On Power
Setting aside everything we think about the words “politics” or “government”… when you get right down to the core of it, there is one central question at hand—to what extent can one person legitimately control the actions of another? Really, think about that for a second.
For most part, we all want to achieve the same goal: a life of general wellbeing and enjoyment. We want to be healthy and have good times and great relationships. Most of us also want to help out others who are in need. The problem is that we have different views on how to reach these goals, and the more passionate you are about your particular view, the more force you are willing to use to make others live accordingly. Thus, as each generation places its own demands upon society, and the hand of government becomes larger and more intrusive. Naturally, as government authority increases, so does debate over its uses. Parties and interest groups from all corners of society, fall upon the capitol city seeking favor from increasingly influential legislators.
I believe that without defined limits the people and institutions that hold power naturally gain more, and the opportunities available to individuals gradually decrease. This includes the freedom to work and trade, to worship, to eat, sleep and live according to your own choices, and so on. The nature of government operation also makes it difficult to appropriately meet many local needs that are better handled by smaller communities. Therefore, I prefer government that is small, limited and efficient—which it would be if it focused on its few legitimate powers.
I believe that total peace and security are impossible, but that the maximum achievable peace must be attained through strong military defense, limited government, the separation of powers, federalism (states rights/powers), free trade, strong families and moral and civic virtue.
