Rant & Rave
During the last few months, we have all heard the politicians and the media talk about balancing the budget. We have heard the Republicans say that we need more than $200 billion in tax cuts, while the Democrats say that we need to balance the budget in a way that is "consistent with our values" and protects education and the environment.
Both parties claim to know that they cannot balance the budget on the backs of the middle class without straining the economy.
In Hawaii, a continent and an ocean away from the decision-making process, it's hard to know just what is going on, and whether anyone really does know what they're doing. But after going to Washington and actually hearing people like Sen. John Kerry talk about the budget, I am convinced that the bureaucrats and politicians really do know how to balance the budget and that they could balance it today if they wanted to do so.
Let's face it. These are smart people and almost all of them have some kind of background in law and/or economics. They know about concepts like the Keynesian Theory and the Production Possibility Boundary Curve.
The problem is not with economic theory and academics. Rather, the main problem is a result of too many people asking, "What's in it for me? I know that someone will have to get hurt in order to balance the budget but it's not going to be me." When too many people try to benefit from something, everyone loses.
WHILE economics is important in our society, we must also look at government's influence in our lives. While in Washington, several people spoke on topics such as the V-chip and other constitutional issues.
In my government class, one of our discussions focused on how much influence the government should have in our lives. We discussed the rights given to us by the Bill of Rights. I believe that we should have our freedom to allow new ideas, but we should act within reason and not infringe upon the rights of others.
Many people likely feel this way, but the question remains, "How do you deal with those who do not act within reason?"
A good example of this is the V-chip issue. Obviously, most people do not support child pornography and senseless TV violence. However, when we involve government, new regulations evolve. So the chip that was intended to help parents screen programs unsuitable for their children, is now seen as an infringement on others' rights. This issue is now being debated in Washington.
Any law regulating the chip's use will not please everyone. Yet voters can express their views in an open debate. Without debate, resentment and apathy toward government will build, and a consequence of apathy is anarchy.
Let me give you an example. At this moment, there are many people who want to create a new constitution to redefine our system of government. Some states have already pledged their support for a Constitutional Convention. If three quarters of the states call for the convention, we could end up with a new constitution, and who knows what we will end up with in these uncertain times.
The fact is we must get more people involved in the political process and have the government work for the general good, not the special interests. Only then can we say we have a healthy political system. Only then can we talk about America as a great civilization in the present tense.
Rant & Rave is a Tuesday Star-Bulletin feature allowing teens and young adults to serve up fresh perspective. What's your take on prom season? Guys and girls speak up by fax at 523-8509; by answering machine at 525-8666; snail mail at P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu, HI 96802; or e-mail, featuresdesk@starbulletin.com.