D.J. Diebold, in his weekly letter last Friday, begins with a pithy observance, that "the measure of an enlightened society is how they care for the less fortunate and the most vulnerable." He then gets off-track and starts to rant about the state government and his topic for the week.
Mr. Diebold, you must remember that society is not government, but government is a part of society. If you look at the fruits of our society, you can only conclude that we are a very enlightened people. What other nation has had the success of the "great democratic experiment," and then put forth such an effort to help other societies win through to a democratic form of government?
What other country has allow dissidents and minorities to have a voice in the public forum (many times, allowing an influence greater that their numbers may justify)? Who else has given of their personal means to benefit their fellow countrymen and citizens the world over when there are natural disasters? What other people has given billions of dollars to rebuild the infrastructure of countries, after having toppled dictators who would not allow their subjects to enjoy the benefits of peace and personal safety?
All this has been done by our society. We have enabled our government, through our elected officials, to use our resources to do such. These officials are only as powerful as the voice of the people allow them to be.
Presently, the voice of the people says that we cannot spend more than we receive. Yes, tax revenues are down because property values are down, and taxable transactions are less. So, just as you would do in your household budget, the Arizona legislature is revising the budget priorities. It is painful and frustrating to have to disappoint those expecting the largesse of unemployment benefits, but there is no largesse to distribute. The "unemployment tax" that employers have paid into for these many years was only enough to help during normal economic cycles. We are not presently in a normal economic state.
Our legislature is setting a wonderful example for us. You and I, whether employed or not, must only decide whether the expense of a personal cell phone or cable service is necessary. Theirs is a more difficult task, and I am grateful that our representatives are "manning up" to their chosen responsibilities.
If there is anything "cold, harsh", it is your condemnation of these leaders who are shouldering the burden of proper governance. If you are so concerned about those unfortunates that have not worked for over a year, please encourage them to be active in good public works and volunteerism, so they can broaden their experience and show that they are not victims. Who knows? They may create a new employment situation for themselves!
Patrick Shepherd, Gilbert
wdgnas posted at 4:52 am on Tue, Jul 12, 2011.
what happens when the dictators, put in place at the end of a rifle barrel, tell the u.s to shove off?
Dale Whiting posted at 8:08 am on Tue, Jul 12, 2011.
Patrick,
I think we all, including D.J., understand your point. But in a representative democracy, the government we order up is a reflection of society and society a reflection of government. Picky, Picky!
Leon Ceniceros posted at 8:18 am on Tue, Jul 12, 2011.
The New York Times today has a great article by reporter, Motoko Rich. "$2 out of every $10 of Americans' income came from the Federal Government. In Arizona, Florida, Michigan and Ohio it was more like $3-$4. There are 4.6 Unemployed Americans for every "job" that is open. In Florida it was far worse, 500,000 Unemployed for only 11,200 jobs added all last year, 2010.
$2.3 Trillion dollars in Government Payments in 2010...1/2 a Trillion more than in 2007".
In December of this year, the 99 Month Additional Unemployment Payment Bill payouts will end. They already have in Arizona and other States.
We have to learn the hard, hard lesson of living within our Budgets. If that means that Americans will have to learn to live without credit cards and use the cash that is on hand after the bills are paid and a little is put aside for a "Rainy Day". Just like our Parents did back in the 1950's.
THIS IS ALSO A ..."WAKE-UP CALL"...TO ALL THE LIBERAL-PROGRESSIVE-DEMOCRATS AND CHURCH GROUPS THAT............ILLEGAL ALIENS ARE BANKRUPTING AMERICA AND TAKING WHAT FEW JOBS THERE ARE OUT IN THE WORKPLACE AWAY FROM..........."REAL" AMERICANS.
STOP HELPING TO ..."DESTROY" ...AMERICA WITH ...THE "UTAH COMPACT"...THE "DREAM ACT"....CONGRESSMAN JEFF FLAKE'S "STRIVE ACT".......AND EVERY OTHER FORM OF.........A.M.N.E.S.T.Y.
Cerulean posted at 11:04 am on Tue, Jul 12, 2011.
Patrick said, “What other nation has had the success of the "great democratic experiment," and then put forth such an effort to help other societies win through to a democratic form of government?”
This is interesting. I have heard some representatives from other countries, specifically Singapore; say that the US is an evangelical country. We like to go around proselytizing democracy, trying to convince everyone that we have the answer. Many countries would disagree with our philosophy, Communist China for one.
Speaking of China – they too give of their personal means to help others, they too are spending trillions on infrastructure, they too enjoy a sense of peace.
Patrick said, “So, just as you would do in your household budget, the Arizona legislature is revising the budget priorities.”
I would not cut unemployment compensation and TAX my constituents to build more prisons just to REdistribute where tax dollars go (The Fed gov pays Arizona for certain types of prisoners). In my opinion this is IMMORAL ! ! ! Kind of like a police Communist State.
wangly posted at 9:35 pm on Fri, Nov 9, 2012.
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