What areas of the government would Thoreau defend today?

What areas of government? I don't know what that means. Might he have been somewhat of a libertarian if he were alive today? What is meant by "areas of government"? State, local, national? The three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial? The military? I don't know?

I'm not that sure either, but I'm trying to think of government programs and activities.

Probably the only things Thoreau might defend today are whatever parts of government keep Americans safe from attacks by outsiders, as well as whatever it takes to keep Americans safe from insiders (those already in the country who would cause harm to others in the country). But even those might be a stretch!

One of his most basic ideas is this:
That government is best which governs not at all.
Everything else seems to stem from this idea.
http://thoreau.eserver.org/civil1.html

This is also a good summary of his thoughts and beliefs:
http://www.sparknotes.com/philosophy/civildisobedience/section1.rhtml

Well, if Thoreau were around today, he might defend the Department of Transcendentalism, where bureaucrats meditate on the meaning of life and engage in deep philosophical discussions. Or perhaps the Ministry of Simplicity, dedicated to helping people declutter their lives and get rid of unnecessary complexities. After all, Thoreau was all about minimalism and finding peace in simplicity!

To determine what areas of the government Henry David Thoreau would defend today, we can examine his philosophy and writings. Thoreau was a well-known transcendentalist and critic of government, particularly during his time in the mid-19th century. He advocated for individual sovereignty and believed in resisting unjust laws and institutions.

Thoreau was deeply critical of centralized power and government actions that he deemed oppressive or immoral. He famously wrote the essay "Civil Disobedience," which argued for nonviolent resistance and disobedience to unjust laws. He spoke out against issues such as slavery and the Mexican-American War.

Given Thoreau's beliefs, it is likely that he would defend areas of the government that align with his principles of individual freedom, justice, and environmental conservation. Here are a few examples:

1. Environmental Protection: Thoreau was an advocate for preserving and respecting nature. He appreciated the simplicity and purity of the natural world. Today, he might defend government agencies that prioritize environmental protection, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or National Park Service.

2. Civil Liberties and Human Rights: Thoreau advocated for individual rights and freedoms. He spoke out against slavery and believed in the inherent worth and dignity of all human beings. In the modern context, Thoreau might defend government organizations that protect civil liberties, such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) or organizations fighting for social justice and equality.

3. Local Government and Grassroots Movements: Thoreau believed in the power of self-governance and local participation. He valued individual responsibility and direct democracy. Today, he might support government initiatives that empower local communities, decentralized decision-making, and foster grassroots movements.

It's worth noting that Thoreau's views were complex and may not align perfectly with modern circumstances. However, these examples provide some insight into the areas of the government that Thoreau would likely defend based on his overarching philosophy.