Posted by
Limited Government on Wednesday, December 03, 2008 4:40:03 PM
I believe that most
people at their core desire freedom, but much of the political discussion and
commentary is so issue focused that many people do not even consider
freedom. I have tried to illustrate freedom and limited government in the
terms that are often used in political commentary regarding a variety of
issues.
Choice - An expansive federal government limits choice and personal
freedom. Limiting the scope and budget of the federal government and
leaving more decisions to the people and local and state governments increases
personal freedom and choice.
Diversity - Giving people more freedom and leaving more decisions to the state
and local levels increases the diversity of ideas and solutions that can be
implemented, tested, and improved.
Unity - Having an expansive federal government causes division between those in
and out of power and those who agree and disagree with what the federal
government is doing. Limiting the power and scope of the federal government
limits division and increases unity.
As long as we have an ever expanding federal government (regardless of party in
power), our freedom and choices will be limited. A one size does not fit
any federal government limits the diversity of ideas and solutions. If
the government gets it wrong, as it often does, it gets it wrong for
everyone. Once something is implemented at the federal level, it is
difficult to get rid of it. As long as the federal government is doing as
much as it currently does, the country will be extremely divided.
Limiting the scope of the federal government will not eliminate division, but
it offers a better chance at reducing division. (As an additional
benefit, limiting the power and budget of the federal government provides natural
lobby reform.)
The solution is to stop the growth of the federal government, and then
gradually begin to "peel the onion" to return the decisions to the
state and local governments. Limit the federal government to its
Constitutional powers. Leave the rest to the states and local
governments. If there is something that the federal government should be
doing that is not authorized by the Constitution, then the Constitution should
be amended. The citizens of each state decide how much government they
desire. Those who disagree with the type of government implemented in one
state would have the freedom to move to another state that has a government
more aligned with their desires.