In 2018, the left leaning Washington Post published a perspective by James Miller concerning 5 Myths about Democracy. Other researchers have since shed light on five modern myths surrounding the U.S. Government that many individuals believe to be true.
Younger Americans, under the age of 30 were cultured into believing many of the myths below.
These myths and the underlying reality must be addressed as we approach an important upcoming 2024 potential change election.
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| 1. U.S. Government takes care of us | The reality is that, while the government provides a safety net through programs and services, it is not designed to solely take care of every individual’s needs. U.S. Taxpayers and borrowed funds pay the cost of the U.S. Government. Bureaucrats, who enforce and administrate government, are typically life-long employees who prefer the growth of, influence of, the authority of, and power of government. These are the same values exampled by big government Republicans and the U.S. Democrat party. Increasingly government staff and the Democrat party work in lock step at the city level, county, state, and federal. |
| 2. U.S. Government has unlimited rights | Contrary to popular belief, the U.S. Government operates within the confines of the Constitution, which was written to limit government’s power and ensure a system of checks and balances. While the U.S. government’s authority was created to be limited, the U.S. is witnessing a time when the judicial is becoming just as political as the executive and the legislative branches of government. The size of government employment now eclipses all manufacturing in America. This growth tips the scales of liberty towards one party rule in America. |
| 3. U.S. Government is good | While the government plays a crucial role in society, it is comprised of individuals with varying intentions and motives. Since America’s inception, the founders believed it was important to hold the government accountable for its actions and decisions. Unfortunately, the press has taken on political biases, the government has become less transparent, surveillance is common place, and the rights and privacies of individuals are completely lost in the process. Americans are witnessing a two tiered system of government from bureaucrats working inside the DOJ, FBI, IRS, Homeland Security, among others. |
| 4. Government has unlimited resources | The reality is that the government’s resources are finite, and decisions around resource allocation should be based on budget constraints and priorities. There are limits to what the government can provide as a function of tax collections and borrowing. Previous governments throughout history have all collapsed under the weight of indebtedness. America is not unique. It is not a matter of if the U.S. government will become involvement, but, rather, when it will do so. |
| 5. Government is transparent | Despite efforts to promote transparency, the government still operates with an increasing level of opacity in most areas. Government is among the leading proponent of misinformation in the news, in the educational system, and on social media platforms. |
By debunking these myths, individuals can develop a more informed understanding of the U.S. Government and its role in society. It is essential to critically evaluate these misconceptions and have a realistic perspective on the government’s functions and limitations.