Government is "too vast"

A major premise of limited government advocates is the simple acknowledgment that government is too large.  Government is too powerful, too intrusive, and too incompetent.

Now, as Big Government advocates scramble to explain away the IRS scandal, they actually turn on the government itself.

Former Obama Campaign strategist and Senior Advisor to the President, David Axelrod uses an excuse that he knows will resonate with most Americans because it is grounded in common sense. 

His excuse?  Government is simply “too vast” for the President to know what is going on.  As he says, “Part of being president is there’s so much beneath you that you can’t know because the government is so vast.” 

This is exactly what the Founding Fathers warned us about and what modern limited government activists have been saying for years.  A government that is “too vast” becomes an uncontrollable behemoth.  If it is uncontrollable, it is basically unaccountable.  Furthermore, a “too vast” government also has incredible powers to intercede in many aspects of our lives.  What is the end result?  Powerful bureaucracies that run free to do whatever they desire without any control or accountability.  Does that sound like an America of “WE the PEOPLE”?

In the ultimate irony, just a week before the IRS scandal, and the Benghazi cover-up and admitted seizure of Associated Press phone records, President Obama continued the normal Big Government propaganda.

He basically said in a graduation speech that Big Government is not the problem, but all those kooks who keep warning Americans about Big Government are the problem.

As he told students at Ohio State University:

Still, you’ll hear voices that incessantly warn of government as nothing more than some separate, sinister entity that’s the root of all our problems, even as they do their best to gum up the works; or that tyranny always lurks just around the corner. You should reject these voices. Because what they suggest is that our brave, creative, unique experiment in self-rule is just a sham with which we can’t be trusted.”

IRS bureaucrats rejecting and investigating limited government groups simply because they hold certain political views IS a form of tyranny.  It does not matter if it was done under orders by those ‘higher-up’ or not.  In fact, I would argue it is FAR WORSE if these were rogue bureaucrats.  That a few should hold so much power while elected officials “don’t know” is far scarier to me.

Frankly, I do believe that the idea of “self-rule is just a sham”.  ObamaCare was rammed down our throats with bribery in the Senate like the “Cornhusker Kickback” and the “Louisiana Purchase” despite high levels of public disapproval.

Bills aren’t even written when they are voted on. 

State government is not that much different.  The original “Hockey Arena/NIZ” bill was introduced and voted on in 24 hours, despite the constitutional requirement for three readings in each chamber of the General Assembly.  Remember the “Midnight Pay Raise”?

Even locally there is little evidence of “self-rule”.  County Commissioners were told that their approval for grants was necessary because the grant funding was already allocated and being spent.  Basically, they were told that they were irrelevant in the process!  School districts approve expensive teacher contracts with no public scrutiny.  The LCA-Allentown water deal was rammed through without full disclosure of documents and despite widespread opposition.  In fact, while residents were denied the right to vote on this issue, the decision was made with three unelected council members who were appointed to fill vacancies.  The list goes on and on…

I agree with President Jefferson and President Reagan who eloquently described the nature of Big Government.

The natural progess of things is for liberty to yield, and for government to gain ground.”  - Thomas Jefferson

Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.” – Ronald Reagan

I also agree with one thing President Obama said to Buckeye students:

The cynics may be the loudest voices—but they accomplish the least. It’s the silent disruptors—those who do the long, hard, committed work of change—that gradually push this country in the right direction, and make the most lasting difference.”

This is how WE win.  WE must become the “disruptors” in the political system to “push this country in the right direction”.  In order to accomplish that goal, we will have to roll up our sleeves for the “long, hard, committed work of change”. 

WE can keep moving into ever growing incompetent government or work to achieve LESS government.  The side that works harder and makes the most sense with our fellow Americans will prevail.  But with advocates for Big Government blaming government itself more and more, we have a natural advantage – IF we WORK for LESS government.

Are You Intimidated?

Here is a great column posted on Conservative Daily News.  The premise is simple.  If you are worried about Big Government, if you worry that they may target you for speaking up, if you fear bringing attention to yourself from the agents of Big Government, FORGET IT! 

In such circumstances, that is the time to speak up.  If there was nothing to fear, Big Government is not out of control.  When you fear it, that is the time to make a decision, take a stand and fight back.  If not, you will be weak and help the growing power of government.  If you stand up and fight back, remember, You are not alone. 

Only WE the PEOPLE can push back and prevail.  And there is only one answer.  WE must demand LESS government.  WE must fight for LESS government at every level and in every policy debate.  This is the call of our generation.  You do not have to put your life on the line like tens of thousands of patriots before us.  You might risk an audit or some other 'regulatory' investigation, but if it happens PUBLICIZE it.  Ask for help.  PROTEST it. 

This is America and it is time we all start acting like Americans instead of weak-kneed subjects of the state who bow to authority whenever they threaten us.  If you are not willing to do this, then stop all the empty rhetoric and meaningless talk about limited government and the Constitution.  Go home, hide in your house and stay quiet.  If you really believe what you claim to believe then push back at every level of government.  Fight legally and non-violently, but oppose every effort to expand or grow government in your country, your state, your municipality and your school district. 

Do you hope others will fight this fight for you?  Don't you think others hope the same?  It is time to stand up and speak up.  Protests are not enough.  Meeting with those who agree with you is not enough.  Hoping for some divine intervention is not enough.  Hoping to work hard and elect the 'right people' and transfer the responsibility to them is not enough.  WE must engage in the appropriate field of battle which is public policy fights.  What does this mean?  It means engaging in the uncomfortable job of talking to our neighbors about specific issues, especially at the local level, and work to convince them with facts why our positions are correct.  Some will never agree.  Some wholeheartedly agree but spending all your time with them is a waste of time.  Most who are undecided are more likely to agree - if we slowly and patiently convince them.  That is how this political war will be won.

If you think only one political party is the problem then you are too naive to successfully win this fight.  The problem is Big Government and policiticians who grow government - of both parties.

But, do what you will.  But if you do nothing effective, do not dare whine to anyone how we lost, and are losing, our Liberty.  As the following piece says, don't be intimidated by government, it is our duty to intimidate government!

Do Not Let Them Intimidate You

The mood was somber on the Morning Joe set at MSNBC this morning. Their high hopes for this administration have been dashed leaving the crew shaking their heads in sadness. The growing scandals, followed by attempted cover-ups, lies and bullying by the Obama administration were more than even they could justify. The few attempts to explain away the actions of the DOJ, IRS, HHS, State Department and the White House were winced at by others on the set.

Though not surprising to many on the outside, this fall from grace by the administration, is revealing what many said but was previously scoffed at by the Mainstream Media; that the emperor has no clothes and if you mention it they will use strong arm methods to squelch your speech.

The growing list of intimidation tactics.

NBC’s investigative reporter Lisa Myers admits what few on the left want to believe or admit, that this administration has a history of intimidating those who speak against or even question their policies including reporters. The thinned skin Team Obama are intolerant of those who might distract from their story and the approved narrative.

Unfortunately, many in the general public who depend on their thirty minute nightly news program to inform, will remain woefully in the dark about these growing scandals. Now, more than ever, it’s time for those who more closely follow current events to spread the word, to share information. While news organizations, like the AP, may now finally begin speaking more loudly in light of their recent run in with Holder’s DOJ, others will continue to shrink from publicizing the truth in fear of negative reprisal. As individuals we must not let the intimidation tactics of this administration keep the public in the dark. If your friends haven’t heard about these atrocities, the strong arm tactics, the out and out lies perpetrated by this administration it’s time  to speak up. These non-partisan issues should outrage every American.

Talk to people.

Remind them why it is important for reporters to ferret out the truth and keep government officials honest. Let them know that while singling out one group of people who have ideas contrary to the government might seem good today, tomorrow the tables may turn and your group’s ideals may become subject to special government scrutiny. Tell them that while government officials, just like all of us, can make mistakes like in the Benghazi situation, we must take responsibility for our errors and not compound the mistakes by telling lies or blaming others. Inform them of the Chicago style politics used to force acceptance, and promotion, of the very divisive Obamacare.

Even if you are worried about being selected for unwanted attention by the government, speak up.  Do it for your kids and for our future.

If you want to fly a Gadsden flag – Fly it. If you want to meet with fiscal conservatives at a “Lower Taxes” meeting – Do it. If a Tea Party rally inspires you to write about the Constitution -Write. Be brave.

The price of freedom is constant vigilance.

Do not let them intimidate you.