This is mostly true,but it is NOT the fault of government that it is true. It is our OWN DAMN FAULT for allowing it to happen because it is easier to do that than it is to take care of your family yourself.
Yes,
@sneakypete - You and I are in close agreement on this. Ultimately, no one is responsible for your freedom, and OUR freedom collectively, than you yourself. But communism in all its variations is an insidious thing. It looks like freedom to the common man, by its volunteering to take on your responsibilities upon itself or upon the citizenry collectively... But as I am wont to say from time to time:
Liberty has responsibilities.
Freedom has consequences.
They are not the same thing. In our own nation:
What is the consequence for the freedom provided by the gov. taking on the responsibility to care for the elderly and the infirm? And what liberty is lost?
What is the consequence for the freedom granted in the sexual revolution, provided by the government by taking on the responsibility of caring for the unmarried woman and her bastard children? And what is the liberty lost?
What is the consequence for the freedom granted by the government to take on the responsibility for your children's education, and how is liberty lost?
What is the consequence for the freedom offered by the government in taking on the responsibility to care for your health, and how is liberty lost?
It is an unique way of looking at it, but the true evil of socialism/communism snaps brightly into focus very soon, wandering down questions posed like this. The question of child care is quite the very same thing as the education question, only deepening it.
Insidious, as I say - Because responsibilities are hard to shoulder under any circumstance, and even without much trial, the weight of liberty is heavy. That is why it looks so sweet. You and I have been down roads that tell that tale, and we can see the truth of it. Ultimately you ARE right - But I can plainly see the ignorance of our neighbors in looking for the easy road. While they are not held blameless, as a fool deserves his recompense, I'll give both barrels to the charlatan government that is selling them the snake oil.
THIS is one reason all children should have a dog or a cat to care for when they are small. It teaches them responsibility for another living creature,as well as how to become emotionally attached to something other than your owns selfish childest self.
I see this plain as day, and I figure it is one reason country kids wind up so even-keeled. Chores and responsibilities come young, and animals are desperately reliant upon you doing your job, and doing it well. Same sort of thing as pets, only on steroids, with the added dimension of close living with life and wit death - That sweet little calf you bottle-fed in its youth is now the hamburger you are stuffing in your face.
I think that a genuine reason why country folks are way more likely to understand liberty better, in that they understand its responsibilities, and why the heartland is the last bastion against encroaching communism. I really do.
Great post.