The “economy” symbolizes survival at its most basic level. It is through an economic system that we gather items for our continued existence and, more importantly, for the continued survival of our loved ones. So yes, it’s always the economy (affordability).
Since the economy is so important to our basic survival, what economic philosophy best promotes and protects that system? Is it more government? Or more private enterprise? We need to answer this basic question before promoting another “solution.”
Politicians would have you believe that another law or rule or some grand federal program will solve all our problems. They would have us believe they can create the perfect government solution to affordability. Experience and historical rigor say otherwise.
As imperfect and messy as private enterprise, through a free economic system, is, it is infinitely better than any government solution. Here is the crux of the debate on “affordability.”
The way to attain economic success is via the free exchange of goods and services through a stable and independent economic system. Remember, all money the government spends is taken first from the private citizen. Would it not be more “affordable” if that money were left in the hands of those who actually worked for it?
The choice is binary. There are only two options: more free enterprise or less. More government or less. I submit that no greater power than our Creator opined on this issue when He created the individual and granted us free will — the power to choose, to decide.
This argument crosses all political boundaries. Few politicians have debated the issue at its fundamental level. Therefore, it is extremely confusing to the voter. President Trump is a free enterprise guy…then he promotes tariffs. This is a contradiction, since all tariffs are paid by the consumer — in this case by the citizen. Where is the free enterprise in that?
Integrity requires rational thought, intellect. Integrity is consistency between word and deed. If we favor free enterprise and our innate gift of free will, then we will never decide in favor of stealing from others (progressive taxation) or imposing our will on others’ free choice (law and regulation).
We can have affordability for all, just not by government imposing its will upon us. This is a universal message that every soul understands.
Jay Davidson is founder and CEO of a commercial bank, a student of the Austrian School of Economics and a dedicated capitalist. There is a direct connection joining individual right and responsibility, our Constitution, capitalism, and the intent of our Creator.