Government and Our Liberties

There is a want, and even a need, inside everyone to be able to articulate their individuality. Some may want to prove how different they can be from the world, while others might just be trying their best to fit in. Either way, no one wants someone telling them what they can and cannot do in order to achieve their self-satisfaction. While the American philosophy defines the common good as being fundamentally and principally the sum of all individuals acting voluntarily for their own good, there comes a time when one can no longer act alone but must act cooperatively with the government. While requiring a loss of some personal liberties, the government is put in place to ultimately protect from the dangers of self-interest while still affording the community as a whole to pursue collective happiness.

Being absorbed in the enjoyment of private independence and in the pursuit of our particular interests causes the essentially good man to become corrupt. In 1972 President Nixon and his staff were caught breaking and entering into the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters at the Watergate complex. It was revealed that President Nixon had a tape recording system in his offices and that he had recorded many conversations. The FBI connected the payments to the burglars to a slush fund used by a fundraising group for the Nixon campaign. President Nixon acted in his own person interest by spying on the Democratic Party. He pleaded guilty and was removed from office. Those who helped him were sentenced to punishment in multiple trials. With this example it is relevant that there needed to be an organized government, which is consented by the people, to rule over the natural corrupt man to ensure equality and protection of our liberties. It is natural for a man to become corrupt, but with a government in place we are granted the security and protection needed. Having a structured government where laws and institutions govern rather than man ultimately protects from the danger of corrupt individuals.

The government in which we live by is designed to help inspire us to live like we should. They are there to help regulate, provide, and maintain for our nation. There should be a sense of partnership between the government and citizens. In the 1980s, the Reagan administration proposed major cuts to farm subsidies, but farm finances were in bad shape at the time, which prompted Congress to increase farm support. While farmers represent a smaller share of the population today than in the 1930s, the farm lobby is as strong as ever. In 1996, Congress finally enacted some pro-market agriculture reforms under the "Freedom to Farm" law. The law allowed farmers greater flexibility in their planting decisions and moved toward greater reliance on market supply and demand. Farms give us food we need, help the economy, and provide jobs. The governmental action taken helps people operate their farms efficiently