The Great Unknown

As said by the great Abraham Lincoln in the Gettysburg Address, "government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." Is that true, however? For a good amount of people living in the United States, that statement doesn't necessarily hold true. Throughout America's considerable and extensive history, two groups have never completely seen eye to eye: the public and the government. One could say that the two sides could never completely agree, but there have been brief periods of time when the people and the government have agreed with one another. Unfortunately, these periods of time have usually occurred only during great times of tragedy and unrest. What causes this distrust, and why do the people tend to distrust the government?

I believe this feeling of distrust stems from the nature of the government's work. A lot of information can't be withheld to the public, so the average American can decide whether or not the people are benefiting from the government workings. In addition, there have sadly been a number of corrupt politicians that have sullied whatever good reputation an administration has left behind, constantly breaking down the relationship so many have tried to forge. Furthermore, relating back to Lincoln's quote, many Americans don't believe that the government actually tries to help the public. The mistreatment of veterans and soldiers can be used as an example that angers many people. No matter what the government does to justify and publicize its actions, the public will continue to remain skeptical of our governing body. 

While it is easy to blame the government, one could also say that the public has to take some blame as well. It's not difficult to understand that some things are better left unsaid, and this applies directly to the state. Being skeptical of the government is sure to happen; it's a natural human characteristic that everyone shares. But if we were to continue to remain skeptical and foster a good relationship with the government, I can see no reason for why there is suspicion. Just as Sarah Vowell writes in her personal essay The Partly Cloudy Patriot, "The true American patriot is by definition skeptical of the government" (1059). Americans can continue to be skeptical and the government should be able to keep information from the public. The only time when the two should be transparent is when their issues overlap, and the cooperation and understanding of both parties are needed for trust. This strained relationship of the citizen and state can be remedied easily. In fact, one word can be used to describe the solution: trust.