A Simple And Sufficient Purpose for Government

Michelle Bachman spoke of reorganizing our government in order to re-establish America as the world economic leader in all respects. While I see no need to correct Representative Bachman, I hope to add to her comments. Well, in case she or others tend to believe the purpose of our government is to make America the economic leader, then I suggest that the actual purpose has more to do with service to we-the-people than it does in terms of any world reputation.

The preamble announces that "We the people (government) of the United states" are to form a union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide common defense, promote general welfare, and secure blessings of liberty. Within the Constitution are specially enumerated but limited responsibilities for this government.

All of it works towards supporting the activities of the people of the United States. If those activites add up to world leadership, so be it. A government that attracts people who can focus on supporting the economic, judicial, behavioral and social activites that we choose is just right. The government that can focus on maintaining the lawful boundaries written in the Constitution and our laws will indeed be helpful and support the people. It might be indeed comfortably simple if we could stay focused and find officers who could do that.

Providing for the common defense is a responsibility that puts a national government into the international arena somewhat removed from supporting our within the borders activities. It may be that a different expertise comes into play there. No such special expertise fits with the simple duties domestically. Constitutional detailed knowlege, loyalty and fealty are required. Lots of that can be had in any neighborhood. Work on that Ms. Bachman. How about if we have the most constitutionally consistent government in the world?