Here, we offer a word of advice to politicians...
We saw in the paper that Karl Rove urged Republicans to come up with a new idea if they wish to remain in power. We have a suggestion: How about an old idea? Why don’t the Republicans try becoming conservatives again?
Since few Republicans know what conservatism is, we will spell out a program for them:
1) Balance the Budget
2) Cut taxes
3) Don’t meddle in anyone’s affairs, domestic or foreign, unless you really, really have to
There, that’s simple enough even for a Republican. And at least it would give voters a real choice.
Could this sort of program catch on? No chance. Because too many people have come to expect something for nothing. No one wants to balance the budget, because then the government would have to curtail its program of bread and circuses. No one in government wants to cut taxes, because it would mean less money for the government to spend. And no one wants to stop meddling in other peoples’ business – it would mean giving up too much power and money; what would all the lobbyists, consultants, lawyers and war-profiteers do?
But what about when the middle-class realises it is getting poorer? Won’t voters demand a change of direction?
Yes, they probably will. They will want “Relief!” They will want moratoria on debt collections and foreclosures. They will want lower rates from the Fed and higher spending from their government. They will probably want more war too; bellicosity is the traditional refuge of scoundrels and bankrupts.
Bill Bonner
The Daily Reckoning Australia
P.S. to get The Daily Reckoning direct to your inbox sign up to our free e-mail newsletter or if you prefer to use RSS, subscribe to the Daily Reckoning RSS feed.
Related Articles:
- None Found
About the Author
Best-selling investment author Bill Bonner is the founder and president of Agora Publishing, one of the world's most successful consumer newsletter companies. Owner of both Fleet Street Publications and MoneyWeek magazine in the UK, he is also author of the free daily e-mail The Daily Reckoning.
Comment by DZ on 24 August 2007:
I just read your latest Daily Reckoning, before anything I just have to say keep up the good work, your articles are some of the most insightful and informative pieces that i can find.
Anyway i just read your the bit about Returning the Republican Conservatism
1) Balance the Budget
2) Cut taxes
3) Don't meddle in anyone's affairs, domestic or foreign, unless you
really, really have to
I just like to point out that there is one person running for President who has all of those goal in sight.
That person is Ron Paul.
I really do hope your fellow Americans can come to there senses and realise that a Vote for ron paul is a Vote for economic prosperity.
DZ
Perth WA
Comment by Chris. Fulker on 24 August 2007:
Bill Bonner, you are quite right: the consumer will demand change when he deduces that all isn't really sunshine, lollipops and rainbows after all... That change will come in the form you predict. But it is already here - we have Lou Dobbsianism!!
This turns even the most individualistic, small-"c" conservative, anti-government-intrusion free enterpriser into an anti-immigrant, anti-free trade, protectionist opponent of "big business". Liberals, left-wingers, right-wing conspiracy theorists and socialists alike will beg for cheap money and clamour for more bread. Worshippers of governments! Out the window go all previously sacred principles. Flag-waving and jingoism are in: criticism of the administration is out. One fig leaf is available in this regard: all would be put right if they could just remove the current President, whom it is permissable to lambaste.
Listen! It has started already...the search for the "guilty", punishment of the innocent and rewarding of the undeserving...