Longing for Belonging and the Lure of the State


 

Publication Date: August 2007

Publisher: Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): Ryan Messmore

Research Area: Government

Keywords: Thought; community; Civil Society; belonging

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

The case for limited government can be strengthened by acknowledging the fundamental human longing for a sense of belonging and recognizing that local participatory communities are best equipped to meet this need. The national government has an important role in protecting such communities, which includes preserving rather than absorbing their rightful authority and functions.