The way I feel about Trumpism

One of the principles of conservatism – carried to the extreme with Trumpism and Project 2025 – is individual responsibility and limited government. That, of course, implies lower taxes also.

It sounds simple, even logical. The problem is when you match individual responsibility with human behavior and human nature. Most people don’t always act responsibly or can’t do so.

Consider that in the context of a society of 300+ million people and it should be clear the simplicity claimed by far right conservatives, especially the MAGA folks, is deeply flawed.

This is especially obvious when it comes to finances and planning for the future, health care and education. Hence, Social Security, Medicare, ACA, CHIP and federal education loans and support. And other programs like SNAP.

Americans who use and rely on such programs are not parasites, nor are they billionaires. It is not sufficient or fair to simply say, “it’s their own fault, they should have …” yeah, they probably should have, but they didn’t or couldn’t.

Conservatives claim smaller government means lower taxes. That’s probably true, but the reality is the services those taxes provide are still needed and now the cost is shifted to the states and individuals who may or may not have the resources to cope.

A country of 300 million is a society which is different from 300 million individuals. That society is one giant risk pool for all the vicissitudes of life. It functions as a unit spreading risk and supporting those in need. It doesn’t limit individual freedom or rights, it supports them.

Government coordinates and manages the pooled risk in society. And yes, it should be as limited as feasible – to do the job necessary.

Just like with insurance premiums where risk is pooled, taxes spread the risk. And, just like with insurance, some taxpayers will benefit more or less than others. I for one hope never to need SNAP benefits or any subsidy, I’d rather not use Medicare, but I value Social Security.

Conservatives favor more control by the individual states. Okay, that was basic to our founding as a Country, but now we are in the 21st century and a highly competitive world, it’s a bit different than 1787. Shouldn’t some things be coordinated on a Country level in our best interests?

Take education for example. Can we afford to have a wide variance in the education provided by the individual states? Is it fair students in poor states have less opportunity, that the Country may miss out on the value better educated students provide just because a state does its own thing?

West Virginia is the least educated state followed by several southern states. Does that make sense? What potential value is the Country missing from those students?

Limited government, individual responsibility is fine. Applying common sense in our collective best interest is better.