What is the Government's Role?

[Mike McKinzie]

In all the thousands of discussions I have had with people from the far left to the far right, it really has always come down to what the government's role should be in the United States.

Obviously National Defense, Interstate Commerce, international trade, internal defense of citizens, etc... Here is part of the Declaration of Independence, which, by the way, is NOT law.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
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It is my opinion that it is NOT the government's role to make sure you have Health Care, or an Education, or even food, clothing and shelter. It is the Government's role to ensure you have a fair chance to earn the money to purchase these things, and more.

With regards to all this Bailout Money and Stimulus, it is a complete waste of tax payer dollars. There are laws that govern banking, Wall Street, etc... The problem was NOT the law, the problem was the lack of enforcement.

As for immigration, the United States is still the most immigrated to country in the world. We welcome all of you with open arms. We just ask you to leave three things at home, your flag, your language and your culture/politics. Bring your ideas, absolutely, but don't bring your problems. Ideas DO NOT include changing our constitution, like Ziv said about the second amendment. If you love your flag, language and culture, then stay in your country. The United States is all about Freedom, but that does not include the freedom to take away my freedom. Carrying a gun is MY FREEDOM, so don't touch it. Having a sidearm is like having a spare tire in your car. Most are never used, BUT, when you need it, it really comes in handy.

So what do you feel is the government's role in the private individual's life?