Alarm bells should be ringing when the wealthiest man on the planet with over $15 billion in government contracts is given insider access to the bank account of the world’s largest economy with the authority to cut vital programs with no accountability. As a non-elected official acting in an official capacity, the values of a government founded on checks and balances are violated and appear no longer applicable. The stage is set for a dangerous precedent. 

Claiming to be in the people’s best interest, there is an insidious agenda at work in plain sight. It seeks to make weak promises to the populace, actively enrich the wealthy, and embolden an idolatrous orgy for national exceptionalism. As people feast on the falsehoods of patriotism, pride, and victory over “woke” and “elite” insiders, the new elite is serving up drinks, amassing control over every major branch of government, and strategically enriching themselves for the next decade at our expense. For those who see the unfolding disaster, you can be assured the liquor eventually runs out and every wild party will end.

Taxpayers have always distrusted government spending, especially programs that benefit people, places, or initiatives that seemingly don’t impact their personal lives. A common sentiment is, “Where’s my handout?” While some might suggest it comes from a place of entitlement and privilege, a more compassionate view recognizes everyone has unmet needs and can use a helping hand along the way.

Programs advocated for, petitioned, debated, and voted on are there for a reason: to promote the welfare of the people who need it most. Certainly, not every program has fulfilled its promises. A growing attitude around the country considers most programs wasteful or corrupt. But when a neighbor bound to a motorized wheelchair is no longer able to afford their prescription medication, or a disabled relative or veteran can no longer afford their healthcare costs or living expenses, suddenly, we’re confronted with the once-untold story of these vital programs that sustain meaningful lives every day.

A welfare state may not be in everyone’s best interest, but an equitable future that holistically seeks to support the well-being of humanity is. Decades ago, social service organizations and churches took it upon themselves to care for the poor, orphans, widows, and ailing in society. Their mission was to serve the outcasts of society. Inspired by the countless good and faithful that came before us, as society evolved, the economy grew, and hardships became increasingly devastating for families, the government stepped in to provide these programs at scale.

What began as community efforts grounded in a Judeo-Christian concept of love, the hope of Western society and Democracy embraced their responsibility to care for and protect one another, regardless of the cost. Recent history reveals the surprising notion that love is the foundation of a liberal society—open and generous values that seek to treat neighbors as we would want to be treated. 

While many increasingly reject the “radical liberalization” of America and the West, we risk losing decades of gain. Every hardworking person, college graduate, veteran, parent with children in a public school, immigrant, refugee, and retiree (including those on pensions, Medicaid, and Medicare) has all the more reason to worry than to celebrate. Our currently elected and non-elected bureaucrats are reshaping the future to benefit the wealthy while leaving the rest of us behind. 

The future will either be defined by the dominance of a few or a reformation of collective hope and resiliency for each other. When time is short, it’s better to be awake than asleep.