Stop It!

Are you an ideologist? Are you someone who subscribes strongly to one set of ideals and beliefs. Do you see everything in black and white and refuse to see in shades of gray?

If you are, stop it! Stop it now!

Whatever side you’re on, I promise you that your side is not always right. There are always exceptions and special circumstances. That’s why our American system of government, with its two parties meant to encompass the entire spectrum of political thought, is floundering. People are more interested in being on the winning side than doing what’s best for America.

Let’s look at capitalism as an example:

capitalism |ˈkapətlˌizəm|
noun
an economic and political system in which a country’s trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than by the state.

Do you support truly free markets? Do you believe in liberal economic policies? Do you think any government interference with the economic system is inherently bad?

If you are a die hard capitalist who will oppose any form of interference with free markets, than you are stupid. You have no idea what you are talking about. Let me very quickly point out why:

1. America does not have a truly free market system, and never has.

2. If we really had a free market system, than it would lead to monopolies in just about every industry, monopolies that would stifle competition.

3. Government regulation is necessary to insure that laws are obeyed, competition is promoted, and consumers are protected.

The main objective of any economic system should always be to maximize the benefit for the greatest number of people.

I know some people* would argue that everyone has an inherent right to find happiness, and that if one person works harder than another person, the government has no right to curtail that success. Even if I were to agree with that premise, pure capitalism is still wrong-headed because it will quickly lead to a situation where wealth and advantage are accumulated in the hands of an elite few, and that wealth and advantage will be passed down from one generation to the next. Members of that elite few will protect their position above all else. True capitalism will do more to suppress the deserving than it will do to help them achieve their just rewards.

When debating economic policy in this country, we must leave ideology behind and instead look at our society pragmatically. What decisions can we make as voters, as policy makers, to maximize the benefit to the greatest number of people? The answer isn’t some kind of ism. Capitalism in its purest form is not a proper solution. Communism in its purest form is not a proper solution. Stop arguing for ideals and start looking for practical solutions that can make our country a better place to live for everyone. What is the right amount of taxes to benefit everyone and encourage economic growth that the maximum number of people can enjoy? At what point does the government need to step in to protect consumers while continuing to promote business. These questions should not be answered before they are examined. If you already think you know the answer to a question before you have been informed of all the factors pertaining to the situation, you are probably falling victim to ideology.

Stop it!

Please Note: This blog was paid for the Rick Santorum for President Fund

*Ayn Rand

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