Some thoughts on the upcoming election. Probably preaching to the choir here, but perhaps someone will consider this:
I know a lot of people sincerely hope for things to change. My concern is that people are not seriously considering the impact of the change Obama advocates.
The only way he (or ‘we’ if you prefer) can accomplish those things on his agenda is by adopting more socialist, nanny-state policies:
- “progressive” taxes that punish success
- “redistributive change” that rewards people for another’s effort
- More entitlements that destroy individual responsibility and initiative
- In general, bigger government and more dependence on it.
That is exactly the wrong direction we need to change. Americans need
to wake up and own their own success. Government needs to get out of
the way. The role of government should be to ensure the promise of the
Declaration of Independence: that all citizens have the same right to
life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Government has no
business trying ensure anyone actually has happiness. The attempt can
only result in making everyone equally miserable.
Unfortunately, no major candidate is running on a message of personal
responsibility and smaller government. By and large, people don’t
respond well to being told well that no one else is going to solve their
problems. Obama’s message is primarily one of class envy and
victimhood. McCain’s approach isn’t much better. Sarah Palin’s (brief)
history makes me think she gets it, but her message is muddied by the
association with McCain.
