Is Government Standing by us or Over Us?

Many issues are facing our country which needs to be resolve at all levels of government. How these issues will be addressed will impact the path our country will take in the future. When we vote this election year we need to remember a quote by Ronald Reagan which is as much appropriate today as it was then. The quote is provided below:

"It is not my intention to do away with government. It is rather to make it work -- work with us, not over us; stand by our side, not ride on our back. Government can and must provide opportunity, not smother it; foster productivity, not stifle it. This Administration's objective will be a healthy, vigorous, growing economy."

The number of laws and regulations which have been generated over the years is beginning to question the actions and intentions of Congress. The topics are such in many cases make us wonder why government is operating in the current philosophy of burdening us will laws and regulations which may or may not be constitutionally legal. Much has happened in the last few years or in some cases nothing has happened. In Regan’s quote he wanted to make government work not get rid of it. Clearly today government is not working as it should. Both political parties and the individuals serving us in Washington are to blame, some more than others.

There are good individuals on both sides of the isle and many have stood up for the rights and freedoms we have under the Constitution even at the criticism of their own political party. As stated in the quote above government needs to stand by our side not ride on our back. Today there are many individuals who vote strictly on party lines regarding legislation being presented. Another quote also comes to mind regarding this type of action by our elected officials and it comes from another President, Rutherford B. Hayes. His quote states:

"He serves his party best who serves his country best."

This philosophy is one each elected official needs to understand at all levels of government. They are not working for their political party they are working or should be working for the best interest of the country. This entails not having overbearing laws and regulations which stifle growth and prosperity. This does not mean that there have not been good intentions but intentions and the results do not always agree. We have seen this time and time again not only from the content of the legislation but the content of regulations associated with legislation passed and signed by the President.

Another part of the Reagan quote talks about government providing opportunity, not smother it and foster productivity not stifle it. Our economy is not in the best of situations with the rising national debt and slow economic growth despite the amount of government funds generated to solve many of the issues such as unemployment. In some cases money may be needed to support states with regards to economic conditions but appropriating money is not always the answer. Government should be involved but not to such a degree that it impacts the philosophy of supply and demand. Basically if there is a need there will be an ample supply but only if government lets private industry do what it does best.

The development of our country was not the result of government involvement but individuals and businesses which had the initiative to follow their dreams and make a better life for themselves and their families. The present culture in Congress is dysfunctional where little if anything gets done. It is good to have a split government such as we have today but when the both houses of Congress do not perform their responsibilities as required by the Constitution changes need to be made.

There have been much legislation passed by the House which is aimed at solving some of the problems facing our country but they never get a vote in the Senate. The same situation takes place in the House from legislation passed by the Senate though not as often. The problem in many instances is the fact that some legislation never gets the vote it deserves simply for the reason one of the political parties does not like the action contained within it from the other party. In some cases the content though it may be the right thing to do regarding specific issues it is passed knowing that the other part of Congress will outright reject it simply for the reason they did not think of it. This however does not mean the effort should be taken.

We as voters need to be energized this election year both in the primaries and the general election. We need to send a strong message that the actions and culture of Congress needs to change and put our government on a path to fiscal responsibility. Our financial picture going forward is not a pleasant one and government needs to take decisive action to begin to reduce our debt. Government needs to stand back and let the private sector work as it has in the past by eliminating the uncertainty which has been in place the past few years. Businesses need consistency to plan for the future and this is something which has been lacking.

Our country at heart is a strong county not because of government but because of the individuals. This has been a proven fact from the beginning of our country. Government should concern itself with the responsibilities it has under the Constitution and get out of the way of the private sector. A free market environment is the best medicine for our country today. Granted there are laws and regulations which are needed to protect consumers including their safety but there should never be any laws or regulations pushing a concept or initiative which has no solid basis that it is needed. Another area in which government needs to get out of the way is accessing our energy resources. Granted there needs to be some environmental protection but not allowing us to tap our energy reserves is hurting our economy and its recovery. The techniques being used to access oil reserves as an example have not seen any connection with any contaminations which have taken place in some instances. Any area where oil production has been able to proceed has seen dramatic growth in the local and state economies along with low unemployment. Jobs are the key to getting our fiscal house in order. The more individuals working mean more income for government functions and responsibilities.