Ethics, and the introduction to Government Spending

The ethical issues arising for Americans in a Global Environment.

Yeah. That’s right. You’re getting an essay, whoever you are. You’re going to need to deal with that aspect of this document. There’s a large portion of material in this essay that is historical in nature, but I’m not gonna give you a history lesson. I’m not here to lecture, but a little bit of lecture will help you out to understand where the value of this stuff comes from.

First off, a little lesson on why. Why am I writing this? I’ll tell you. Each and everyone of you can save this country. Every major achievement in this country has happened not because of government, not because of business, but because an individual or a small group of individuals decided that they would fix the issue, no matter the cost. The Manhattan project, the berlin wall, the repeal of socialistic policies that were bankrupting countries, the asian market crisis, the apprehension of Al Capone. All of these were achieved by individuals.

Before you get worried, I’m not going to go into all of those areas. In fact, I’m only going to lecture about two. You might say “But wait a minute chummer, how does this relate to ethics, and more importantly, to me?”

Don’t worry so much hot shot. We’ll get there, until then, keep your nose clean and eyes sharp, and I’ll educate you well.

Right. Back to the topic at hand. I’m going to cover our history lesson first. After that, and somewhat during it, I’ll bring this around to how these two events relate to Ethical responsibility of government, and why they have to start telling you that you gotta help yourself. The reason? While you are required to support your government, your government is not, and must not, support you.

That’s right. The only way this country will be saved is if every single American regains the sense of self-duty and responsibility that was required to make this greatest of great countries in the first place.

First event to cover, the End of communist expansion, and the saving of the United Kingdom. You can thank one person for that. Margaret Thatcher. A lot of American kids of the younger age may only know her as “The implied ugly woman from Austin Powers Movies.” I’ll give the kids this, she ain’t the prettiest of dames. Looks ain’t everything in this world, and she has enough willpower and brains to make up for whatever shortcomings she may have in the physicality sense.

Thatcher came to power due to discontent with the Labor (read: Liberal, Left, Democratic-equivalent) party that was running rampant through the UK citizenry in the late 60’s and 70’s. Thatcher’s main plan was to cut government subsidies, which are simply outlays of taxpayer funds to support businesses in endeavors that would otherwise not be possible to support. In the 70’s the welfare state was rampant in the United Kingdom, and the majority of major industry, such as coal, rail, steel, airway, etc were under the direct control of UK government.

This government control of assets, plus the excessive amount of regulation caused a large amount of discontent in the UK public. The cutting of the subsidies by Thatcher caused a large amount of bankruptcy in government run industries, which in turn caused massive layoffs and unemployment in the short term. Now, its important to understand, short term pain is usually the worst pain to deal with, as it is fast and dramatic, or to put it another way, you go from riches to rags in the blink of an eye.

Thatcher was subject to a large amount of demonization smear, as well as an intensive propaganda campaign due to her policies removing the ability of Gov’t subsidized workers to demand higher pay and benefits. Thatcher’s main opponent was the Coal Miner’s Union, who eventually lost their campaign against her, as the vast majority of the UK’s coal industry was closed down due to the excessive cost required to extract the mineral.

Where do ethics come into play? Thatcher made a very intense ethical decision to put her country’s future above the needs of thousands of UK citizen’s person wants and needs, and by doing so, averted a larger economic disaster that would have brought the country, as well as the majority of Europe, to it’s knees.

Seems pretty simple doesn’t it? I’d recommend if you have any doubt, or interest further, you read up on it. I’d recommend the book “Commanding Heights”. Google it, I’m not hear to do your homework for you wizkid.

The Berlin wall fell for much the same reasons. You could actually say that Gorbachev was most directly responsible. An extremely brief history lesson. Back when the USSR existed, a vast majority of eastern Europe was under soviet control. Poland was one such country, and after a long hard battle, gained its elected independence from the communist party in a landslide election (I believe it was close to 99-1 in favor of the new party in Poland’s Senate/Parliament equivalent).

When Soviet leaders in Poland phoned home to Mother Russia, Gorbachev elected to let the election stand. In combination with pressure from Thatcher and President Ronald Reagan of the US, countries began to split from the USSR, and eventually the Berlin wall fell.

Again, putting country and majority ahead of person wants of specific groups prevailed in the ethical dilemma surrounding the Berlin Wall and the Fall of the USSR, which allowed peace and prosperity to prevail, albeit after hardships.

So what the drek does any of this have to do with Government and You. I’ll tell you very simply.

Government Sponsership of social program that target specific interests, be it the Poor, the Elderly, Corporations, or racial groups are doomed to failure because of the inherit nature of government to incur large amounts of waste, and for people to not spend money given as frugally as money earned.

To put it another way, It doesn’t work to take money from one person in the form of a tax, and redistribute that money to another person. The taxed will begin to feel resentment, and the recipient of the gift will squander it.

That above anything else is an introduction to why Governmental spending is unethical.

More later.

Keep the faith, and remember…

Its all about Dollars, and Sense.


Nicodemus