Government by the people

There's a lot of commentary around at the moment that now see's the return of Adults to Washington. But its more than that: Its the return of people who actually like and respect Government who are now back in charge.

The 8 years of President George W. Bush represent a time where government was led by people who not only did not believe government could shift society and solve its ills, but who did not even believe in the role and institution in itself.

The outcome of this view in practice, was not the hoped for smaller government of philosophical lore, but a systematic mis-use and delegation of the resources and authority of government. They saw Governments income as simply money to be redistributed to favoured individuals and companies, its secular legislation and regulation to be dumped for the independent will of other industries (aka self-regulation) or transfered to a higher authority, in using God's law and morality for the organisation of society. Indeed because there was no recognition for the role of government, where they did act as others might, in funding Education or Health care policies, the money was spent without any connection to expected results. It was just signed away because thats what they thought people expected of them.

It was only in Foreign Policy, where Bush could play the role of a leader of the state, able to dispatch an army to march, or soldiers to talk did we see him fully take on the role of leader of the state.

The election of Obama means the return of people who actually recognise and respect the role that government can play. If the right policy is in place, if the right measurements are applied, the right restraints and caution in oversight. This is not about big or small government philosophy, it is simply about a return of actual use of government for the good of the people, for finding the best possible results we can achieve through this institution of human creation.

Government can be a force for great good, if misused it can cause great harm. But finally, after 8 long years there will be at the head of government people who actually like the idea of government, and respect and honour what it can be, and must be if we are to deliver on our highest principles and resolve our lowest social ills.

It's nice to have them back. Now its time to get to work.