Think American: The Dangerous Servant and Fearful Master

About twenty years ago, a friend shared a quote that stuck with me: “Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.”  Those wise words are generally attributed to George Washington and present-day internet posts certainly support that premise. However, another friend pointed out years later that evidence is lacking that Mr. Washington actually made that statement. Whoever the author, he or she deserves credit for expressing truth concisely.

Over the past thirty-eight years, my career led me to observe state and federal legislative efforts and executive branch rule-making that often results from statutory changes. Those experiences taught me that constituents, legislators, regulators, governors, and even presidents generally fall into one of two categories. First, those who ask how government will be involved in solving a given problem. Second, those who ask whether government should be involved in solving that problem.

Those who align with the first perspective tend to view government as a benevolent means of achieving desired outcomes. “Fair” is a word often used to describe their legislative or regulatory goals. As a sidenote, “fair” is the four-letter “F” word that my sons, now adults, were specifically not allowed to use in our home.

Those of us who align with the second perspective tend to view government as unreasonable, confusing, and forceful. In our minds, statute or regulation that governs least governs best. Equitable enforcement, backed by equal justice, is the goal. Otherwise, government should stay out of our lives.

Recent news reports about the Department of Government Efficiency (“DOGE”) have provided ample opportunity to witness the two perspectives at work. One side is desperately uncomfortable that government has repeatedly been shown to be a “dangerous servant and fearful master.” Meanwhile, the other side celebrates the bright light of truth shining into the dark depths of bureaucracy and wasteful spending.

Note that the two groups do not always indicate party affiliation. While I have never met Senator John Fetterman, D-PA, he continues to surprise me with his willingness to point out the unreasonable, hypocritical, and forceful nature of government. And to be equitably critical of both major political parties, I have experienced repeated disappointment recently from Republicans who, in my opinion, voted to support the interests of government over those of We the People.

As I shared previously here at Think American, the Reagan years allowed me to experience the difference between a president who considered government to be the default solution to any given problem and one who declared government to be the problem. We have that rare and precious opportunity again today.

In a matter of weeks, we have moved away from a world view that our borders were nothing more than imaginary lines that unfairly divided people from prosperity to an America First perspective that our borders must be defended, the rule of law enforced, and that the best is yet to come.

President Reagan inspired people to achieve great things. He exuded confidence to the nation and the world. President Trump offers that same inspiration, which was so needed and is so welcome. To watch him mingle among NASCAR drivers and then to take a few laps in “The Beast” limousine as the ceremonial pace car of the Daytona 500 was legendary. After four years of tripping and falling, slurring and blurring, we again have a President who isn’t afraid to be among We the People.

Why are so many elected officials, media personalities, and protesters so upset about President Trump’s cabinet nominees and the work of DOGE? Because those critics know that President Trump and his team are determined to expose the dangerous servant and fearful master.

For example, learning that there might be Social Security disbursements being sent to people who are approaching 150 years of age ought to draw unanimous outrage. It might also seem reasonable to expect unanimous opposition from our elected leaders to the distribution of our tax dollars to governments, organizations, or people who are openly adversarial toward our nation.

However, as the quote reminds us, “government is not reason.” Like an IRS tax form, government “is not eloquent.” Like touching an enticing flame, government burns like fire. Reducing the size, scope, and cost of government is the only way to constrain that “dangerous servant and fearful master” and return it to what President Lincoln referred to at Gettysburg as a “government of the people, by the people, and for the people.”

Thank you, America.