I’ve been watching the new administration stifle free speech. They are censoring government websites by deleting concepts and information. They are also exposing personal information of most Americans. It begs the question, what purpose does any government serve?
It depends on the type of government. In it’s simplest form, governments are responsible for organizing the efforts of its population for self-defense. Basically, they make sure there is food to eat. They supply water to drink. They also offer shelter to keep people out of the weather. In essence, some healthcare. After all, how can a people defend themselves if they are weak and sick? Or if they are disorganized and don’t have the resources for trade and war? Even if the government’s only purpose is to expand its power over its people and those of other governments.
At one end of the spectrum are totalitarian and authoritarian organizations that isolate their people from the machinery of governance. The people are pawns, resources, for the leaders and their followers. The people are at the mercy of the intent and goodwill of the leaders. Their destiny and well being are not theirs to decide.
On the other end of governance are democracies. These try to integrate the people into the core of governing. The goal is to show the will of the people. It should be done in a way that is most beneficial to all members of the nation. It’s not simply organizing, feeding, and sheltering. Democracies have the aim of ensuring that all citizens have an opportunity to reach their full potential.
Democracies believe in their people and the best that we can be. What be more stabilizing and protective? Each person knows that they are engaged in creating the future for themselves. They also create futures for those they care for. Everyone has the opportunity to be involved in their collective good.
What makes us feel that you belong? What makes us feel a commitment to a group? Or, what makes us ardent opponents? What makes us feel threatened and under attack. What makes us ask if life is fair or unfair?
Democracies collect and distribute information. This allows each of us to analyze our situations. Then, we can take part in addressing our concerns. We have the tools to navigate our lives and futures.
The current administration is intent on limiting what we know. It is vigorously hiding information about themselves while burying the information that we need to make our futures. The new administration is stealing our lives and futures.
An example of this is the destruction of government support for climate change action. The administration claims that climate change is not real. They also assert that we must “drill baby drill.” We know that it isn’t true. We see it all around us. We pay for it more each day with increasing costs in food, insurance, building materials, and taxes.
Who are we to believe? Them or our own lying eyes? (Mel Brooks, Blazing Saddles).
Next post in about a week; Climate change and what the verifiable facts tell is.