Dear editor,
There has been and continues to be a divisive force most recently expressed in our election. The divisive issue to me appears to be the role of government in our lives.
We have failed to educate too many as to the function of government as designed by the founding fathers. It was very simple. The federal government was saddled with two responsibilities: first was the defense of our country which included securing our borders. Second was the smoothing of commerce between the states. We each as individuals had the responsibility of caring for ourselves through state and local government. The churches and civic organizations took care of charity. We had the responsibility of bossing the federal government through our system of electoral votes and our state government by democratic or popular votes. This system provided a balance of power at the federal level between large and small populated states.
We have deviated from what worked and would work if we would just follow the laws they gave us. We allowed the government to start taking care of us instead of us taking care of ourselves. We let our elected representatives think we are stupid (and maybe we are) and needed to be parents and make decisions for us. Instead of us directing them, they began directing us. Instead of us being the boss and them the employees, it is now the other way around. Part of the problem was letting business get too big for its britches and getting to the point of dictating prices and buying elections. Our elected leaders now work for the big businesses. We get bought off by charity (our tax money) from the government. But with charity comes rules dictated by them. Like who gets surgery and who doesn’t. What is taught in our schools. What kind of stove or car you can have. What sex you are. Who can vote.
Then there is the division by sex and race they play on. We are all more comfortable being with and dealing with those most like ourselves. You see that kind of division at all gatherings and in all organizations. It is not a bad thing. But, it takes courage to get acquainted with strangers; those that are different from us. But it is a fact we are all different from each other. I have found that after you get acquainted with a stranger, they are most likely going to be friends. You are no longer afraid of them. They are human beings, just like you. You respect them and they respect you. We need more of that in our communities.
Finally, we need to remember that our government was founded on a reliance on a belief in trusting God and caring for each other by following the moral laws. Why can’t we act like that again?
L. O. Cox, Jr. Greshamville