Progressivism vs. Conservatism

            It’s no secret that I think Donald Trump is unqualified to be president.  I sense that after he “stepped into it” on a number of issues last week, more and more people are coming to the same conclusion.  Nevertheless, Trump hits the bullseye on at least one issue I agree with, and that is his disgust with the mismanagement in Washington that has created a national debt approaching $20 billion.  Unfortunately, his solution to the problem—cut waste and fraud—wouldn’t begin to reign in the debt.  Much more than that will be required to bring the debt under control.

            As I see it, the solution lies in resolving the national argument between Progressivism and Conservatism.  Those who support the Progressive agenda see big government as essential.  They want a government that “cares about them.”  They might think that government over-spending is bad for the country, but indispensable for their well-being.  That’s why young people in college flock to Bernie Sanders and cheer when he promises them a free education; it’s only right for the government to soak the rich so they can get their benefits.
            Conservatives, on the other hand, preach the virtues of small government, individual responsibility, and entitlement reform.  But their voices are drowned out by career politicians whose main goal is staying in office.  And if that means compromising principles, so be it.
            Of course, I’m over-simplifying.  But when we come right down to it, we Americans must decide on what kind of country we want.  Do we want a European-type socialism in which government makes all the decisions, has all the power, and controls all the resources in exchange for providing all the free stuff we want?  Or do we want a country that values individual responsibility and free enterprise, and a government that removes the shackles of regulation and excessive taxation?
            If we’re going to bring the national debt under control, we have to forgo the illusion that big government has all the answers.  As Ronald Reagan was fond of saying, “Government is not the solution to our problems.  Government is the problem.”