The government as a service, not an entity

DSCLAIMER: This is a partisan-free zone...there will be talk of politics, but not of parties...

As our government continues into yet another stretch of partisan malarkey, bickering, and ineffectiveness, I am feeling a bit reflective about the true nature of government.

According to civics class and my closely held beliefs about such things, the government should be a service for the people.  It should act in the interest of citizens, allocating money and services to improve lives, keep people safe, and work towards the best interest of the collective good...and, to quote Wayne, “Monkeys will fly out of my butt.”  I think politicians and the unwieldy fourth branch of our government, namely the bureaucracy, have perverted that ideal for personal gain and bloat.  In fact, we call our government “The Government” as if it is an entity unto itself.  We have accepted the notion that it is self-serving, imposing, and a distinct force to be reckoned with.  

Shouldn’t we re-focus our governing to that which serves us, rather than itself?  Shouldn’t it be for the people more than by the people?  Shouldn’t we feel comfortable calling it “Our Government?”  I believe it this through these ideals where those who need help can get help and those who wish to be left alone can best be left alone.

Of course, government is a human enterprise and with with all such things it is wrought with the sins each of us battle daily: Greed, Sloth, Pride, Envy...among others.  However, as I am a humanist and an optimist, I see the potential for human virtue within OUR government: Honesty, Compassion, Logic, Fairness...among others.

Where I am defeated is in the sense of being defeated.  Repeated political rhetoric in media, fruitless vitriol from pundits, and pointless political statements from friends and family who can’t see beyond their own political parties feel insurmountable.  I have interest in expending energy as such vain pursuits.

But I remain hopeful.