AprilandJake.com

That government is best which governs least

The latest government stimulus program, Cash for Clunkers, or CARS, seems to have been a hit. Already the program is out of money to continue dealing. Or so has been reported by the news outlets.

Here's a nice AP article, "Europe's free, state-run health care has drawbacks". Perhaps that's an understatement. From the advice of those who have experienced state-run healthcare for the past couple decades, it doesn't sound like a road worth trying. I feel like that as a matter of principle and also because of observable facts: facts of history -- history that doesn't have to be experienced here.

"Wise people learn from experience. Super-wise people learn from others' experience," I remember listening to on a talk on tape years ago.

Below are some excerpts from this article...

"Commentary: Stimulate the economy, not government" article...

I have a hard time getting excited about the stimulus bill currently being circulated through Congress mostly because it is such a large chunk of spending. This chunk is pulled out of the air (foreign debt), creating an even bigger hole for us to fall into later. And, if we're going to ever get national spending under control and pay off national debt (is anyone really thinking that'll ever happen), then this just makes it harder.

The market goes up and down. Greed and lack of integrity (among other factors) have led to a bubble. Now, the market is attempting to reset. As if in denial, and seemingly only worried about short-term gain, we're trying to feed the bursting bubble. And if it turns out that the market really needs to reset and the strain on the economy proves too much, we've just farther to fall.

Brother Romney makes some good points in his address. What happens when our debts outweigh our value (or are we there yet?)? It seems our government can't function without incurring more debt (just as many Americans seem to think themselves entitled extravagant living -- maxed out credit lines -- and yet it seems the government is mimicking the collective problem of many of its citizens -- maybe the children learn from the parents). What happens when no one wants to lend to us for fear of not getting repaid?

Anyways, wise counsel (prophets) says stay out of debt. And if the dollar is heavily devalued, wise counsel (prophets) also says have a year supply. And still wiser counsel (the Lord) says retire early. And so, wan an!