More On Politics

I do not define my political view as either Democratic or Republican. I have some liberal social views but I have fiscally conservative views as well. I do not claim to have any definitive answers to our current problems, but I do think there are a number of possible solutions that haven’t been explored due to single mindedness of those in congress. Do I believe that everyone needs health insurance? Yes, I do. Do I believe the government is responsible for providing it? No I do not. That is my answer and no matter how you try to phrase it or distort it’s meaning, I will never deviate from that principle.

I am and will always be responsible for myself and my family. I believe that working hard is something to be proud of and that sitting around collecting a government check when you are fully capable of working, should be looked down upon. If you are able to work and earn a living, then you should. There are some truly helpless individuals out there who genuinely need assistance and I am in no way looking down my nose at these people. I think the current programs available were designed for these individuals. I do, however, believe there should be limits to prevent people from living off this kind of system. I don’t mean that someone should get welfare and after two years they should be cut off. That doesn’t help anyone at all. Not the person receiving welfare or the community in which they live. What I am saying is that while someone is receiving welfare, they should be required to attend some type of school or skill training so that when they can, they will be able to provide for themselves and their families. I think that in order to receive welfare, it should be agreed upon that once you are able, perhaps 2% of your income should be taxed over a 2-5 year period to go towards helping others who are in the situation you were in. That would make it like a “pay it forward” type of system. It would be completely voluntary on the part of the person applying for welfare. If you want it, you will get it, but you will then agree to give back to your community once you are in a position to do so. That may help with government funding but it also prevents others from taking advantage of a program that was meant to be a “hand up” not a “hand out”. Maybe I’m making it less complicated than it really is, but I try to operate on the KISS principle – Keep It Simple Stupid!

Now, nobody would disagree that the healthcare system could use some work. But what many fail to recognize is that the current government debate is not about healthcare. It’s not about the American people at all. The Democratic/Progressive agenda is about gaining a socialistic foothold to expand on. It has been happening so gradually that we haven’t noticed until now. Taking over healthcare was the next logical step. Take a look at world history and compare Obama’s strategy with that of Hitler and tell me you don’t see some striking similarities. Sometime around 1938, the United Socialist party and the Communist party were in a power struggle so the people of Austria petitioned on their own behalf, to be allowed to choose what government they wanted. An election was held. This was all happening during an economically depressed time for Austria. The people were faced with high unemployment rates, sickness and starvation. Hitler promised jobs for all, healthcare and education. A vote for Hitler meant that the suffering would end and the basic needs of the people would be met. He was elected by a landslide vote because the country was desperate and Hitler delivered on his promises. Austria got much more than they bargained for. The changes didn’t come overnight, but gradually, all aspects of private industry came under government regulation and control. Religion was taken out of schools and replaced with political propaganda. Children were indoctrinated by the public school system. People were told what jobs they would have and how much they would make. In time, Hitler became an infamous dictator and is remembered as such today. During his time in power, he, his administration and military committed the atrocities that will be remembered for all time. Keep in mind though, those things came later, after he had his roots firmly planted and the people had no way to fight back. These are bold statements but you cannot deny that the parallels exist.

This may be an extremist point of view. I am not willing to take that risk however. I refuse to sacrifice my freedom (not even a little) or that of my family and everyone else I know, just because someone is promising me a softer, easier way. These things always come with a price no matter what you want to believe.