As government grows, liberty decreases

Dale Drozen

(Updated: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 12:00 AM)

I watched the news of the recent TEA party convention.

First the disclaimer -- I do not speak for the TEA party movement, I do not speak for the TEA party convention organizers. I am but a small portion of the TEA party movement.

I do not believe in, or intend to follow an established TEA party platform. To me, the TEA party movement is the definition of "grass roots."

Unfortunately, as the movement surges forward, the very politicians supporters are running from -- the same politicians taxing and spending us into oblivion -- are now jumping on their private jets, to fly out ahead of the movement with plans to lead a cause they do not understand.

TEA party activists are distancing themselves from the political parties choking the life out of this country. Yes -- I consider myself a "TEA bagger."

I believe we have been taxed enough already. I believe we have given up enough of our personal rights. I believe our government at all levels has lost track of the basic concept that government was created to serve the needs of the people -- not the other way around.

We need a government to manage just a few basic needs. Governments once formed tend to want to manage every need. Slowly we become a nanny society. We are becoming a society where many expect our government to fulfill our every need. We are becoming a society that wants government to protect us from our own bad decisions.

There will always be a segment of government willing to take over whatever portion of our lives we are willing to surrender to them. Thomas Jefferson said, "Government big enough to supply everything you need is big enough to take everything you have...The course of history shows that as a government grows, liberty decreases."

I watch politicians speak at TEA parties then vote to raise taxes and fees. I watch politicians speak at TEA parties then vote for more regulations. When was the last time you heard of a tax or fee being lowered? When was the last time you heard of a law, rule, ordinance or regulation being removed?

A TEA bagger wants government out of our pockets, out of our daily lives and out of our way. Visit a TEA party rally. I think you will see the word party in TEA party does not refer to "a national political party, but is more of a social gathering to which people are invited to enjoy themselves and celebrate this great nation in the hope of saving it from our representative's arrogant belief that they were put in positions of power because they know what is best for us.

Be cautious of organization claiming to be or claiming to speak for the TEA party movement.