Both Parties Favor Statism In Their Own Way

Let’s be clear about the economic outlook of the two major parties today: They are no friends to free markets or free enterprise. Each is statist in its own way, seeking to use the levers of government power to reward friends, punish foes and generally increase government intervention in the economy.

Each party does so because it believes its most devoted supporters want a red- or blue-flavored statism.

It was somewhat surprising, then to see GOP presidential contender Mike Pence publish an item in Reason calling for a return to economic first principles. Of a sort. Remember: Today’s version of the GOP is awash (none dare say “besotted”)  in culture war grievances. After conducting an almost ritualistic broadside against varieties of “woke’ this, that and the other, the one-time vice president gets around to noting something akin to a first principle of markets:

The bottom line is this: Conservatives can either be for politically motivated government intervention in the private sector, or we can be against it.

The left has long abused the reins of power and the constitutional order to serve its goals and punish its enemies. From President Barack Obama’s weaponization of the IRS against conservative groups to California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s attacks on Walgreens for putting the law and women’s safety above abortion politics, to Colorado bureaucrats forcing Christians like Jack Phillips of Masterpiece Cakeshop to choose between their businesses and their beliefs, the progressive left has wreaked havoc on our country and our timeless principles. Some Republicans would have us all emulate them and become progressive conservatives. We shouldn’t listen to them.

Setting aside just how many “conservatives’ are left in the Republican coalition…Pence is right in that Republican officials, with cheering supporters at their backs, have embraced the tools and aims of those on the other side of the political spectrum.

It’s often sold as “fighting” for a way of life or “not backing down” from the challenges the left throws in the right’s way.

It is fighting, and it is “not backing down.” Just don’t call it conservatism. Or support for free markets or free enterprise. Rather, what we have is a real-life example of Frederic Bastiat’s definition of government:

“Government is the great fiction through which everybody endeavors to live at the expense of everybody else.”

Or if that’s too abstract for the modern Republican political class to understand, how about a dose of Barry Goldwater:

“This country has grown great and strong and prosperous by placing major reliance on a free economy…Private property, free competition, hard work-these have been our greatest tools.” And they continue to be, despite the best efforts, and continual meddling, of our increasingly statist political class.

And they continue to be, despite the best efforts, and continual meddling, of our increasingly statist political class.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of American Liberty News.

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