Post B - Rob and Katie on the Role of Government

In light of the new city council being sworn in, Rob and I decided to blog about what we believe the role of government should be in our lives.

Although over the years our views have started to get a little bit closer, this is one that is still worlds apart. One of my favorite memories is when we were first married and visiting the homestead for the first time. For some reason we began talking about a fictional eighteen year old whose parents died and left him responsible for his six brothers and sisters. We stayed up late into the night debating the merits of welfare in cases such as this poor unfortunate man.

We were able to listen respectfully and agree to disagree. It seemed to set the tone for the political discussions throughout our marriage. I hope we can stay civil here too. In the interest of fairness, Rob goes first this time. 

Rob says –

I can’t remember where I’d originally heard it said so succinctly, but I want my government to do is “pave the streets, deliver the mail, and defend our borders from foreign invaders.” I’m happy to pay in to a government that understands I know how to best raise my child, drive my car, feed and clothe myself, and provide for me and mine.  

I want to know I have water and sewer. I want to know I have access to quality schools and library services. I want to not have to worry about bridges or the economy collapsing. I want to know that my tax dollars are giving me the greatest and freest civilization on the planet, as was the original design. I simply don’t see that happening.  

What I see instead is a government that focuses on micro-management and not macro-management. Simply stay out of most things, and guarantee liberty. 

I know it’s extremely patriotic-rah-rah, but we were designed with greatness in mind, and as a nation I feel like we’ve maybe lost our way a little bit. I think a smaller government focusing on a few core things is the way to get out of debt, and get the US back on the path to greatness. 

I hope this didn’t come across too rambly or incoherent. I’m trying to keep it brief. Thanks.

Katie Says -

We are only as strong as our weakest link, and a pound of prevention is worth an ounce of cure. These are the two things that I believe sum up my view of government.

I worked for Head Start, which is a federally funded preschool program. I saw everything at Head Start. I saw people who really needed to have their children there and people who were working the system.

I definitely think there needs to be reform, but I think the programs do a lot of good. We had one mother who started with us when she was going to school. She was working full time all day and going to school at night. She lived in a horrible neighborhood and was solely responsible for two boys. She received free childcare when she first started. She was able to get herself through school and was paying full price by the time her second child graduated from the program. She was a woman who needed the help she deserved and now her children will not be on welfare when they are adults because of that help.

I understand the belief that the federal government should be responsible for defense and should otherwise stay out of our lives. I simply do not believe that. I believe the government should support i's citizenry so everyone can have opportunities. We will not be able to be successful until we break the cycle of poverty and help everyone succeed. Part of that is ensuring we have an educated and healthy citizenry.   

In general terms, what do you think the role of government should be?