Trading our birthright of liberty

To the editor:

What can we learn from history on the best direction in this election?

Let's look at a lesson from the Bible. Esau was the eldest of twins. He was to receive the birthright from his father because he was born first. He was out hunting, and when he came home he was hungry. Jacob, his twin, was cooking up a mean pot of stew. Esau was overwhelmed with hunger. He was so hungry that he gave up his family birthright to Jacob for a meal. This act had far-reaching consequences on world history.

How does this apply to the current crisis? During the Great Depression Americans sold part of our birthright of liberty and limited government so we could have food and security. At that time we chose liberalism and government assistance. We have had a steady decline in liberty and limited government ever since. Today we face an electorate that may fear and be insecure about the future of their lives.

My fear is that we will do what Esau did and once again trade our birthright of freedom and liberty for the prospect of larger and more intrusive government. Selling off the blessings of liberty for job security or food will not bring about a better country but one enslaved to its master, the federal government.

BRUCE ADEN, Perryville, Mo.