All,
Many individuals and groups have to come to the fight to restore constitutionally limited government and liberty for different reasons. With so many differing viewpoints, experiences and worldviews, some disagreements are likely to happen over which legislation to support and which to oppose.
May I suggest asking this simple question when looking at a bill - "Does the new legislation expand the reach and scope of government?"
I believe folks have come to realize that the 'rise of the State' has led to the growth of government beyond it's proper limitation, and has led to a diminishment of our remaining liberties and freedoms.
The techniques used by experts to promote a bill idea include marketing the bill just like any good advertising company would market a new product - to convince people to buy that product.
(Formula: Introduce a need/problem; find a 'victim;' package a solution; then promote, promote, promote that packaged product. Result - buying into the legislation solving the problem.)
1) Now, if an individual believes that more government (or only government) is the solution to the 'problem', then that individual will most likely support the new legislation expanding the reach and scope of a government entity to fix the problem.
2) But, if an individual believes that more government is not the solution to the 'problem', is too big already and has gone beyond it's clearly enumerated functions, one would most likely oppose the new legislation expanding the reach and scope of a government entity.
Therefore, may I again suggest that this question be asked of each new bill, "Does the legislation expand the reach and scope of government?"
If the answer is yes, Group 1 people and Group 2 people will most likely disagree on whether to support or oppose that bill.
A few of us have had some of these discussions already. So far, it appears that discussing the consequences of the proposed law, what the real issue is, and what the bigger picture is, is process that OCA groups can go through respectfully and without getting cranky! :) That is a good sign.
Just a comment: When goverment partners with a private sector business entity to craft legislation/institute regulations, we can be assured that the proposed legislation will favor that particular business entity's abilities to generate more revenue; will expand the reach and scope of government; and will limit competition in the free enterprise system.
This arrangement is called a Public/Private Partnership (aka PPPs).
My two cents worth.
Respectfully submitted,
Amanda Teegarden
A limited-government baby-boomer
PS - There are roughly 40,000 laws on the books - how many more do we need?
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