Political Philosophy

There's an old joke: How do you make something to take twice as long as it should, cost four times as much as it should, and still not do what it's supposed to do? Have a government do it.

We laugh at the joke because it's true. So, why is the response of everyone in Washington, Democrat or Republican, to respond to every problem by increasing the size and power of government? Big Government doesn't work.

So, yes, I believe that small government is the better way to achieve our goals. Now, whenever I bring up small government, someone immediately jumps to the conclusion that I'm somehow out to strand little old ladies without an income or something. Actually, I think just the opposite is true. Think of it this way: with Big Government comes Big Bureaucracy. So, let's say we, as a society, decide we need to help families with small songbirds. In a Big Government, the bureaucrats go through and define every conceivable family configuration they can come up with and establish eligibility requirements. They write big, complicated laws. They create labyrinthine forms. They appoint their buddies to head up the enormous new Department for Families with Songbirds. You've got a small songbird, so you apply for benefits. The Big Government bureaucrats say "I'm sorry, you've got two biological children and a foster child in addition to your songbird. That family configuration isn't defined. I'm afraid you're not eligible." Instead, picture a small government program. Instead of creating a huge bureaucracy, we instead identify the right person to do the job, and empower them to do it. Instead of some Washington bureaucrat deciding who does and does not qualify, people who know and understand the situation have the authority. Small government is not only more effective, but also costs much less.

I'd like to take a look at all our government programs, identify what their core mission is meant to be, and then streamline the process.

Cicero once said, "The more laws, the less justice." More than 2,000 years ago, Cicero understood the risks of government micromanagement. Ever worked for a micromanager? Why do we want our government to micromanage?

It's not the job of our representatives to micromanage. It's their job to represent.

It's not the job of a representative to look like they're working by bringing pork barrel money into the district. It's the job of the represenative to make sure the concerns of his or her constituents have a voice in Washington.

It's not the job of a representative to accept lavish gifts and work for the interests of special interests. It's their job to look out for all citizens.

It is the job of a representative to lend judgement, discretion, and understanding to the issues that come before Congress. It's the job of a representative to be empathetic and openminded. It's the job of a representative to listen. It's the job of a representative to defend the Constitution and the rights it guarantees.

I believe in personal responsibility. No one knows what's right for me better than I do. No one knows better what is right for you than you do. We should all be free to make our own decisions and reap our own rewards or suffer our own consequences. You must have the right to live your life free of government meddling.

I believe in equality. I want everyone to have the same rights and opportunities.

I believe in government by the people for the people. I do not believe in government by big business for big business. I do not believe in government by special interests for special interests. I am not for sale.

Let's take back the government.