The Two Rules of Government

And thus the root of our problem in American politics. Republicans (Rule 1) obviously think that government is needed to run the U.S. military. They've also become really good at saying what kind of education is okay (even though they supposed stay out of things). If you don't believe it, do some research. The Department of Education has actually endorsed specific problems and denied funds to school districts who use programs they do not approve of. During Katrina, it certainly would have been a good thing if they'd believed that having a strong government was necessary for emergency response. On the other hand, it really is true that governments can't solve all the problems in our country. One minister, Jim Wallis, actually wrote an entire book on the premise. If we are all honest, we know it. Governments can give people opportunities for a better education or a better way of life, but it is individual people who make decisions about whether or not they care about education, hard work, sobriety, or any other value that is associated with a healty lifestyle. It is time for us to stop looking at politics in the U.S. as either or. Sometimes it really is both. So far the extremely partisan nature of U.S. politics has been working hard to make it where we don't see "both."

So true!

the two other rules of government: rule number one : government makes no mistake. rule number two : if government makes a mistake, see rule number one.