Re: The Growth of the Federal Government

It's easy to point at our government and call it tyrannical. One can also sit around and construe conspiracy theories. For all we know the government could be monitoring us at this very second. Really all we can do is trust the virtue of the federal system. But to think the United States has become "a huge monopoly trying to worm its way into every system, business and household to gain more power," is a little over the top.

Yes, the Constitution was established fundamentally to protect our rights, but times evolve and so must the frame. Government officials do not look down on us as petty incapable people and they definitely don't see their job as babysitters. Of course we are capable of taking care of ourselves, but what about those impoverished, homeless, bankrupt, sick. The government is obligated to take care of them and if you think things such as Medicare and bailouts are a device to gain control, let's take away federal aid and see what happens.

Governments are not just meant to protect us, that is what military and police forces do. They are established to regulate the system and ensure the highest possible functioning of the nation. Look how much times have changed- a person can video chat with somebody live all the way in Japan through a phone in the palm of their hand. When the framers wrote the Constitution, they knew society would evolve. That's why we have the judicial branch, to interpret the Constitution. I seriously doubt gay marriage was a topic of conversation in the 1800s, and I'm sure you think Proposition 8 is unnecessary and the people should work it out without government interference. But if the government didn't address the issue, gay marriage wouldn't be illegal or legal, but it could be scrutinized and denied. How about the 14th Amendment and Civil Rights. Without laws instituted to protect the rights of African Americans, we may still not have equality because there would be no power to enforce it.

It almost seems you would prefer a borderline anarchy. Our presidents know they are not gods, and they certainly don't expect to be treated like kings. This nation is obviously far from perfect and clearly has numerous issues at hand, but if they are not federally addressed, how else do you expect them to be solved? We have the right to select our government officials. They're job is to ensure the best interest of the people and the nation. As one of the freest countries in the world, I would say the balance of power we have going on is pretty good.