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Thousands of years ago, the Greeks and the Romans gained a powerful estate by establishing a strong and stable government. Likewise, behind every countrys economic stability today, lies its governments polices. In the Resistance to Government, Henry David Thoreau portrays governments involvement in peoples lives as he says limits the rights of individuals. His opinionated statement that says, That government is best which governs not at all, strongly refers to his disbelief in the governments engagement in peoples lives. Thoreau's ideas do not prove to be realistic in the present society and lack the potential in people to act upon them. Today, governments reliability and systematic polices allow a steadiness in the life of the people.
The reliability of the government in the United States exists in a strongly manner. Everything, from road construction to public school system obtain their foundation with the organization the government provides. Programs like health insurance, medical insurance and welfare that come from the government benefit the citizens in numerous ways. They provide financial help when people need it the most while suffering through severe times like a medical disorder. Through the military defense system, the government also assists the people with protection from domestic as well as foreign forces. It also maintains peace with other countries; therefore, avoiding wars and any other destructions.
Thoreau fails to recognize the reliability of the government and says, I have paid no poll tax for six years (Resistance to Civil Government, 222). While taxes appear as a loss in a persons income, it serves as a source to meet the peoples needs. Taxes enable the government to establish its programs and look after the peoples necessities. Even though everyone does not agrees with what the tax money supports, it evidently benefits him or her indirectly in other ways. The systematic policies acquired by the government also helps in bettering the lives of the people. The governments divisions into executive, legislative and judicial branches balance out its power and control over the people.
When attacking the government Thoreau declares, The progress from an absolute to a limited monarchy, from a limited monarchy to a democracy, is a progress toward a true respect for the individual (Resistance to Civil Government, 224). In todays society, many people probably agree on that statement and refer it as a fulfilling one. The balance of power in the government stops it from controlling the expressions and thoughts of individuals. With the help of laws, the government regulates the crimes that take place. Without these restrictions, it would cause chaos and endanger the life of others. As Thoreau says, There will never be a really free and enlightened State, until the State comes to recognize the individual as a higher and independent power, from which all its own power and authority are derived, and treats him accordingly (Resistance to Civil Government, 224).
The thoughts in the statement show Thoreau's unrealistic concerns for individuality. If the government steps out of peoples lives, one individual shall end up taking control over the country as a dictator. People alone without a government would finally end up in a disorderly situation. Everyone shall do as they wish for their selfish reasons. Thoreau fails to recognize the later consequences of the country without a government. With the help of the governments reliability and systematic polices, people retain constancy in their lives.
Thoreau's protest against governments involvement in peoples lives does not influence people today. Governments engagement provides protection and financial stability. All the public services flow through smoothly and the choirs get completed adding an ease in peoples lives. Without any laws and restrictions, the country would turn into a self-ruling environment. The country would not survive any longer as a democracy without a government.
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Research essay sample on Resistance To Civil Government Peoples Lives
