Donald Nelsen: Why have we become wards of the nanny state?
Welcome to my first column on the Woodbridge InJersey website. I hope to challenge your thoughts on what government is, what it was meant to be, and how we can change it for the better – in addition to other community related issues.
I like the Woodbridge InJersey format because the good folks who use it post their name (and most times their pictures as well). It isn’t like other blogs which allow anonymous posts which almost always degenerate into name calling, fabrications, lies, and character assassination. It is always good to know who one is communicating with and the respectful exchange of ideas, even if contradictory to one’s own thoughts. I have learned many things from people “on the other side” of the political aisle. And likewise, I believe I have shared a thing or two with them as well.
To come right out and be perfectly honest, I believe government has become entirely too big and encroaches upon our freedom and liberties on a daily basis. It is evident that New Jersey resident have become wards of the nanny state. Many people would not be able to survive without Uncle Sam (or any of its subdivisions) providing for them. It is disgusting how many people are sponging off of government sourcing.
I am sure all the tree-hugger socialist-types out there reading this are about to have their heads explode, but really – was not our great country founded upon self reliance, the church, and the community? When did it turn into Americans wanting the government to control us like a communist state?
It is appalling to see what has transpired in the past two or three decades (four decades ago I was to young to realize what was going on). I am sure there are a few deserving and needy people who need temporary assistance; but what happened to family, church, and community first? Why do so many people just go right to the government then continue for years on the rolls of welfare? It is counterproductive to them and to us.
Our country began with the Declaration of Independence and our “modern” government started with our Constitution. The documents are two very important cornerstones to the way our nation originated. The Declaration of Independence stated the reasons of our breaking from Great Britain and the kings and that our “inalienable rights” were violated. The Constitution codified what the government could NOT do to the citizenry, yet 200 plus years later we, collectively as citizens, act as if the Constitution was just a historical foot note and no longer valid or in effect.
Take a good look around at the federal government and how it operates. Look at Congress and how they write laws exempting themselves from its own policies. Look at the president and how he circumvents the laws citing executive privilege, then look at the appointees to his cabinet who have also failed to abide by our laws. If you or I did the same things, we would be in jail right now. Look at the Supreme Court which has devolved into judicial activists trying to substitute case law for what they believe to be lacking statutory law. It is down right scary as to what is going on in our federal government and the usurping of our Constitution and rule of law. How many times have you heard “there should be a law.” Just because you can’t figure out something or dislike an outcome, the government should write a law further restricting everyday occurrences?
Government has overstepped its boundaries. There is no mistaking it. It is contrary to our great country and the founding principles codified in our Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
I think I have stirred the pot enough for the first column. What say you?
Donald Nelsen, a Woodbridge resident, is a Constitutional Conservative and political activist who believes in the smallest possible government footprint in our lives to enhance our freedom and liberty.