Crossroad to Chaos

"That government is best that governs least." -- Henry David Thoreau

   Take Thoreau's comment one step further, and you have the idea that the best government is one that governs not at all.
   This may fit well with the arch-conservative goal of a totally free market economy, which would find its own balance in its own time, unfettered and unencumbered by bothersome regulations that interfere with maximizing profits, but in the real world, someone must orchestrate some control.
   America is now approaching a fork in the economic road. One route leads to government dismantling virtually all regulations that interfere with profit making, and to some this is good. However, a total lack of control leads eventually to chaos and anarchy.
   The other, according to conservative fearmongers, is the road to the evils of socialism and dictatorship, where government exercises full control over the lives of all its citizens.
   All this, however, assumes only two choices. There is a third choice, one that was made in America decades ago, and was solidified around the time of the Great Depression. That choice is called a mixed economy, where government exercises limited control over some things, in order to ensure the most benefit for the most people. This includes legislation such as the Pure Food and Drug Act, the Environmental Protection Agency, minimum wage laws, old age pensions (Social Security), and, yes, health care programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act.
   Companies also benefit from these government programs, since they help ensure the health and productivity of workers. In addition, companies enjoy patent protection, subsidies for new product development in fields such as pharmaceuticals, maintenance of the transportation system and licensing of professionals to ensure competence in critical fields.
   Most people will agree that anarchy -- rule by none -- is not a good plan. Americans threw off a monarchy -- rule by one -- more than 200 years ago. A third form, oligarchy -- rule by a few -- can quickly become a problem as a different few attempt to displace the ruling few.
   To avoid all this, the founders of America set up a democratic republic, based on the twin concepts of a democracy -- direct government by the many -- balanced by the practice of a republic -- government by a few representatives selected by the many.
   Along the way, America evolved to a system that set up social welfare programs to benefit all, including those who do not have the advantage of great wealth to pay for much beyond the bare minimums of food, clothing and shelter.
   To dismantle government programs, as some in Washington now propose to do, would inevitably send the nation down the road to ruinous chaos, anarchy, and eventually dictatorship.
   But consider this: Perhaps that is their goal.
   Meanwhile, elections are coming soon to replace the representatives who have left their seats in Congress to take jobs in the new administration.
   The voices of the people in a free democratic republic can speak quite loudly, not just during street protests, but also during town hall meetings and  especially on election days.