Seems a lot if folks in my Twitter and Facebook feeds are more concerned about war memorials being closed vs being upset about groups like the North Texas Food Bank not getting food from the USDA and domestic abuse shelters not getting federal funding.
What matters more?
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The root of your question comes down to another question. What is the purpose of government? Closely related–what are the core functions of government?
I happen to like what Thomas Jefferson has been quoted as saying: “The purpose of government is to enable the people of a nation to live in safety and happiness. Government exists for the interests of the governed, not for the governors.â€
But ultimately the role of the government (especially in a democratic state) is to do the people’s bidding – whatever it might be.
That’s why I think it’s interesting and telling that right now “the people” seem more concerned about museums and war memorials saying open than a family needing food or financial assistance getting it.
When the people find that they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)