Governments around the world often intrude into the personal lives and choices of their citizens, raising the question: why is this the case?
One significant reason is that many politicians harbor a deep-seated aversion to true freedom and autonomy. Their goals typically include controlling everything from individual behavior to personal decisions, often funded by taxpayers themselves.
In the United States, for example, bureaucrats wield considerable power, often obstructing those who wish to forge their own paths. Aspiring entrepreneurs face a mountain of requirements—licenses, permits, fees, employer identification numbers, state board registrations, and even workers’ compensation insurance—before they can even consider launching a business.
In some areas, children must obtain a permit just to run a lemonade stand. And starting an auto repair shop or a medical practice can lead to a year-long struggle to get necessary approvals for hazardous materials, merely to store a few tanks of oil and gas or manage waste properly. Is this bureaucratic burden making us any safer?
As a result, new business owners often find themselves drowning in paperwork, where the obligation to maintain documentation overshadows the vital task of serving customers. After paying federal, state, and local taxes, many individuals realize that they would have been better off keeping their day jobs. What’s the point of taking on all this risk with limited rewards?
Perpetuating Mistakes
Indeed, some government initiatives, such as food stamp programs, were created with noble intentions. On the surface, they appear beneficial, helping people access food. However, beneath this façade lie significant unintended consequences.
Increasing dependency on government aid often weakens personal initiative. This assistance may inadvertently suppress ambition, leading some to exploit the system rather than seek self-sufficiency.
Nothing is more demoralizing than relying on the state for one’s existence. Once individuals find themselves dependent on government support, breaking free can become nearly impossible. Transitioning from comfortable poverty to uncomfortable self-reliance is a daunting task.
The old adage goes, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” Unfortunately, many politicians seem to have overlooked this wisdom, establishing programs that foster an endless cycle of dependency instead.
These programs drain financial resources while failing to deliver lasting benefits. Industries reliant on government contracts, including defense contractors and social security systems, have become entrenched in society, making it politically challenging to reduce federal budgets, even for programs that may be flawed.
Lessons from Squanto
Over the last ten years, the national debt has skyrocketed from $9 trillion to over $20 trillion—a staggering increase of more than 100%. Where has all this borrowed money been allocated?
Much of it has gone to fund social transfer programs, while substantial portions have accumulated in and around Washington and Wall Street. Moreover, the Pentagon has funneled considerable funds to favored contractors.
What if the federal government adds another $11 trillion over the next decade, bringing the total to $40 trillion? The future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—a reckoning will eventually come, likely at the worst possible moment.
The government’s balance sheet is weighed down by massive debt, essential for funding programs that many Americans have come to rely on. These beneficiaries often expect continuous support throughout their lives.
What chaos might ensue when the façade of debt collapses, cutting off these expected benefits? The shock could be profound, affecting countless individuals who realize they’ve been misled.
This impending crisis could lead to prolonged hardship; however, those willing to adapt and rebuild will ultimately find opportunities for growth and success.
It’s worth remembering that when the Pilgrims first arrived at Plymouth Rock, there were no government checks to support them. Similarly, Squanto did not arrive at the first Thanksgiving with a bucket of government-funded meals. Instead, he imparted crucial agricultural knowledge and skills, enabling the Pilgrims to thrive and sustain themselves over the long haul.
The time will come when government-dependent industries and individuals reliant on government aid will encounter drastic changes. Therefore, taking proactive steps toward financial independence today is essential for securing your future.
Sincerely,
MN Gordon
for Economic Prism
