“European welfare states are examples of what conservatives don’t want”
If I were in charge we would burn DC to the ground, and the only Federal program would be Defense.
But I also recognize the political reality: Americans LIKE their programs and benefits. They will vote into office those that will give it to them and without regard to what conservatives think on the subject.
Just do a short poll ON THIS SITE. Most Freepers would never support the elimination of Social Security or Medicare, and most would not eliminate Unemployment Insurance...or completely eliminate any welfare program. Either they or close family members are using one of them, will soon be using one of them or don’t want to “leave destitute” those who use them.
I contend “conservatism”, when the name is stripped, is not politically popular.
But I also recognize the political reality: Americans LIKE their programs and benefits. They will vote into office those that will give it to them and without regard to what conservatives think on the subject.
You and I are making progress.
We agree that government should be as small as possible, but you think that the voters don't agree.
Well, for starters, the polls indicate that 83% agree that RyanCare is not for them. Next, it our task as conservatives to convince the rest that limited government produces more wealth, better services (that's better healthcare) with less waste and more personal "happiness". That should not be hard, since it is the truth. If any nation on this earth could be more susceptible to this philosophy, it is the USA, where freedom and "the pursuit of happiness" are watchwords. Also, should we fail to make the case and lose to the socialists, then we have nowhere else to go to pursue our dreams. So it is truth's last stand.
All that is needed is leadership and most of these lost souls will spring into action. Reagan demonstrated that.
The cause is by no means lost.
Join us.