Freedom

"A free America... means just this: individual freedom for all, rich or poor, or else this system of government we call democracy is only an expedient to enslave man to the machine and make him like it." Frank Lloyd Wright

There is a lot of talk bantered around about "civil rights" and "constitutional rights." Part of the problem we face in this country is an over-emphasis on our rights and too little attention is given to our eroding freedoms. I don't have a right to health care, government subsidies for my housing, welfare checks, or employment. The government is supposed to provide me the freedom of opportunity, not a free ride.

• Opportunity to own land without the fear of imminent domain.
• Opportunity to enjoy the fruits of my labor without the government holding their hand out for a check they didn't earn.
• Opportunity to freely express my thoughts and ideas with having it called hate speech, or politically incorrect.
• Opportunity for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

As things stand now most working Americans spend nearly all of the first six months of the year enslaved to government. When you add up federal, state and local taxes, excise taxes, gas taxes, and all the hidden taxes referred to as fees, penalties and surcharges we work to support a growing social welfare system called the United States Governmenet.

Our founding fathers sought to free us from the burden of an over-reaching, over taxing, over-intruding government. It's time we reclaimed that freedom.

Trent Wheeler

We the People

I pray it is not lost on the politicos in Washington D.C. what took place last night. I listened for hours while democrats and republicans both tried to spin the outcome of the Senatorial election to promote their political leanings.

Scott Brown's victory in Massachusett was not a republican victory, neither was it a democrat defeat. It was a victory of the people of Massachusetts and a victory of the people of the United States. While there are many issues on the table (i.e. healthcare reform, big government, and our national debt), the real issue is that the average guy is tired of his voice not being heard in Washington. This is what is driving the Tea Party Movement and this is what drove the election last night.

The backroom deals, hiding legislation from the light of day, going back on your promises is no longer an acceptable way to do business for the American people. This country is divided on healthcare reform, we are divided on what the role of government is in social policy, but we are united in our desire to see accountability in government.

The democrats are mistaken if they think they can shove big government down the throats of the American people with unfunded mandates. The republicans are also mistaken if they think they can do business as usual and play the blame game. Scott Brown was right about at least one thing last night, "its the people's seat." Right or left, conservative or liberal take note. The government of the United States belongs to the people. Whatever your political leanings, you better stop and listen - we have only just begun to fight.