Koan, I don't think there is anyone here who argues personal choices/values with you. I'm glad to hear you honored your obligation to the tribe by caring for your mother. My father-in-law spent his last 3+ years with us, and if he were still alive, he'd still be in our home, and we (not Medicare) would still meet his every need. Like you and other board members, my wife and I make gifts and care for those in need.
I agree that civilization depends on mutual care of each other, and that we give to and take from the "tribe". But there are so many tribes we belong to! Voluntary organizations, special-purpose districts, churches, alumni associations, social organizations, neighborhoods, chambers of commerce, professional societies, affinity groups (SI, for example). In governance, we belong to precincts, townships, cities, counties, Congressional districts, states, and nations. According to my property tax bill, I also belong to a road district, grade school district, community college district, high school district, fire protection district, airport authority, library district, and conservation district (operates a water plant). I also contract with profit-making and non-profit companies for services that are public elsewhere -- trash removal, electric power, security, communications, and water distribution.
My perspective is that the smaller the district, the greater my potential input, and the greater my satisfaction with it. I am happiest with the groups I join or support voluntarily. Certainly, I belong to many tribes. The "tribes" I least prefer are the largest -- United Nations, international "defense" alliances, national governments, national associations, international companies. I don't understand nor agree with your focus on the Federal government as the pre-eminent source of services and protections.
Governments are at odds on various levels. Illinois, where Barrack and I live, has several lawsuits in progress contending that Federal actions have unnecessarily violated our State's prerogatives. There are countless disputes between local districts and the State and Federal governments over unfunded mandates. If I were in Alaska with you, I would probably appreciate relief from State taxation, with accompanying rebates, negotiated from oil companies by Your Brilliant Governor. Unfortunately, I live in Illinois, where your rebate comes from my higher energy cost, negotiated by a Venal Huntress/Former Beauty Queen/Sportscaster. Three generations ago, the Selmaville and Texico oil strikes made this (now impoverished) area rich, as Alaska is now.
I don't seek to persuade you to abandon your long-held beliefs, but please put them in perspective of the large range of what we need and what we give. I do ask you to understand that skepticism of Federal requirements is not irrational, selfish, nor inhumane. There are other, perhaps better, ways of taking care of our tribes' various needs. I don't assert that there is no need for regulation on state, national, and international levels; I contend that bigger units need to be constrained in purpose, limited in size, and focused on only those things that are essential to their charter/Constitution/mission.
I am not one to put old folks on the ice. |
