There is no doubt that something is broke when it comes to California’s government. The courts make laws, the governor makes the news, and the legislature makes no sense. Some have called for a Constitutional convention to fix California’s government, however that is not what is broken, either here or in Washington DC. Constitutions are written to control government, to limit the power of those who rule over us, and protect the rights of the citizens. We are safer when government is small and does little. Now don’t get me wrong, there is certainly a need for government, but that should be limited to protecting citizens from outside invasion, from crimes committed by other citizens, and regulating economic activities that are fraudulent, monopolizing, or lead to immoral behavior (commercial gambling, pornography, drugs, obscenity, and alcohol).

The problem here in California and in Washington DC is that government has attempted to do much more than it was intended. This is the result of two forces – greed and a sense of entitlement. People have increasingly expected government to provide whatever they need. Some go so far as to say that everyone should have the same things - a house, a job, lots of money, health insurance, vacations, the best education at the best universities, etc. and they say that the government should provide it. After all equality means we all have the same “amount” doesn’t it? The demands of these voters when coupled with the greed of your average politician is a deadly combination. Elected officials hear voters say they are entitled to these things and recognize right away that they can get elected and re-elected by promising and fulfilling promises to provided what government was not intended to provide in the first place. Representing the people of this state and this country was never meant to be a full time job or a way to get rich or even provide for your family. It was meant to be a part time job – a position of honor because of your sacrifice to your community, state, or country.

This leads to government borrowing money and increasingly taxing citizens and businesses to obtain the funds necessary to redistribute to those who have less than others. Again, don’t get me wrong, I want everyone to be as well off as they possibly can, but not at the expense of others. To do so is a violation of one groups rights to provide things to others and is immoral by its very nature. The things of this world are not rights or privileges, they are the result of hard work and sacrifice by some. Everyone has the opportunity to possess the same things, but only through the same hard work and sacrifice.

So what does CA and the country need to learn? LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS! Yes, that does mean some will not have what others do. Some will live in a house, some will live in nicer homes, some will live in apartments, and some will live on the streets. No it isn’t nice to think about. Who will help them you might ask. Well the Founding Fathers most likely would say – Someone other than the Government!

Citizens – change your behavior first – set the example – and then send a clear message to your representatives – LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS!

  America is the land of freedom, equality, and opportunity, but in all cases we the people are limited and it is these limits which provide for the continued protection of our rights. We are a people bound by law and our government was created under the same set of laws. We posses equal rights, yet some say that they are not equal when some have health insurance and others do not. Equal rights cannot guarantee equal possessions, just as equal opportunity cannot guarantee equal outcomes in our endeavors. At least this is how our Founding Fathers envisioned our society. That which obligates one group of people to provide something for another, simply because they do not have it, cannot be called a right. Doing so violates the rights of some in order to provide for others. Why did we not see our Founders promote such an idea in our Constitution or in their personal writings? It is precisely because the redistribution of wealth, which in itself is the result of a peoples freedom, equality, and opportunity, does more harm than good. It violates the rights of some to provide for the equality of things for others. If forced to do this dreadful thing, we can say goodbye to the freedom, equality, and opportunity that we all have come to love and many have sacrificed dearly to preserve. As for me and my house, we say – “Don’t Tread on Me”!

The CA Special Election on May 19, 2009 was an IQ Test. Congratulations CA you passed! Were we to let those in Sacramento continue to waste our money by spending it on needless programs that only assist special interests, social programs, and things that really aren't the responsibility of government at all? Were we to encourage our lawmakers to borrow more money or tax the citizens of our state only to turn around and blow it? Perhaps, now they will do what they should have been doing for several years - CUT the Budget! This all comes from a public school teacher who is tired of hearing teachers, fireman, police officers, and other state employees preach that "they, in some way, should be exempt" from the pain and suffering that so many other Californians and Americans have had to deal with over the last year. When will our government learn to live within its means as most Americans do? Yes, part of our problem is that many people don't know how to live within their means. They borrow and use credit as if it is cash to satisfy their materialistic pangs. If you can't control your own pocket book, how do you expect the government to control theirs? We all have a lot of work to do!

 

Not a day goes by that I am not reminded of something my dad taught me. What I do now stems from his love of politics, history, and philosophy. My dad taught me that to call myself a professional is one thing, but I must also look and act like one, so I have worn a tie to work now for 15 years. He taught early on that there are many things that people hire others to do that I could do myself. He showed me and gave me the opportunity to learn that hard work - physical work- is very gratifying. Together we grew to see that laughing often and loudly is good for you - very good. Perhaps the greatest lesson I have learned, however, was the result of his illness, and he not only taught me but everyone with whom he came into contact.

ALS is an insidious disease. To lose control of all your muscles, but still be clear of mind is cruel. Yet through all of it, my dad’s positive attitude was infectious in and of itself. He was able to find joy despite his illness; joy in others, joy in simply gathering together with others, and joy in traveling anywhere to anything despite the hindrance of his wheelchair. This joy drew others to him despite his circumstances and this became his opportunity to minister to others and lead them to a greater understanding and appreciation of God’s Grace in times such as those he went through.

James chapter one reminds us to “count it all joy when you fall into various trials”. Why, because the testing of your faith produces patience. Those who faithfully endure this testing will receive the crown of life. I am confident my dad has received his.

Our dad taught all of us to love, serve, and persevere. We suffered as he suffered and are better for it. He did it all with an incomparable attitude, and we therefore learned the rich blessings of having family close by. For these things I will be eternally grateful.

Sure you can ask me how I vote. Are you looking for a voters guide, so to speak? We'll I can certainly advise. I have been interested in politics for 25 years (since about 16 years old) and this was due in part to my fathers political activities. My dad was an advisor to Ronald Reagan when he was governor of CA (welfare commission) and a campaign manager for S. California for Nixon in 1972. My political opinions may not be your's, but there is one thing you can count on. Mine don't change over time. They have only grown stronger. So, if you are seeking advice on how to vote. Yes, go ahead and ask.