Government power

Dear Editor:Although attributed to Ben Franklin it was actually Alexis de Tocueville that said "A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the majority discovers it can vote itself largess out of the public treasury. After that, the majority always votes for the candidate promising the most benefits with the results the democracy collapses because of the loose fiscal policy." I believe this election shows we are at that point. Last week, America voted and said loud and clear that we are no longer a middle- to conservative country. Past elections centered on fiscal issues but today they are decided by social division, race and protecting government checks. Today's America believes that power and protection comes from the government and that the government should make these choices for us. We are not smart enough to choose our children's education, health care and our own retirement. The government knows best. We are now divided by race, money and sex. Many now vote because of the color of their skin, their financial situation, their sex or sexual orientation. I am a dying breed: I believe that the federal government receives its power and authority from us. I believe in Christian morals and that a two-parent family being both a father and mother is optimal for raising a family. I believe that abortion is a blight on the country and to say otherwise is selfish and short-sighted. I believe in a strong defense and controlled immigration. I am not a bigot, sexist or homophobe, although many may now try to label me as such. Our country is a patchwork of many people none better than another and all should be treated fairly, even me. There was a time that if you dreamed big, worked hard and took a few risks, you could succeed. Today, you are told you can't do that without the government's help. I believe that when you take the risk, you are the one most vested with your own success or failure, not the government. For those that are like me, I have no answer for the future. Once power is given to the government it rarely comes back to the people. Things do swing from left to right, but the electorate just moved the whole swing set to the social left. Edwin Huber Downey

********** Published: November 15, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 31