With more and more Americans feeling the effects, either directly or indirectly, of the economic slowdown, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first is that God is in control. I really could stop there because that sums up where our focus should be, on God. Since as a nation we have turned our back on God, believing that we are somehow bigger than He, there are a few other things we should keep in mind.
- Money makes mankind crazy. This is true no matter what end of the money spectrum you fall in, either rich or poor. In our current economic situation we seem to be going out of the way to make sure we all feel safe in a time of uncertainty. The recent flap over AIG bonuses is but one example. Why are we blaming AIG for keeping a contractual commitment they have made to certain employees? The government were the ones to fork over money to AIG but now seem surprised that AIG has to pay bonuses based on previously signed contracts? Where is the demand for due diligence on the part of government?
- Remember the flap over the Patriot Act? How the argument was made by some that trading liberty for security is never a good thing? Where is that argument now? As a nation we are collectively sacrificing future economic liberty for a warm and fuzzy false sense of economic security now. This is a dangerous road we have allowed our politicians to travel down and I fear the course we have embarked on cannot be altered now. The fact is we have saddled the youngest generations of this country with a financial obligation that will alter the country they inherit. Previous generations fought and died to ensure that our generations inherited a country the same or better than they did. What sacrifices are we making to ensure the same for the generations that will follow us?
- Money makes mankind crazy. I know this was point 1 but it is worth reiterating. When millions of Americans are struggling to pay their mortgages or put food on the table, they will do whatever they have to do to hold onto what they have. In steps the government with some plan that will help the average person pay their mortgage or provide food for their family and we as citizens will gobble it up. Herein lies the problem however, relying on the government for assistance only strengthens the power of the government. Much like a child is dependent on their parents to provide food and shelter, we are being trained to rely on someone else, the government, for these same basic necessities.
To be clear here, I am not arguing that unemployment assistance or other programs intended to aid those on tough times makes a person subservient to the government. Those programs were put in place for the exact crisis we face today and every working citizen paid into these funds to help those who need assistance. There is nothing wrong with these programs. I am arguing against things such as the stimulus package and mortgage relief. We must stop depending on the government for our personal needs and start showing a little more responsibility for ourselves.