For the last year America, and many European countries, has
struggled with the role of government. The two big questions have been: What
should government do for us? And, How do we pay for the government we want? Now,
a week before the US election a major storm is approaching the seat of Federal Government.
Washington, New York and the Northeast will be hit by hurricane Sandy. This is
a great time to ask: Do those being hit by this storm want to "go it
alone" or get the help and support of their government?
Candidate Romney and his far right "wing nut"
supporters would like to see America return to its frontier traditions in which
everyone was on their own. In this way we would have a much smaller government
and we would, at least in theory, pay less in taxes. But the role of government
should be to provide citizens with the things they cannot do themselves. Safety
is one thing government can and should provide. Along with education, a legal
system, highways and healthcare, Government should keep its citizens safe from
threats.
As we vote next week. Remember we are voting on the kind of
government we want for our families in the future. I prefer we follow the Obama
plan to cut spending, reduce involvement in foreign wars and begin to do
"nation building" in America instead of Iraq or Afghanistan. America
is a rich country and we can afford to keep our families safe from terrorist,
hurricanes, and swine flu. Tax increases for the wealthiest Americans would
make this possible and balance our budget.
