"A New Economy Founded Upon a Rock?"

I heard President Obama's speech at Georgetown University yesterday. It's a direct reference to Jesus' parable in Matthew 7 about a wise man and a foolish man building their homes. Of course the foolish man built upon something that shifts and provides no security--sand. The wise man built upon something stable--rock. He mentioned that "we cannot build this economy on the same pile of sand. We must build our house upon a rock."

I was amazed that my President even alluded to biblical illustrations. Of course, this is a free country, and free speech is what we're all about. But he specifically mentioned Jesus' story and tied it to economics. So, I suppose it's alright then to say that in politics it's O.K. to say that biblical principles can be applied to good government and good economics?

However, I must politely disagree with his conclusion that his version of a new economic policy is a policy built upon a rock. How is taking on ten trillion dollars of unsustainable debt building a future for our country upon a rock? More government spending, more government projects, more government control is producing a better economy? He mentions that in times of crisis families naturally cut back, and that is responsible. But President Obama says, "government needs to stimulate demand. Families and businesses have cut spending; government needs to step in." Wrong. Sure, families cut back. That's called common sense. But if the government doesn't cut its waste (when has it EVER cut waste?), but rather expands its spending--that's being responsible and helpful? If I'm frugal and responsible, that gives the government the green light to be irresponsible?

Government does not stimulate economies. Individuals who are left alone to keep the fruits of labor, and spend or invest it as they see fit actually grow an economy.