Greed and Liberty

By Pat Berkheim
contributing writer

Some people care about money. Others care about people. The people who care about money believe if you take care of money the people will prosper. If you care about people you know love of money is not always enough to promote life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. People who care about others believe government has a role in both liberty and equality.

The people who believe government's only role is to insure liberty believe the wealthy will provide for all. Greed is a false prophet who has convinced many a follower that taxation is an evil demon. A representative democracy must balance equality with liberty. A progressive tax is fair and just. America can afford to help the disadvantaged and be solvent. The wealthy, motivated by greed, will attempt to scare the majority with cries of government control and loss of liberty, but they can pay more with no impact to their liberty.

People who care believe that some elements of America are better served by not for profit entities under the control of the voice of the people. America's judicial system, highway transportation network, police and fire protection, education, social security and our military are examples of entities that would be ill served by for profit private control.

Striving for balance that promotes equality, liberty, and justice is not socialism but the duty of Americas' representative government as defined by the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.