Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You!

I have spoken with many people over the last few months about the issues that matter most to them. Universal healthcare, social security reform, the "No Child Left Behind" debacle, et al. One thing that seems to be apparent is that We, as Americans, have become too dependent on the government. We look to the government for handouts in everything. "I don't have healthcare, so the government should provide me with some!" That statement is completely and utterly ludicrous. When did it become a right to obtain what your neighbor has.

John F. Kennedy once said "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country."

This mentality is exactly what we need in this country again. People need to stop asking for welfare just because they view it as an easy way to survive. Don't get me wrong, I believe that some people need welfare because of layoffs and general hard times as a means of getting by for the time being. That said, some of the people that are on welfare, are on it for the proverbial 'long haul'. It is these people that I think need to own up to thier shortcomings and get out into the workforce. Secure a job, any job! Noone is 'above' working 8 hours a day flipping burgers to put food on thier family's table. The government is not in place to give you handouts. It is instead there to protect us from those that wish to take away our rights as citizens of this great country. The freedom of speech, assembly, to bear arms, etc. Government is there to allow our pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness to progress unimpeded!
With government doing it's job in protecting and upholding our inalienable rights, we are then free to help our neighbors and friends. This is where charities come into play. Charities help the less fortunate, that is thier creed. Give money to charities if you feel the need to help people, because it is not the responsibility of Washington to do so. Show pride in the fact that you provide for yourself and your loved ones. Show America you care! Take responsibility!
I am American, I am Everyman, I am Countryman!