Capitol Hill Blue Forums Political Issues Politics In General Does Gov. act contrary to interests of citzens?

I am not sure I am following/understanding this conversation very well. I think one should define the terms used as a starting point, thus what are the interests of the people? I think the Constitution provides the answer.

Interests of the people:
1. form a more prefect Union
2. establish Justice
3. insure domestic tranquility
4. provide for common defense
5. promote the general welfare
6. and secure blessings of Liberty

So the real question is can anyone provide an example for which the government is acting contrary to these categories of interest? One example of course proves the claim that government does indeed act improperly.

I think everyone can provide examples in which there are competing interests at stake, but does that qualify for a government acting contrary to the interests of the people?

Assuming that there is such a construct as 'interests of the people' (i.e. some group of needs/demands that the overwhelming majority of the people feel can be called their own) and that that includes economic freedom (i.e. freedom from want) then IMHO capitalism cannot fully (by definition and by nature) provide such needs.
It will offer handouts. The solution, however, is changing the system and of course, any systems' main tenet is its own survival/maintenance.

Whenever a "government" is formed, it is given a "sphere of influence" - responsibility for some collective action - that is to be taken on behalf of the collective, whether that be maintenance of roads, the Post Office, Defense, or catching stray animals. There will always be some friction between the general will of the collective and the desires of individuals - like the owner of the dachshund taken to the pound, or the property owner whose land is taken by eminent domain for the highway extension, or the draftee. The larger the entity charged with taking on the larger responsibilities for the larger collective, the more individuals will have conflicts with being able to exercise their individual prerogatives. It has been, and will ever be, thus.

Consequentially, the greater the responsibility transferred, the greater the desire to gain control over that entity to benefit the more "interested" individual. So, the Mayor who owns the local business will use his power to try to keep the chain store out, and the Defense contractor will try to exert influence over the letting of contracts for products it produces. Government is not inherently evil, nor are government workers inherently corrupt - but the mechanisms and reality of governance will always attract those who seek to game the "system" toward their individual desires. It is therefore incumbent upon all of us, as the creators of the governing entities, to exercise oversight and make corrections as we can. Obviously, though, the bigger the entity involved, the more of us, collectively, it will require to effectuate such changes.

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fI think it would be more to the point -- and a considerably shorter exercise -- to provide examples of the government and the present American Constitutional system fulfilling any of those criteria in a meaningful way.

Numan, I can point to a list that you seek, but it would fill millions of pages. This nation has led the way in liberty and freedom more than any other in the world. We have had, until the miser party took hold, the best infrastructure in the world. I could go on but will throw out this red meat for your "hate America" campaign. Watch out though, it could bite you back.

For all its failings, this nation has muddled through quite admirably. Democracy is a fragile and very imperfect system. Since you abandoned this nation I think you also forfeited your right to criticize, but hey, I am just a happy go lucky "bring it on" kinda guy.

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Hey, it gave you the right to emigrate!

There's something called overindulgence. There's no reason why my money should go to provide infrastructure to those who don't need it and can't afford it.

India and China have learned this. It's about time we do, too - if we want to stop hurtling down the steep road of decline the usurping Democrats have propelled us.

Food for Thought.



My fellow Americans...you may agree or disagree with the content of the video.

In my opinion, there are also very disturbing lists of issues, which equally define the Republican Party, the Democrat Party, the Libertarian Party, displaying similar behaviors as those outlined in the video. They are all, at some level or degree, powerist who no longer respect the governed, nor their Constitutional roles...not just by the letter, but by also the spirit.

In "my opinion" we do indeed have self-will-run-riot political parties, machines, elected officials and government bureaucrats who have come to believe that they are in control of the American traditions and values, and the way in which capitalism will function, which they are obviously working hard to make sure that it better serves them over the citizens. They have become fearless and shameless regarding public opinions, beliefs or even when public groups that clearly identify their rogue, unethical, and possibly illegal behaviors . It appears "to me" that we have about 535 dictators who will go to any length to maintain control over 300 million plus people. It's almost as though our government has committed mutiny against the citizens.

Phil, I'm glad that you're pleased with all of governments achievements. However, regarding our nations infrastructure. Yes, one was create, but unfortunately not maintained. Our infrastructure, in many places around the country, are becoming increasingly dangerous and LITTLE TO NOTHING is being done to deal with those dangers.

The government of decades past...like during FDR and Kennedy day are long gone. They'll never return.

Thanks for allowing me to voice my opinions...

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Ho-hum!
Time to bring out the tumbrels and the guillotines!!

À bas les aristos !!

Écrasez l'infâme ancien régime !!

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