Big Government means small citizens: it corrodes the integrity of a people, catastrophically

Big Government means small citizens: it corrodes the integrity of a people, catastrophically

Mark Steyn, a prominent conservative commentator and author, has long been a vocal critic of big government and its impact on society. In his view, the expansion of government power and control over citizens ultimately leads to the erosion of individual integrity and autonomy. Steyn argues that when government becomes too large and intrusive, it stifles personal freedom and initiative, turning citizens into passive subjects dependent on the state for their needs.

According to Steyn, big government undermines the very essence of what it means to be a free and independent individual. When the state assumes responsibility for providing for all of its citizens' needs, it diminishes their sense of self-reliance and self-determination. Instead of taking charge of their own lives and making decisions based on their own values and priorities, people become reliant on government handouts and regulations to dictate their choices and actions.

Steyn also warns that big government can have a corrosive effect on the moral fabric of society. When the state exerts too much control over people's lives, it can breed a culture of dependency and entitlement, where individuals feel entitled to government support without taking responsibility for their own well-being. This can lead to a breakdown of personal accountability and a weakening of social bonds, as people become more focused on their own needs and desires rather than the common good.

Furthermore, Steyn argues that big government can have catastrophic consequences for a nation's economy and overall prosperity. When the state grows too large and bloated, it can stifle innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth, leading to stagnation and decline. Excessive government intervention in the economy can also distort market forces, leading to inefficiency, waste, and misallocation of resources.