As a confessed liberal, recent political events call me to reflect on the essence of government in our daily lives. Yesterday, I reflected on the need for a smaller government--the need to be more self-reliant. Today, I have the clarity of mind that was absent last night to examine the other side--the need for government in our daily lives.
Before I may undertake an examination of government services, a profile is essential. I do not support racial profiling, or profiling that is conducted by others with regard to me. However, if I am to proclaim any degree of objective--reasonable--examination of government services, I must begin with a profile of who I am.
Facts serve me best. I begin with my profile. I am single. I am a daughter, a sister, an aunt of adult nephews. I am a citizen of the United States. I have a birth certificate attesting to my birth in the State of Minnesota. I am a Caucasian woman. I am a resident of the City of St. Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota. I live in a condominium. I use elevators each day. I use mass transit, skyways--elevated walkways--to navigate Minnesota winters.
I am not a mother. I do not have any children. I am not a business owner. I do not drive. I am not an animal owner. I do not gamble. I do not drink--I do not want to cause a seizure.
It is essential to identify who we are in such a prolific manner, before assessing our positions regarding the role of government in our lives. Only after we have made such a thorough, specific, and thoughtful profile of ourselves may we proceed. We are obligated to answer two questions. A simple, singular answer will not emerge from these questions. However, our answers are essential in their complexity.
First, who am I in factual terms? What are my personal roles in relationship to other people--to my community? Where do I live? Where do I work, be that full-time, part-time, or work outside of the paid workforce? What services do I need?
Second, in factual terms, what roles common in relationships, and community do I not play? What very basic needs do I not need in my daily life?
Are we willing to undertake such a self-examination? Is it easier to acquiesce to the prevailing community beliefs, and political positions? Or is it easier to submit our resignation to others of differing beliefs?
I believe such a self-examination is essential to being very precise about our needs--all of our needs. My prayer is that clarity in decision-making, and a commitment to avoid hyperbole would emerge.
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