The role of Government

What role should governments play in the lives of their citizens? This has been a major theme for us in our early study of European history. We know that Locke believed that government should exist to protect life, liberty and property. Today in the United States we are facing another round of debate about the role of government, similar to how the European elite argued the merits of Absolutism over Constitutionalism. We know that Europe was shaken by the Protestant Reformation and the Scientific Revolution as much as it was by the Puritans and the Fronde. Are we being shaken? How should the government respond to the cry for nationalized health care? Should this be a right of all U.S. citizens? What role do you believe the government should have on this issue?

Please read the following article, use your understanding of European history, and your opinions about the role of government and offer your feedback on the issue at hand.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-healthcare30-2009sep30,0,2490541.story

You will never be graded on your opinions. You get full credit for participating twice. This blog is a way for us to know more about each other, to help us learn about what we value and care about, and to build our learning community. Please respond with your own view first – giving ample space to articulate your opinions. In your second post please respond to one of your peers, agreeing or disagreeing or offering what you learned from their response. I look forward to a wonderful dialogue.

You have 7 days to complete your two responses.