Changes in America

"With all these blessings, what more is necessary to make us a happy and prosperous people? Still one thing more, fellow citizens -- a wise and frugal government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, which shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government, and this is necessary to close the circle of our felicities."-- Thomas Jefferson, from his First Inaugural Address

Americans remember John F. Kennedy saying “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” Those words have been forgotten. Many do not want to “do for their country”; they expect the “country to do for them”. To make matters worse our government relishes the role of playing philanthropist. It has gotten past helping those in need. It has become a threat to our well being.

Generations ago immigrants came to this great land for the opportunity to live in a free land and to work hard. They wanted a better life for themselves and their children. They were proud to learn English and be a contributor to their community. We are now in a time where people come to America for the social programs our government provides. They would prefer to be a beneficiary instead of a contributor.

Our parents and grandparents were appalled when the government’s spending and debt were put in numbers as Billions and Tens of Billions. Now our government expects us to accept Trillions as the norm.

Children were sent to school to get an education. They felt safe walking to school, being in the classrooms and playing with their friends. Now we have guards and metal detectors at the school doors. We need special rules to keep weapons out of our schools. Parents are happy to have their children come home safe and sound let alone get an education.