“There are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.”   

— James Madison (speech to the Virginia Ratifying Convention,
16 June 1788) Reference: Bartlett’s Quotations (352)

#1 Government creates wealth for the nation. ~ Myth

Fact: The United States government does not create wealth and neither do the state governments. All the money the government has comes from taxes, fees, business licenses, corporate taxes and loans. In other words it is We, the People who fund the federal, state and local governments of the country. Some would argue this point based on all the government employees that put their incomes back into the economy. Yes, as government grows it creates more jobs but that does not negate the fact that it is the good taxpaying citizens who pay more and more taxes to pay for all the new employees. Therefore, the truth is that it is We, the People who pay their salaries.

Because there is not enough money to be had from the people the government has resorted to borrowing billions of dollars either from themselves or other nations such as China. The result of this borrowing is that each man, woman and child in America literally owes $50,000 each to “Uncle Sam”. How immoral is it for us to allow this to continue knowing that each baby born is born in debt?

#2 Governments through politicians care for the needs of the people. ~ Myth

Fact: Humans have emotions and feelings, institutions do not. Politicians speak a lot about caring for us and making life safe and equitable for all in order to get elected. The fact is that life is not fair and equitable. Bad things happen to good people and that is a fact. The idea that an institution can control our lives from birth to death keeping us safe and meeting our needs is a utopian pipe dream that has never worked. The end result of this belief, in every country that has pursued this route, is a population that is equally poor and miserable; except for the favored ones who make all the money off the backs of a controlled population.

For a people to rely and trust in government to take care of them is idolatry because God, the creator, wants us to rely and trust in Him. He and He alone is the giver of our liberties. It is up to us to be responsible for ourselves, providing for our families, protecting our families, and prohibiting those who try to interfere with the laws of Nature and Nature’s God. The best way for society to care for each other when tough times occur is through our natural generosity best exhibited through faith based charities. When we trust government for these services the end result has been and always will be the creation of a culture of dependency/bondage that is passed on to each generation.

Dinner Table Discussion: #1. Ask your older children where the government gets the money to provide all the services it provides. #2. Discuss whether the government and politicians really care about the people or if they are just making empty promises to get elected.