Barnabas File

This past week, our local newspaper posted a question on Facebook related to defunding Obamacare.  On Saturday, they printed some of the responses.  This one (unedited) got my attention: “I don’t use any government ‘services’ anyway.  I found this wonderful thing I call self-responsibility.  I highly suggest it.” How remarkable!  Here is a person who does not drive on streets and highways paid for by tax dollars, will let his house burn to the ground rather than call the government-run fire department, and would not call the tax-paid police force if he were the victim of crime.  Probably did not attend the “government schools,” either.   Must be a very lonely and difficult life. Sarcasm aside, the reality is that surviving in any society without both helping others and depending upon others would be very difficult if not impossible.  By living in a nation state, we enter into a social contract with our fellow citizens and share...

Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin is attempting to eliminate most collective bargaining rights for public employees in his state.   Republican legislators in my state of Tennessee want to take this right away from teachers.   Florida is considering similar legislation.   Across the country, elected officials are attempting to roll back the rights earned by American workers through blood, sweat, and tears. I will admit up front that I am prejudiced.   I grew up in a home where my father was a member of a union.   More than once, the union went on strike to gain better wages and benefits.   Those were not happy days!   My wife and daughter have been members of teachers organizations (often referred to as “unions”) that negotiate with local school boards and state legislators for improved wages, better working conditions, and employment protection.   The closest I have come to being a “union” member was when I helped to organize and promot...