Time to Pay the Piper, Part Deux

In my last post I opined that our current economic system is dead.  We are falling off a cliff.  The government is trying to soften the blow, but they can only make it worse. 

The government is operating in full-blown Keynesian mode, believing that government money pumped into various "rescues" and "infrastructure projects" always right the ship.  That worldview leaves out one very important consideration...governments have no money, the people governed do.  In order to "pump money into the economy," the government first has to take it by force, or taxes (same thing) from the people.  In other words, the government removes money from one part of the economy and puts it into another part of the economy.  This is pure redistributionist policy, with the government playing the role of Grinch to one sector and Santa to the other.  Remember, these are the same people that run the post office.

Because of overgrown government, we now have the specter of states, counties and cities applying to the federal government for bailouts.  This means that those of you in Tupelo, Mississippi may soon be paying for government excesses in Malibu and Miami. 

In New York City, 88 new taxes and fees were levied in the last week, just to cover the city government's profligacy.  On top of all of this, we have our federal government assuming control of the auto industry, even to the point of appointing a "car czar" who will oversee finances and operations in Detroit.  He will demand a slimmer, more highly trained and more reasonably paid work force, forced efficiencies in production, cutting of excess operations and outmoded production facilities, etc.  Now here is the punchline...HE WILL BE AN EMPLOYEE OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, AN ENTITY THAT NEEDS TO DO ALL OF THESE THINGS TO ITSELF.   

This is truly a case of a thoroughgoing alcoholic managing the teetotalism of a younger protegee because alcohol is ruining the protegee's life.  I have many good friends who are employees of the federal government, but let's face facts.  First, most government sector jobs pay approximately double what the corresponding job pays in the private sector.  Second, federal government employees, and most state and local government employees, have a guarantee of benefits, holidays and job security that makes the UAW's deal look like a kindergarten set up.  Finally, all governments have the ability to pay for their over-zealous spending simply by taking more money from those governed.

And yet, it is these same entities, the governments, who preach austerity to all under their authority.  Clearly the lunatics have taken over the asylum.

So this brings up a few questions...what IS the proper role of government, especially in a time of world-wide financial crisis?  What is the proper role of government in managing itself according to  practices which are commonly accepted everywhere in the world except in government?  What is the role of government in caring for the less fortunate among us and those who have been devastated in this economy?

See you next post.  I am going to admit some of the things that have changed in my opinions, and talk about where we go from here.  Continue to pray that our loving Lord will come soon.  Keep your hearts focused on the King and His Kingdom, for those are the only sure things in the universe.

Comments

[George Grant]

Thanks, Bing. I feel worse now! Though, you've articulated the thoughts that until now have only been "groanings too deep for words."

[Paul C. Quillman]

Bing,
I think Dr Greg Bahnsen had some interesting things to say about the proper role of government. Gary DeMar does as well.

Thanks for this and the previous post. It is very helpful to be reminded that God does actively exercise sovereign control over the affairs of men, espicially when men are doing stupid, stupid things.

Merry Christmas

[Steve Dragoo]

Bing, your comments are timely, thought-provoking and on-target. I particularly enjoyed the humorous asides you interject from time to time, in an effort to pull readers back from the ledge.