Thursday, October 21, 2004
Government of the People, by the People, for the People
James K. Glassman writes about the contrasting views that President Bush and Senator Kerry have on the fundamental role of government. Here are some key paragraphs:
Mr. Glassman continues,
And I agree as well.
Kerry believes that the United States government, through the Constitution, "affords" rights to Americans. My dictionary defines "afford," in this context as "give, grant, confer." In other words, we fortunate, benighted Americans have a country, a government that grants us rights.
That's an utterly inaccurate reading of the great documents of the founding of this nation. Our government does not grant us any rights at all. On the contrary, Americans start off with rights, and it is we who grant the government certain limited powers to protect those rights.
Mr. Glassman continues,
Bush, on Oct. 13, eloquently expressed the opposing vision: "I believe the role of government is to stand side by side with our citizens to help them realize their dreams, not tell citizens how to live their lives." The founders would agree.
And I agree as well.
