One constant fight between “conservatives” and “liberals” is over the role and size of government in our society. Though I often wonder about the size of our government, I also wonder if lack of focus is the true problem. Maybe those who oppose government intervention in education and health care should take another look at how the Constitution relates to the world in which we now live.
The preamble to the Constitution states:
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
In a just society, which the Constitution guarantees, all citizens should have equal access to adequate training and wages. Without that access, desperate people resort to desperate measures to survive. Crime increases during every recession, and crime destroys domestic tranquility. A good education would increase access to good wages, promote equality, and increase our ability to communicate with people different from us, which would decrease conflict and gives us a more secure and free country to leave our children.
Good wages would also promote general welfare, which includes the ability to afford an adequate diet that would help prevent disease. Access to health care for all would ensure healthy workers who can compete in a global economy.
How can we continue to compete against countries that provide education and health care for all? The people of Denmark are willing to have less personal wealth and pay higher taxes so their fellow citizens can have access to education and health care.
For those who use Christianity to defend looking the other way as people suffer, I share the model of the early Christians in Acts 4:32-35:
32 All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. 33 The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. 34 There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them 35 and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.
Let’s remember that example as we choose new leaders for this country.
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Jacqueline L. Jones is author of Unmasking a Diagnosis: How to get Help for a Confusing Chronic Illness Without Filing for Bankruptcy. The book is available through Lulu.com and will be available early next year through Amazon.com and other online book retailers.
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