government
Essay by Justin Lowry
When you examine the history of civilization, you will see that the common goal of man is to strive for a good. This good differs amongst man, therefore either they will convert to what others believe around them, or move off to others that believe as they do. As they gather they form a community, and adopt a form of government to provide and defend that common good by law.
This nation was also founded upon a common good.. liberty. Our government was established to provide and defend our liberty. Over the course of this nation, the common good has changed from liberty to providing the essentials of life.
These people believe that our government's purpose is solely the essentials of life. In an obscure way, you car relate this to the original right to life that this country was also founded on. The principle of defending life is based on the government providing a common defense of life, either by law or a military defense from militant enemies.
The obscurity of this has become the government providing the essentials of life, id est money, food, and shelter. We all need a helping hand from time to time, as life has a way humbling us, it is not the role of our government to provide this. It is more fit for charities, churches, neighbors and relatives.
you hear people argue that to force someone to rely on such sources of aid is demeaning, demoralizing, and humiliating, and they are right. But, it is better to motivate someone to get back on their feet, as opposed to making the ground more comfortable for them to lie upon. The government's method stifles independence, creates dependency on such programs, and demoting economic and personal growth.
You hear it argued that they are entitled to such things. What entitles them to this, the fact the are born an American? Consider a poor child and a rich child. The poor child is forced to work for everything they have. They know what its like to suffer and struggle. Their character is built and forged by this. They study hard and work harder. They will value money and appreciate everything that they earn. They have virtue. Then look at the rich child, spoiled and pampered. They are given everything and value nor appreciate nothing. all because of "entitlement".
A nation of free people cannot be free when they are dependent upon their government. The foundation of liberty is individual liberty. When people have individual liberty, they are able to obtain personal and economic freedom and growth.
We, as a nation must transfer this common good back to liberty, as opposed to general welfare.