THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT IN AMERICA

THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT IN AMERICA
By Drew Jackson /March 27, 2005

The recent debate on whether to plug for or unplug from life for Terri Schiavo gives us an opportunity to assess the size, scope, relevance and affordability of government in the life of every American.

First of all we must consider the unique nature of America, we value individual freedom and promote it, perhaps more than anybody else. America became the greatest nation on earth because of freedom and opportunities and what men and women could achieve when they are free.
Our founding fathers were some of the greatest, and perhaps some of the noblest men ever lived on this earth. Those enormously wealthy individuals sacrificed everything they had to give us a civil society with three equally important institutions - church, state and the press. They all have an important role in our lives. The agony we have today is determining which of these institutions is more equal than the other two.

The dilemma we face today is that our opinions differ on what is right or wrong, fair or unfair and moral or immoral based on our personal preferences, source of income and the kind of occupation that support our life-styles. This trend of self-promotion at any cost is now reshaping or perhaps ruining our national character. And that is why we should take a good look at the purpose of our three fundamental social institutions.

In a free society the purpose of government is to do what individuals cannot do by themselves. It is the function of governments to keep law and order, maintain infra-structures and protect people from threats - war, pestilence natural disasters and similar major threats that individuals cannot handle by themselves.

In a civilized society, the role of religion is to give moral guidance so that people can figure out what is right and wrong and how to live and let live. Love and compassion are two of the basic domains of religion which shape the character of individuals. Compassion is not in the jurisdiction of government, and at last this was so clearly demonstrated in the Terri Schiavo case. It is absolutely stunning that the entire court system, which is “government” in America stayed out of the compassion business.

This should open a new chapter in our social intercourse, as we can cut the size of government in half as “compassion” is returned to religion. All social service functions are strictly religious in nature and since the court system showed absolutely no compassion in the Terri Schiavo case, it should also now force the government to turn over its compassion industry to religion where it rightfully belongs. Soon we should see a massive reduction in our taxes, a large increase in charitable contributions and religion once again playing an important role in our lives now plagued by violence. This might also help us to maintain a government at last people can afford.

And finally a word about the true role of “the press” in America. The press has only one important role to play in a free society and that is to keep an eye on government - all organs and all activities of government. The press could also keep us informed about what our other major social institutions, like businesses, unions and professions are doing. But social promotion, for which the press has a lasting itch and spends a lot of time, is definitely not it's role and it should refrain from it at all costs.

If America wants to continue as a civilized society and be the leader of the free world it is time for the three fundamental organs of our society to respect the domains of each other and restrict even the thought of encroaching into others’ territory.

( Revised : 5/22/05 )