Independence day: When we expect government to do everything, we cheat ourselves out of our fullest life

In northeast Indiana, we pride ourselves on Hoosier common sense: wake up early, work hard, care for one’s family and look out for one’s neighbors.

I grew up waving to anyone who drove by in my neighborhood and still do.

But, somewhere along the way, larger portions of society have been pushed toward a new level of animosity and resentment toward one another, and I believe the recently growing dependency on the federal government is partly to blame.

As we experience one of the longest government shutdowns in history, this is as good a time as ever to discuss this.

Too many of us now expect the federal government to be the first answer to every challenge, even as Gallup polling shows significant and growing distrust. Then, when government inevitably falls short, we grow bitter, blaming