Trent Shipley wrote:
As for the distinction between the 'Gummint' and the people, in a functioning or semi-functioning democratic republic, the distinction is invidious. Ultimately We the People *ARE* the republic, are the government. The government is merely a tool for commonweal. We gave our government the power to tax on the theory that if you are benefiting from the commonwealth, then you OWE something to the commonwealth. Is life in America Hobbsian? Is the general political-economic expectation for a life that is poor, solitary, nasty, brutish, and short? It most certainly is not! American life is Lockean, the contract works. Ante up. Take pride you live in a free republic that can afford substantial collective expenditures for the commonweal.
And while you're at it, quit talking about the "damn government" as if it were some occupying force. It's OUR Republic, and OUR government, and I am responsible for it.
So let's be clear, it's not my money, its not your money, it is OUR money, and that is because WE decided to spend it corporately in OUR common interest.
If OUR government spends OUR money excessively or unwisely, then it is OUR fault.
Until I read this, I hadn't seen the contradiction between "Our country! In her intercourse with foreign nations may she always be right; but our country, right or wrong!" (Stephen Decatur) and "the 'damn government' as if it were some occupying force." Both ideas seem to come out of the mouths of self-described patriots, but the former embraces sacrifice and the latter seems far more conveniently self-serving, in my mind.
Nick
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