Are you happy with how government is functioning?  Are you in favor of a progressive, totalitarian government that determines what is best for the people even when it violates the rights of the individual?  Do you value individual achievement and individual accountability?  What do you want government to be? 

Our government is of course a republic, but for far too many years now, our government has been controlled by two political parties whose differences are far fewer than their similarities.  Political parties that resemble exclusive private clubs whose elitist members are expected to vote the party line and promote the progressive agenda of both parties.  These individual members are selected not for their ideals or values, but instead for their devotion and dedication to the club, be it the Republican or Democratic Party.  As long as these members are willing to support the agenda of the party, no matter what the cost and even to the detriment of their constituents, they are rewarded through the support of special interest groups and their political party.  This incestuous relationship has left Americans with little choice at the voting booth.  The progressive agenda of both parties is creating a larger, more invasive government that forces those agendas upon us without regard to our rights.  Meanwhile, Americans blindly argue which party’s progressive path is better, not seeing that the destination is the same for both parties.  Both parties have shown a fondness for large, invasive government at all levels.  The Democrats openly admit that more government is needed to control the economy, education, health care, manufacturing, and every other aspect of our lives.  The Republicans are not as up front about their desire for the growth of government, but the signs are there if you look.  When Democrats are in power, Republicans cry out for reduced spending, they shout from mountain tops for all to hear how Americans are losing their freedoms, how the Democrats are increasing spending and raising taxes.  The less power the Republicans have, the louder and more conservative they become.  The problem comes when the Republicans are in power and have the ability to enact these conservative principles; they fail to propose or to act on them.  Right now at the federal and state levels, Republicans are criticizing the Democrat’s agenda and they are proposing conservative alternatives; but where were these ideas and solutions when they were the party in power and could have gotten a conservative agenda passed?  I believe that the Republicans are using the Democrats as useful idiots, letting them grow government but being careful not to position themselves to be blamed.  The current example of this in Ohio is the budget.  The governor and Democrats want to use the lure of gambling revenue to help balance the budget and eliminate the need for a serious look of cutting the size of government.  They want the Republicans to support slot machines so that Democrats will not bear all of the blame.  Republicans claim that if the governor wants to put slot machines at race tracks he can unilaterally approve it without the support of the Republicans, thereby putting all political risk at the feet of the governor and Democrats.  The Republicans are now saying to put it on the ballot and let the voters decide.  This is a back door way for the Republicans to get slot machines into Ohio without any culpability to the Republican Party.  Neither party is willing to do what is necessary to balance the budget and get Ohio’s economy growing.  Neither party is willing to redesign or right size government in Ohio.  Ohioans have been bombarded with threats of draconian cuts to all state and local services.  Politicians on both sides know that many voters are so accustomed to our nanny state government that they are willing to accept anything if it will avoid service cuts, so allowing the voters to decide on the slots is a viable way for Republicans to allow the slots without subjecting the party to the scrutiny of true conservatives.

 If you are satisfied with your government, with increased government control of our industries; if you believe that government should protect us from ourselves because the government experts have spoken so there is no reason for debate or discussion; if you believe that the government should be our provider, then continue to faithfully support the two party system, continue to vote for those candidates that put the Party’s priorities above yours.  Continue to elect candidates that tell you what you want to hear, only to vote the Party line when elected, if that is what you want from your government.

 If on the other hand you believe in a limited government, that rugged individualism, personal choice and accountability are what allowed this nation to become great, that we the people know what is best for ourselves and our communities then use your vote to support the candidates that believe as you do.  Vote based upon your beliefs, not some elitist club disguised as a political party.  Seek out those candidates that share your values and ideals, candidates that are willing to stand by their convictions, and in the light of truth to be held accountable for their choices and actions. 

If you are happy with how government is working in Ohio and across the nation, then continue doing what you are doing.  However, if you think that government is out of control, that government no longer works for the people, then it is time to stand up and vote your convictions.  It is still our government, they still work for us, and we have no one to blame but ourselves if we continue to support politicians and candidates that lie to us, steal from us and our children, and generally act like royalty that is above the law.

This entry was posted on Friday, July 10th, 2009 at 12:04 am and is filed under Ohio's Economy, Taxes. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.