Neal Boortz: Lamenting our Dependence Day

By Neal Boortz

For The AJC

Some days trying to be the nice guy is just a chore. This must be one of those days. I guess the nature of my job compels me to pay more attention to the news than most people. Some of you are news junkies because you enjoy it. OK, so I enjoy it. That’s a good thing because keeping up with the news isn’t an option for me. It’s a necessity. I can’t let the listeners and callers, or readers, get too far ahead of me.

I would love to pick up a Vince Flynn novel and start reading right about now, but just can’t. While I’m reading some racy sex scene that couldn’t possibly ever really happen to anyone in actual real life, the power-hungry horde in Washington is plotting yet another ploy to guarantee its position of privilege, prestige and power through the increased subjugation of the great unwashed, aka the dumb masses.

So, here we are at July 3. That means we’re one day away from July 4. Those of you who have been listening to me for decades know — and expect — that I’ll get in a progressively nastier mood as we approach the celebration of “Independence Day.” Why? Because, for the most part, it’s a giant fraud, that’s why. Oh sure, millions of American families will pack picnic lunches and head into the countryside. Others will gather to Oh and Ah at fireworks displays. There will be parades and, in places not quite so consumed with political correctness, we’ll even see military displays. The ceremonies will be there. But where is the dedication to freedom and independence? Right. Where indeed?

Since 1962, the Heritage Foundation has published a study titled “The Index of Dependence on Government.” We now have the 2010 report in hand, and it’s not a pretty read as America prepares to celebrate Independence Day. Let’s see how we’re doing with this “independence” thing.

When the voters gave the Republicans control of the House and the Senate in 1994 I issued a warning. For once, it seems, I got it right. I told my listeners that one day the Democrats would return to power, and when they did they would immediately take steps to make sure they never lost control to the Republicans again. And just how would they do that? They would move to make as many additional people dependent on government as possible. Government dependency translates into political strength, and if you’re not particularly attuned to the concept of liberty (i.e., you’re a Democrat) this is your formula for power.

Well, here’s your Saturday morning “I told you so.” On the eve of Independence Day you’re learning that Americans’ dependence on government grew by 13.6 percent in the first year of the Obama presidency, or, if you will, in the first year of complete Democrat control of our government. That word again is GREW. This is the biggest increase in government dependency since 1976, and the fifth-largest increase since the Heritage Foundation started measuring. Wow, what an incredible surprise.

Things are only going to get worse. Remember, the Democrat’s health care takeover was passed this year, not last; and the effect won’t be fully felt for a few years down the road; that’s so the Democrats could hide the true costs associated with their little scheme and thus avoid electoral Armageddon this November. You also might be interested that these Fourth-of-July-celebrating independent Americans are now dependent on food stamps (or whatever they call this particular handout now) more than ever before. Wave that flag, freedom-loving Americans!

Here’s an idea. On this Independence Day — after you’ve hobbled down Peachtree for your T-shirt — maybe you could actually spend a few moments questioning your own dedication to freedom and independence. Is it real? Or are you just giving your annual lip service.

Enjoy the fireworks. More to come in November.

Listen to Neal Boortz live from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays on AM750 WSB Radio. His column appears every Saturday. For more Boortz, go to boortz.com