a healthy skepticism

trust. dictionary.com defines trust as the "reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing; confidence".
should we trust our government? if you examine and study the intentions of our nation's founding fathers i believe you will find they encouraged the opposite. why? perhaps because trust relaxes our natural defense mechanisms. if you trust someone or something there is no reason to be defensive or question their motives; trust implies confidence. to follow someone trust is essential, in military applications it's vital, in government it is devastating.
in his final speech as the president of the united states, dwight eisenhower stated "we should take nothing for granted. only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals so that security and liberty may prosper together". (emphasis mine) why would he take the occasion of his farewell address to implore the citizenry of our country in such a way? could it be that he foresaw the disastrous effects of misplaced trust in government? we must remain vigilant, educate ourselves, and hold elected officials accountable, apathy has led to our present state of affairs.
we as americans should mistrust anything coming from government, not as an act of civil disobedience but as patriots. by maintaining a healthy skepticism we are able to combat the special interests and career politicians who have absconded with our democracy. our constitution vests the power with us, the citizens of the united states and we have abdicated our responsibility and authority to the very government designed to serve us. rage against the machine said it best "you've gotta take the power back".

-joe