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The popular syndicated columnist Cal Thomas notes that it is "Groundhog Day" in America. Like the movie that depicts a man going through the same day over and over again, Thomas says America is trying failed strategies repeatedly and getting the same results. He sifts through economic and tax theory, health care measures, family structures, federalism, and more to define what has worked and what will never work.
With his usual common sense approach, Thomas uses examples that prove government isn't the answer to the problems Americans face. It never is. In fact, government more often creates problems.
In one section of What Works, Thomas introduces his "favorite overcomers," six individuals from varying backgrounds who faced major obstacles that could have stopped them from achieving greatness in their lives. These individuals viewed obstacles as challenges and were successful. One of those Thomas admires is Ben Carson, M.D. A seventh overcomer Thomas mentions is himself; from a somewhat humble but solid family background, he says persistence is what got him ahead in life.
What Works laments a populace that admires fame rather than achievement. Youngsters are introduced to bad influences on television and end up in high schools and colleges that teach moral relativism. In order to overcome these societal influences, families must be extra diligent.
Government doesn't provide answers for lost individuals. Thomas says, ". . . the modern state acts as if it is God. It has violated its constitutional and biblical boundaries, which is why it is so dysfunctional." Thomas suggests that individual families and the government must focus on "needs" instead of "wants." In trying to provide all things for all people, the nation has overextended in a manner that is unsustainable. Largely due to this overextension and overtaxing of individuals and businesses to support "programs," China has just overtaken the U.S. as the world's largest economy.
Thomas says: "Individuals, not government, built and have sustained America. Putting government back within its constitutional boundaries not only will make government work better in the future but also will ensure the rest of us have better and higher-paying jobs and enjoy more prosperous and contented lives."
(Zondervan, 2014, 224 pp., $18.99) |
Referring to warnings given in The Federalist Papers 39, 57, and 62, Thomas points out that we have moved far from the original intent that laws be coherent and understandable; that power be derived from the people; and that leaders serve a short time in office then return to being regular citizens.
