Let's Applaud Success

In thinking about the future of our country and the role of government, I often think of this quote from President Ronald Reagan: “We who live in the free market societies believe that growth, prosperity, and ultimately human fulfillment are created from the bottom up, not the government down.”  

This quote seems to be in direct contrast with our current President’s policies.  President Obama has been talking a lot about how government has a role in projecting fairness, particularly in the tax code. He ran on a platform of hope, change, and unity, but his policies are filled with government intrusions that have divided America. 

It is apparent President Obama has to talk about fairness to divide the electorate because he cannot stand on his own economic record.  Under President Obama’s policies, we have encountered the worst unemployment crisis since the Great Depression and the slowest recovery since World War II.   As we reflect, instead of pushing pro-growth policies, President Obama has pressed forward with Obamacare, bailed out Wall Street, and added $5 trillion in new debt in less than one term in office.  At a time when we need to encourage innovation and support small businesses, the President is projecting policies that divide our nation and diminish many economic opportunities for hardworking Americans.

Our country needs to change course.  We need a flatter, simpler tax code that will keep America competitive globally and increase economic opportunities for all Americans.  We need to get the heavy hand of Washington off the backs of small business. We need to end bailouts, and we need to quit spending money we don’t have.  Beyond policy, we need to inspire folks that with a little hard work, they have the ability to make their dreams come true. We need our nation to come together and lift each other up.  We need to applaud success, not foster jealousy.