10. SUPPORT A GOVERNMENT DESIGNED AND RUN FOR ALL THE PEOPLE.

     Unscrupulous and evil men and groups can usurp the power of government and use it to their own ends.

     Government organized and conducted solely for self-interested individuals and groups gives the society a short life span.  This imperils the survival of everyone in the land; it even imperils those who attempt it.  History is full of such governmental deaths.

     Opposition to such governments usually just brings on more violence.

     But one can raise his voice in caution when such abuses are abroad.  And one need not actively support such a government; doing nothing illegal, it is yet possible, by simply withdrawing one’s cooperation, to bring about an eventual reform.  Even as this is being written, there are several governments in the world that are failing only because their people express their silent disagreement by simply not cooperating.  These governments are at risk: any untimely wind of mischance could blow them over.      On the other hand, where a government is obviously working hard for ALL its people, rather than for some special interest group or insane dictator, one should support it to the limit.

     There is a subject called “government.”  In schools, they mostly teach “civics” which is merely how the current organization is put together.  The real subject, “government” goes under various headings: political economy, political philosophy, political power, etc.  The whole subject of “government” and how to govern can be quite precise, almost a technical science.  If one is interested in having a better government, one that does not cause trouble, one should suggest it be taught at earlier ages in schools; one can also read up on it: it is not a very difficult subject if you look up the big words.

     It is, after all, the people and their own opinion leaders who sweat and fight and bleed for their country.  A government cannot bleed, it cannot even smile: it is just an idea men have.  It is the individual person who is alive—you.

The way to happiness is hard

to travel when shadowed with

the oppression of tyranny. 

A benign government, designed

and run for ALL the people, 

has been known to

smooth the way: 

when such occurs,

it deserves support.

Definition of Terms for This Lesson

abroad: in circulation throughout a country or area; widely existing.

benign: tending to be beneficial in nature or influence or productive of a favorable result.

>civics: the study of the principles and structure of government (in its relationship to its citizens).

>dictator: a ruler whose word is law, and who has total, unrestricted control in a government and typically rules with harsh and cruel actions and ruthless suppression of opposition.

>imperils: puts at risk of being harmed, injured or destroyed.

>opinion leaders: the persons in a group to whom others listen, whose opinion they accept, whom they trust and on whom they depend.

>read up on: to learn about by reading; gather information on; research by reading.

>shadowed: to become clouded over as if with shadows; grow dark or gloomy.

>smooth the way: to remove obstructions, hindrances or difficulties from a course or path.

>special interest group: a group of people or an organization seeking or receiving special advantages or treatment, typically through persuading political representatives or influential persons to issue laws in their favor.

tyranny: a government in which a single ruler has absolute power and uses it unjustly or cruelly.

unscrupulous: not restrained by moral or ethical principles.

usurp: to seize and hold (the power of rights of another, for example, by force and in an unjust or illegal manner.

untimely: occurring or done at a bad time.

wind of mischance: an unlucky force or influence.