our nation’s future

It started with the Pilgrims. They left their homes in Europe to find freedom and a better life. It continued with the pioneers who tamed a continent. They faced the unknown with determination.

Those early Americans had several things going for them: courage, a pioneer spirit, dreams and, perhaps most of all, an abiding sense of self-sufficiency.

They faced danger, worked hard and did not quit. They helped each other from time to time, with the emphasis on each other.

Some might see helping each other as accepting handouts. No way. The pioneer spirit and community enabled them to persevere. Some time they had to do without, but they insisted on earning their keep.

In World War II and through the 1950s, Americans built a reputation for being independent. There have been times, to be sure, when help from government was needed.

During the Great Depression many Americans had to depend on the federal government, something alien to many of them.

It was unfortunate but war helped. Many jobs were created by World War II and with the military draft ended the depression.

During the depression, federal work programs such as the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps, gave workers a chance to earn money to sustain them. It wasn’t large amounts but it allowed workers to keep their dignity. Now you wonder if dignity means anything.

Sadly, attitudes changed.

There was a big difference in the government role in the Great Depression and now. Those programs were temporary. In South Carolina, they built roads and State parks that have greatly benefitted the people.

The reality nows is that government giveaway programs appear to be permanent. Too many Americans expect cradle to grave support. Is that because people keep asking for more free stuff or is it a result of politicians using public funds to attract votes?

The “free stuff” mentality has become a constant. Unfortunately, legitimate help, such as food stamps for the needy, is abused. That detracts from all efforts to help people who need help. Government keeps growing as does free stuff.

Questionable benefits have added to the problem, like free cellphones.

Taxpayers could go on and on about waste and abuse. They know something is wrong but who’s going to fix it, politicians or abusers? Experience and reality don’t provide much encouragement.

Despite everything, there is one big negative this nation cannot afford. That is the steady erosion of the pioneer spirit that prevailed in the founding and growth of democracy and America.

More people no longer see the importance of self-determination. Free stuff demands and government compliance take a huge toll. One word says it all: socialism.

Collins is a retired editor of the Greenwood Index-Journal.

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“If there is ever a fascist takeover in America, it will come not in the form of storm troopers kicking down doors but with lawyers and social workers saying. “I’m from the government and I’m here to help.”

Jonah Goldberg