The Republican Right would have you believe all sorts of nasty things about Democratic social policies, which in fact are designed to level the playing field and to provide equal opportunity for every citizen to reach their full potential. Republicans sniff and call this ?nanny government.? They tell us know in no uncertain terms that the Democratic approach to government is somehow un-American, because government programs somehow sap the recipient?s strength of character. Unless, of course, that recipient of massive subsidies happens to be a major corporation, in which case the help is regarded as economically necessary and not really as a form of corporate welfare.But what are we to think of the Republican policies which make it the government?s business to know whether or not a woman (or a couple) plan to have a baby? Or to insist that a certain form of prayer be recited to start the school day? Or to interfere in how a person chooses to die? Or to require cadets at the Air Force Academy to attend a certain type of chapel on Sundays? Or to decide that scientific research is to be edited or ignored if they don?t like the results? Or to restrict personal financial and investment strategies and require reports? Or to restrict the choice of whom you can marry?
This is not nanny government, this is ?busybody government.? Under this form of government, the gossipy witch next door, twitching the curtains to spy on her neighbors, is now the Republican ideal. And you thought this was a free country? Well, it still is - barely - and can remain so into the future. But only if you throw the meddling right-wing rascals out and vote for Democrats!