I recently responded to a tea-party member on Facebook regarding nationalized healthcare. It isn’t too often that I post something that both completely and articulately states my opinion on a forum. I may never be able to get it out in the same way again, so I am reposting it here.

Context: I was responding directly to this comment made by tea party member, and ultra conservative ___ ___: “you have the belief, I think, that liberty is government taking responsibility and having fingers in every facet of your life so that they give a “sense” of happiness and quality of life as defined by bureaucrats.”

My response:

Not true. Does everyone who disagrees with your view get labeled Orwellian? To make it clear: I am for small government but believe that disparity in education, shelter, nutrition, and healthcare are things that we should work to limit for the good of society. As the government is representative of the people, and it is in everyone’s best interests for a vibrant society, it is obvious to me that the government should work towards these goals. How that takes shape requires sacrifice and compromise and should evolve over time. The “every man for himself” attitude from the extreme right reminds me of the wild west, and frankly, disgusts me. Lobbyists also disgust me, as does special spending (aka pork), and endless bickering. A government is responsible for the safety, security, mobility, and well being of the people it has been elected to serve. It is not to be a vehicle for propaganda, misinformation, spying, and the denial of rights — or the reclassification of rights as privileges for the betterment of a few over the detriment of the many.

There you have it. If this makes me a liberal, so be it. If it makes me progressive, so be it. Independent? label away. On Erased, I wrote a song called “Screw“, which is related to this argument about the size and role of government. Smart regulation is key, some government is necessary. But I do not want Patriot Acts and government secrets.

This song was inspired by Israel’s trek into Gaza December of 2008, but is more about the Israel/Palestine problem in general. The Barrier is a reference to the walls and fences erected in the West Bank plus the barricades and checkpoints throughout Gaza and other Palestinian lands. It’s also a reference to the three main points of contention separating the Israelis and Palestinians from peace:

1. Right of return
2. The honoring of pre-war borders
3. Illegal settlements

While other issues exist (Jerusalem, Israeli security concerns, the control over border crossings, the Palestinian economy, and mutual recognition), I think that the three mentioned above are the core issues that make peace impossible. “Peace requires compromise”, a clip from Madeleine Albright in a joint speech she made with Jimmie Carter at the Carter Center, sums it up.

You can listen to Barrier by clicking on the music player to the right. You can also search for it on iTunes. For lyrics and other information, try here.

Also — and if you haven’t already — take a moment to join the Grenga Ma Facebook fan page. Lastly, please rate Barrier below: