Governmental Roles

For years, people have argued over what roles a government should have in governing their citizens. One thing that most people seem to agree on is that the government that governs the least governs the best. Most political parties accuse their opponents of being for big government, when in actuality they all have their own issues that they feel need to be government controlled. The argument begins with what areas the government should stay out of and which areas they should control. The question is who is right and who is wrong?

The conservative view is one that favors small government. They cut taxes so people have more money and then they argue that Social Security should be left for the citizens to control, like a 401k plan, so that government stops controlling the future retirement of its citizens. Conservatives support the right to bare arms and oppose strict gun control laws. These are just a few issues used to show their idea of having a small government, but then there are the moral issues. The moral issues are the issues that conservatives feel could violate biblical law, such as, gay marriage, abortion, pornography control, and stem cell research. Those are all issues that require the intrusion of government on the daily lives of its citizens, a sign of big government.

Liberals also have their own views regarding these same issues. Their views are the opposite of the conservative ideas. Liberals feel that it is not the government's place to decide weather or not two people who love each other can get married, regardless of sex. They are also of the opinion that the government should not decide what a woman can and can't do to her body. Stem cell research is an issue that can save many lives; therefore, liberals support the research. Liberals also support some laws and programs that can be intrusive to citizen's daily lives. They are for strict gun laws, high taxes and Social Security reform that involves governmental control. These are just a few of the issues that Liberals support that could be considered big government issues.

My personal opinion leans toward the liberal side. I feel there is a need to have some governmental control, especially when it will help those that are affected by others actions. On taxes, I feel it is our duty as citizens to help those in need and taxes help pay for government programs that help the needy.