Far too many Americans still do not understand that there is something called the laws of unintended consequences. They only know that they want the government to do whatever is specific to their particular personal interests. I’m not saying that elected politicians gather around the fireplace and plot what they can do to make people dependent on government, albeit in the case of Obama I think it comes very close, but the result of government intervention has led and continues to lead to same.
The moment rugged individualism and self dependency became the interest of government, things started sliding downhill for the citizenry. What that led to was an understanding by politicians that the more they promised to do for the people, the more votes they could get. That led to people who in many instances, were the intellectual equivalents to ameba, (i.e. politicians), becoming more and more motivated to become involved in our personal lives. And that led to nefarious interests hiring even more nefarious companies to petition the elected to vote and/or legislate in a particular way, which effectively took you and I out of the equation. It became not what we wanted, but what special interests wanted. The problem with that is manifold and it has ensnared multiple generations on government gulags of dependency. Ergo, the laws of unintended consequences.
For example, how many people do we hear lamenting the idea of affording college. You yourself may be wrestling with the cost of tuition. One of the underlying complaints of OWS is high tuition costs.
But, what people do not understand, is that the primary reason tuition costs are sky high, is directly attributable to political (read government) intervention. When we were responsible for procuring our own tuition, higher education costs were in line with incomes. But when government decided it was necessary for everyone to go to college and innovated measures vis-a-vis loans for same, higher education saw they could charge more, because they no longer had to worry about people not being able to pay. So up went the cost of tuition, up went the debt graduating students started out with in life. And, the volume of the cries for socialized education, i.e. government pay all education, increased. The problem with that is since government only has what it takes by constraint, taxpayers are the actual providers of same.
It is the same thing with social security. Roosevelt did us no favors by instituting said program. What he did do however, was reduce personal responsibility in our financial well-being. After all, everyone gets social security. And not long after said program went into effect, complaints of not having enough to live on increased, complaints per the limits placed on same stirred complaints, and congressional thievery/misappropriation ran rampant. Now social security has become a political football punted back and forth for political gain.
These are but two and I have in no way been even tangentially exhaustive, but my point stands – more government involvement means more cost, less personal control, and ultimately less personal choice. Government involvement also ultimately results in further erosion of our Constitution.
While people may oppose government involvement in the broad sense of the word, they will argue tooth and nail for government intrusion in the areas that are important to them – be it college tuition, daycare, or dog grooming.
People have become brainwashed to the point that they see government as their provider based on a fallacious belief that they cannot do “whatever” for themselves. And all that has done is take us further into debt and allow for less personal control. It should go without saying that you cannot complain about government intrusion and yet expect government to do for you. Tragically, parents and colleges are teaching future generations that government dependence is critical to personal well-being.
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I suspect that the honeymoon will be over when they come for our guns; and they are going to. Us rednecks in Texas have strong opinions about that.
sumitch: we rednecks back east have similar thoughts and feelings…
Shark_Daddy is right on. The promise of ice cream is what we got with “change” in 2008. I recall an episode in The Golden Girls. “Dorothy said that she ran for class president and presented very good opportunities to learn better…Her opponent promised to show his wee wee if he was elected President of the class.” Guess who won? Yep. The boy. This goes on througout the years of listening to candidates vie for government office seats. That is why it difficult for me to listen to all the garbage and make an educated decision about U.S. Presidents. Without looking into their backgrounds and track records, I would vote for the boy who wants to show his…. That is why I took the lesser of the two evils in 2008 and did not vote for the “ice cream boy.”
Watch what they have done, not what they say they will do. Wish folks had done that a couple years ago.
sumitch: once again its the avarice of something for nothing that drives people to fight against ending government intrusion…
Yup, and once those suede shoe operators found out they could buy your vote by promising you that they were going to cut taxes, it was just a matter of time until we lost our direction. I swear it was better in the 50′s. Or maybe I just wasn’t as cynical.
marilyn: we got 2008 because of what took place w/ fdr…once he gave the illusion of something for free the genie was out of the bottle…was only matter of time until something like barry cashed in…
Same thing here Marilyn. I considered the alternate to be a semi war hero (I don’t give much credit for crashing planes, but going thru what he did in the Hanoi Hilton ……), but not President material. But he was better than the alternative.
Strange. That’s why I lost.
Strange. That’s why I lost.
My problem is that I can’t find any of them to excite me. But then my first vote for President was for Kennedy. He was exciting
The main point that I took from Mr. Cain’s speech about it being your fault if you’re not rich was that if you just sat around, dropped out of school, didn’t find a job and excel at it, blow what money you have on fast cars and good booze, then it’s your fault that you’re not rich. But there are many reasons for a government being involved in our daily lives. Examples from far back such as the “Company Store” and the trap it had on people. It wasn’t a simple matter of going out and getting another job if you didn’t like it. And single individuals have little chance against big business when they have bought and sold our congress with “Campaign Contributions” to get things the way they want it. A single individual has little chance of being heard with their competition throwing millions at our elected representatives. I’m sure holes can be punched all through that statement, but the core fact is that “We the people” are only represented if we have more money and power than the big money boys. Yes we have it, but rarely do we use it. About the best you can expect is a bunch hanging out in central park and smelling the place up.
Who is John Galt?
sumitch: first federal government constitutionally are limited by enumerated powers rest belongs to the state…secondly you open the window in a hurricane you get wet…government wasn’t meant to be in every facet of life…w/in the constitution there were protections…but people believing they were getting something in return relinquished their souls to big government…and this is were we end up…
Again you’re right. The constitution says that the president can’t send us to war, but there we are. Not to be a contrairian just for the sake of it I hope you know. Guess I had a bad day listening to Fox.
sumitch: if you are referencing bush he didn’t…he went before congress just as the constitution dictates…even the aclu reminded obama of that when he lied and invade libya unilaterally…course if republicans had done what they should they’d be voting on impeachment right now…
I was thinking more of the current one for just what you say.
sumitch: there you go…bingo…
Mychal,
I might have missed it among the others, but another major gaffe was the housing bubble and the political perps who misused Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and now wring their hands about the country-wide OWS campouts against the greedy wall street folks. Bet you a good Cuban cigar that not a one of those campers could rationally discuss how financial markets actually work and their valuable purpose to build and maintain the ongoing growth of a society that is run by the people and for the people. Not for the lobbyists building their personal riches from prior political positions, pressing assorted agendas about which you and I have little say until the die is cast. Enjoyed your article. A good read! One of these days I think we ought to talk about how to solve such issues, or put another way, where is the wheel against which our shoulder can be put?
Robert
robert l. bennett: that’s a suckers bet for two reasons…first I believe you’re right about their ability to discuss the issues you reference…and secondly per my preference in cigars the last good sticks in cuba are dated before 2000 and the best are pre 1997…as for your suggestion we talk…I am entirely open to same…
Start the change with term limits and real punishment for politicians breaking the law. And a greater punishment than the everyday citizen would get for the same crime because these types have been trusted and given the authority and power they have by the people in general.
sumitch: we are the only term limits they will recognize…we accomplish that by changing them every term until they understand they are our representatives not we their peons…as for sending a poll to jail…i’m all for that…
Exactly right sir. But how many even pay enough attention to what the golls do to us or let happen to get off their duffs and vote them out? Just like people are naturally greedy, they are lazy. Bread and Circuses.
sumitch: that ship sailed long ago…people are accustomed to what they are led to believe is something for nothing…we have to take lead and bring the rest kicking and screaming…
Exactly right sir. But how many even pay enough attention to what the polls do to us or let happen to get off their duffs and vote them out? Just like people are naturally greedy, they are lazy. Bread and Circuses.
Sorry. Didn’t realize I did that double gripe.
Unfortunately we live in a society which seeks instant gratification, far too many people these days being unwilling to earn, save for, and wait to fulfill their desires. With goverment spreading it’s contagion it’s but a matter of time before this once great country no longer exists. Thanks Mychal.
alan: I have long held that this country will cease to be…and not for altogether different reasons…
It will end Mychal like all societies have. But we don’t have to see it happen by sitting on the curb whining because we didn’t get our supper today, Or our good Cuban cigar (bet you worked for yours. Just like your granny told you to), Or our Corvette.
Of course it’s your own fault if you can’t afford anything! Every aspect of our lives ultimately spins down to being our “fault,” as we’ve made the choices along the way that affect the outcomes of our situations. However, the world spins out of control because Herman Cain had the NERVE to point this out?!? You are right on about taking care of one another. If a friend or family member of mine has a crisis, (again, an outcome of a decision they’ve made along the way), regardless, we all rally around & jump in to help – and having people who love, support and would give you the shirt off their backs, is a direct result of behaviors and choices made along the way. The government has no more business in bailing out our personal lives as the did in bailing out businesses!
snoopsister: well you have spoken…
My grandfather and parents told us children ad nauseum: You can’t spend two if you’re only making one.
We thought they were endlessly repetitive and corny; now we revere them for their wisdom.
danbubalo: my grandmom used to say “pay as you go you travel slow, but you’re safe when you get there”…she also used to say “the way to keep your money in your pocket, is to keep your money in your pocket”…
I remember back in the 90′s when our school district was threatning to close the Vo-Tech (Trade) School, I went the school board and explained how important it was for each trade in their lives – electrician, plumber, builder, carpenter, etc. Now they have increased enrollment since then. Academia, teachers, looked down on those kids who wanted to go to the trade school and never encouraged them towards these other interests.
sandy: well done…but we still need to cut government strings to our lives…
Totally agree with Dave’s reply above: Judeo-Christian principles of living. What happens deep in the soul/heart of those who succumb to the “easy way out syndrome?” I fear it is such a deep wound in the American psyche now that few, unlike Mychal, recognize how dependency has drastically altered our lives. As parents and grandparents we are hearing “children don’t need to work or save,” “punishment is too severe – children should be carefree” and “it is just easier for me to feed the pets than force my children to feed them every day.” What is this? If it is acceptable in the homes of the so-called “every day good American” we are in more trouble than we thought. Albeit small examples of dependence, actually entitlement, the acceptance as the norm is as detrimental as the larger entitlements of tuition, childcare and health care.
Great post, Mychal – thanks for keeping us on our toes.
jan elliot: fact is we must be to rid ourselves of government involvement…and that is something that will be objected to as “we need to help those who can’t help themselves”…I say crapola…we help ourselves…when my friends and I had/have difficult times we circle the wagons and help one another…people used to help through the church…neighbors used to help neighbors…families helped and took care of families…but today the first thing we do is look to government…well as Machiavelli said “when you sup w/ the devil bring a long spoon”…
So True! I have felt more and more hardened, not wanting to even donate to my local food pantry because 1) I have less money now to do so and 2) I know the government has already made “charitable donations” on my behalf. I won’t turn my back on family, friends or neighbors, but I can’t afford to help everyone else. Take Haiti for instance, the government gave my money to them (fine, help those poor people) but then the movie stars and ex presidents are asking for more. Sorry! (Besides, just one of those movie stars could take care of it all alone, why are they asking me? Just give yourself.)
d biddle: they asked for aide for haiti…which I believe we should have helped out…but what about our people and families in Joplin, MO…the Carolinas, the gulf coast…they suffered…bottom line we must begin to think help ourselves not have government do it for us…
D – you echoed my thoughts exactly! I, too, have found myself saying “NO” to charities asking for donations because I feel I’ve already contributed to my government’s charity of choice. It makes me feel like a heel for saying, “No, I don’t want to donate a dollar to Breast Cancer” when the grocery clerk asks me if I’d like to. One, it’s only a dollar, and two, I support my girlfriends who walk. However, this is one big bone of contention with me! It’s not “charity” when you are forced to give – it’s a little bit more like theft.
snoopsister / d: i don’t give to charities…they are to top heavy…I give directly to organization, church, individuals…and I take no deductions for even one penny of my giving…I also agree w/ you on the stick up at the cash register you reference…
Mychal,
I couldn’t agree with you more!
PLEASE check out the work we’re doing (all volunteers) on http://www.LandAndWaterUSA.com (LAW USA)
As resource providers, we deal with government run amok every minute each day; government employees break the law, lie and making life a living hell for private sector…in particular property owners.
Thank you for being a “Good Neighbor.” Good Neighbor Law means, “To use your own so as not to harm another.”
As LAW USA volunteer editor, I’d be honored to post anything you write.
At this present moment, I’m steaming mad. Here’s why:
I’m helping another “great American” with another “federal invasion” on property rights, AND – guess what…I have to “wait” between communications because he “has to work.” He’ll call after he’s “finished driving the beet truck.”
Those are the kind of people I deal with. Good, honest hard working great American’s who – are FORCED into dropping their work to “give their paychecks to, and furthermore deal with lying, thieving, lazy ass jerks like the occupiers, who -”litter” and not get fined for THAT? And why doesn’t TNC use some of the MILLIONS they receive from federal grants to clean up after those horrible people? After all, aren’t those streets “view sheds?”
Roni Bell Sylvester
Volunteer Editor
http://www.LandAndWaterUSA.com
http://www.AmericanConsumerTax.com
(
roni bell sylvester: good site…I’ve forwarded it on to colleagues…
Another good rant! Unfortunately, most of us will never blame ourselves. It is like the two 3rd graders running for class president. The first one gets up and talks about self improvement, responsibility, and increased learning. The class thinks it’s great, and this responsible indivdual would make a fine class president. The second child gets up and says, “If you elect me president, I will give you free ice cream.” There is no discussion of how, when, where or why…it is a landslide. Responsibilty out…ice cream in. Our education bubble is about to burst. It’s no different than fanny mae and freddie mac. You can not give away free ice cream forever. My son is a Junior in college. Last year he called me incensed that only 15% of the students paid full tuition in the Ca. UC system. He was alarmed how much his mother and I had to pay, as that 15%, compared to the average students family. Schools have gotten fat on high tuition, subsidized by government loans that Obama is trying to get forgiven. Loans to people who could not pay them back in the first place, receiving an education they most likely will not complete, and that they are ill prepared to attempt…that sounds a lot like fannie and freddie to me. Unfortunately, the 2012 election will be all about class warfare and ice cream vs. accountability and responsibilty…count on it. God save us…those wanting ice cream have forgotten the better part of themselves and they will not accept being blamed for it.
shark_daddy: the bottom line is as my good friend Walter Williams has argued forever…not everyone needs to go to college…some are better benefited from trade school…others are able to create start up business w/ out college….what about working a couple yrs to save part of your tuition before going to school…
Indeed, this is a parasite on our society! Not only do we feel ‘entitled’ to free education, we are told so by a government that this is true. Just like the housing bubble was a direct result of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac handing out loans to those who in no way qualified, thus resulting in the bubble bursting, we then gave authority to the same gang to fix it! So it is with the educational bubble. And to think that Hussein is advocating circumventing Congress to make low cost refinance loans available to those who owe more than their homes are worth, as well as lower interest loans for college students with tens of thousands of dollars of student loan debt, the cycle is doomed to repeat itself. Is it possible that the current administration’s method of overwhelming the system is to become the “Mission Accomplished” banner Hussein will one day run up his flag pole?
fullcirclethinker: what is being missed is the creeping crawl of socialism since fdr…government has corrupted the thinking of otherwise reasonable minds to believe government is to provide relief and provide opportunity…goverment’s job is to ensure opportunity is not impeded…people are standing around waiting for government to take care of them…aarp has commercials running 24/7 saying what they are entitled to…how about we work and prepare for ourselves…think how much freer and how much debt we would be carrying w/out government intervention…
Agreed. Like a snowball rolling down hill, so has been the encroachment of socialism on this country. It is both gaining in size and speed. And, the analogy is not too far fetched to realize that we are living in the cabin at the bottom of the mountain! One thing we are doing as a family? Why, the exact opposite of the government in that we are doing everything we can to GET OUT OF DEBT and hopefully avoid that snowball that has now become a killer known as debt!
fullcirclethinker: got for you…teach your children to depend on themselves and to take care of family etc and to stay away from government involvement…
My sentiments precisely.
don a. bright: i watched a focus group discussing spending and spending cuts…I remember one woman in particular…she was adamant in the need for spending right up until subject of cutting daycare funding…then she argued that shouldn’t be cut because she needed it…so it is…most agree government shouldn’t intrude except where they think they need it…results in nothing changing…
The whiners would do well to take advice from one who has been down life’s road:
1. Get a job, any job, and start moving up the food chain
2. Live within your means – if you cannot afford it do not buy it
3. Save money or invest in your own retirement
4. Do not borrow a nickel more than you need to, and pay it back
promptly
5. Beware of offers for the easy way out. The hucksters will steal
you blind with false promises (much like politicians)
dave: once again as my buddy Walter Williams wrote some yrs ago…your list should include finish school…learn a trade or skill be it apprentice, college, trade school, technical school…do not have children until you can afford them or as I add you are ready to make the sacrifices necessary to raise and provide for them…learn to save money…
One of your best yet! Thanks
dave mcblane: thks partner…people have been brainwashed to look to government in order to go to bathroom…I’m old enough to have had family and neighbors who looked to themselves for what they needed…if they couldn’t afford they didn’t get it…