Government is not a competitive sport. And politics should not be an event that seeks to create winners and losers. The purpose of government is to help build stronger and better communities, so that all citizens have a better chance at building a better life. The goal should be that everyone wins.
Democratic governments are established by the citizens to provide the services and do those things that business cannot or will not do to strengthen the community. Roads, emergency services, police protection, clean water, waste management, public schools are all visible examples. But there are many others. In specific situations, representative leaders may choose to broaden their scope because private business is unable or unwilling. One example is the childcare service the leaders of New Meadows have decided is in the best interest of the community. They are stepping into a role that has traditionally been left to the private sector. Ultimately, it will be set up as a non-profit, but it was government that got the ball rolling. Extremists might criticize that this is government over-reach, but local families will be stronger and more resilient having this service, and so the community will be too.
It’s not a competition; it’s practical leadership finding solutions to a community need. Praise to those leaders who did not let conservative or liberal ideology get in the way. Instead, they put families first to build a stronger community.
Why is it we are letting rich people tear our national government apart? Is this what we elected them to do? These trillionaires are not in touch with average Americans, especially rural Americans. Putting millions of Americans suddenly out of work is not building stronger communities or a stronger country. Saving money on the backs of families and people serving in skilled jobs that we need is stupid. Unless, you are the rich guy that will get the tax break.
We need our weather services, agricultural services, research services for health and natural resource protection. We need FEMA people and others that protect us in the event of a natural disaster. Veterans deserve the best we can give them.
Contrary to popular beliefs promoted on social media, our federal government has employed approximately the same percentage of the population for decades (Pew Research). A blip occurred during Covid. And we continue to ask more of our civil servants. To treat them as expendable is shameful! And to say we are gaining efficiency is propaganda— disinformation.
Furthermore, America is virtually at full employment. There aren’t a lot of living-wage jobs out there. How will they feed their kids and pay their mortgages? How will this situation make America stronger or more resilient? It won’t, and millions of people will suffer for nothing except to line the pockets of politicians and their wealthy comrades. And finally, it has the potential to contribute to the recession many are now very worried will come next. Government is not a sport or a business— that’s why it’s called government.
