What do I want?

I didn't see much of the inauguration today, I was at work (resisting the urge to make a sarcastic comment about taxes, etc.).  I did happen to see Bush get booed when he was introduced.  Way to keep it classy, folks.  Of course, watching most politicians, I guess people don't have much for role models if that is where they are looking.

I did start thinking last night about what I would like to see from government.

Leave me alone.  I hear politicians saying they are going "to fight for me", etc.  Don't.  Just let me take care of myself.  I think the government which governs best, governs least.  Pretty sure I read that from one of our founding fathers or one of the people that they drew upon when framing our government.  

1.  I want the government to provide for the common defense.  That means military and securing our borders.  That also means a federal agency for the assisting of local police in major crimes.  

2.  I also think the federal government should be involved in the infrastructure of the nation, like interstates and dams and bridges.  By the way, government keeps taking money from us for these things, but they sure aren't doing the work.  There are a lot of issues coming due with the infrastructure in this country, concrete is NOT a permanent material.

3.  I want the federal government to quit meddling in the economy.  Capitalism works until the government gets in the way with taxes and "relief".  I admit I know little about macroeconomics, but I have friends that do and that is where I learn, and I know communism does not work as several major economies have recently failed.

4.  I want the federal government out of the charity business.  I give my tithe to my church which uses it to help others and I support a few other charities.  I know of many other charities that work to serve the full needs of people in need and do a much better job than government programs that I would love to support but cannot because so much of my money is going to government programs that do not work (they do not address the real problem).  I am not hard hearted, I cry when I see the effects of sin and brokenness in this country (and the world), but I am tired of supporting programs that do not work.

Anyway, I am for SMALL government.  I do not know what that makes me, but I know I am not a Democrat, and I do not recognize my beliefs and values in very many in the Republican party.  I guess I am just independent.

Also, I've seen a lot of quotes from folks today about "I am proud to be an American today."  I don't know what that means.  Am I proud to be an American today?  Absolutely.  But, I am no prouder today than I was yesterday, last month, six months ago, 6 years ago or 25 years ago.  This is a great country with a system of government that is still great (and I believe would be much greater if we would return to the original ideals set forth by the founders).  We help a lot of people and countries around the world with seemingly little gratitude.  I hear about us helping monsoon victims in Asia but not others helping us after hurricanes or the flooding in the midwest.  Maybe it happens and doesn't get reported, I don't know.  But, I don't want us to help because people will love us for it or help us in return, I am proud that we do it because we are able and it is the right thing to do.