Unit Four: Community 6/1

First of all, I reject Winthrop's notion that everyone's place in society is predetermined by God's will. If you were poor, unemployed, couldn't support your family, and seeking religion as a source of inspiration, what kind of message does this send? Why would anyone who isn't living comfortably believe in this nonsense? People like this need hope, not someone to tell them they're at the bottom of society because God wants them to be and they have no free will to change their status. What makes American society great is that people hold their destiny in their own hands (the American Dream). A millionaire can lose everything if he doesn't act appropriately and, conversely, someone who has nothing can build themselves up. I think this is the first contradiction between Winthrop and Thoreau. Thoreau believes in the individual to strengthen society, whereas Winthrop tells society to just accept their individual roles because God said to. I understand that there were centuries of American history separating these two writers, but I have to say I don't agree with Winthrop on this case at all. Especially in light of the success stories of the 20th century, I don't think there would be a lot of support for Winthrop's ideas today.

Another way that Thoreau and Winthrop contradict one another is that Thoreau is opposing a government that supports institutions he doesn't believe in (a.k.a. slavery) while Winthrop is basically saying to listen to God and do what I tell you to. It's ironic that the passengers traveling to America with Winthrop were fleeing closed-minded religious societies, but they are submitting to the same closed-minded religious society in America, only this time it's being dictated by Winthrop. Thoreau calls for the right to not support a government with contrasting beliefs, while Winthrop doesn't acknowledge the existence of contrasting beliefs with God.

Thoreau and Winthrop agree on the fact that community is the only way to succeed in a young, growing nation. Though they are writing about two completely different eras in American history, they are both right. It was especially crucial for Winthrop's era to have a sense of community, and perhaps religion was the uniting force that allowed them to succeed. Winthrop suggests love is the essential uniting force, while Thoreau sides with reason. Thoreau knew that community was critical, but maybe slightly less critical than it was for the original settlers.

I think that Thoreau is not condemning the American community, but rather praising it's accomplishments in spite of the American government. Thoreau states "The character inherent in the American people has done all that has been accomplished; and it would have done somewhat more, if the government had not sometimes got in its way." Thoreau is instilling more pride in the American community by celebrating its achievements and calling for the community to discontinue their association with a standing government that doesn't always represent the will of it's citizens. I think Thoreau's definition that "government is at best but an expedient" is interesting and still holds true today. Most politicians do not care about what the American people want, they care about what special interest groups, unions, lobbyists, and other major contributors want. In short, they want to do what it takes for them to make some money and retain their office. Of course, this is not true of all politicians, but it describes a frightening percentage of congressmen at the moment.

Today, the conservative movement in America calls for smaller government to achieve more for the American people. Especially in the past half century, government entitlements and hand-outs have caused taxes to sky rocket, backroom deals to become more prevalent, and "pork" projects are more common than ever. More far-right groups, such as Libertarians, also accept the motto that Thoreau presents: "That government is best which governs least" and further "That government is best that governs not at all." I won't go into the details of the Libertarian movement, but if you are unfamiliar with it, there is plenty information on the internet. I am sure that if Thoreau were alive today he would associate with the Libertarian school of thought.


Questions
I'm not a very religious person, so maybe I condemned Winthrop's ideas unfairly. Do you think that the notion that "God's will" can explain every person's place in society and that a person's success can be solely attributed to God?

Obviously, no government at all would lead to chaos. But there is a growing amount of Americans that are calling for the smallest government possible. Considering our ever-growing debt and continued spending, where do you think the line needs to be drawn? Does government need to provide social security, public housing, etc. when not all Americans want to support these concepts? Does the government need to prosecute victimless crimes like smoking marijuana in your own home or having an open container of alcohol in front of your own house?