National Review: "Contemplate the Possibility that Americans Are Fine with Big Government"

[Shrek]

http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/430104/many-americans-dont-seem-all-upset-about-big-government

Interesting to see this level of introspection from a conservative publication.

Let me offer a thought that every conservative should contemplate, even though it’s one we would rather avoid: What if the American people don’t want smaller government that spends less?

This is where we usually hear talk about how small-government conservatives need ‘better messaging.” Or someone will insist that there’s a broad desire for a smaller government that spends less, but those Washington insiders and Establishment sold out the conservative agenda. But what if Americans have heard the arguments for smaller government, understand the arguments — or understand them as well as they’re ever going to — and have rejected them?

Does a country where the popular vote in the last six elections went for Clinton, Clinton, Gore, Bush, Obama and Obama really crave smaller government? Polling indicates that 70 percent want a smaller deficit . . . but the only spending cut that gets anywhere near a majority support is to foreign aid — about 1 percent of the budget — and even that’s close to an even split. “For 18 of 19 programs tested, majorities want either to increase spending or maintain it at current levels.” People want smaller government right up until the point where it actually affects them.

[phantom power]

1. Conservatives love big government, they just want it to do different things.

They like a big military-industrial complex and endless wars. They like law and order, and force projection. They like big government that steps on the neck of women and minorities.

They just don't like it when it gets in the way of anything they happen to feel like doing. And they hate it when it helps anybody who isn't a white conservative christian.

[DBoon]

8. They want a government big enough to stop slave revolts

And yes, I believe the readership of NR looks wistfully at the days of slavery

[ProfessorGAC]

2. Interesting

Of course the whole concept is intellectually bankrupt in that it flies in the face of common sense and progress.

So, as the culture and society evolve and technology and productivity advance, it only makes sense that the government intervene more, because there is more activity in which to intervene.

Small government believers have a very narrow vision that requires blindness to the facts.

Particularly true, given that the single largest element of the budget is a sacred cow. So, the largest fraction is untouchable, but you're interested in deficit reduction? Unbrilliant.

[JHB]

9. That's why this is interesting (or could be, if we hear more of it)...

"Small government" (and specifically their idiosyncratic definition of it) has been a point of iron-clad dogma for Movement Conservatives since Bill Buckley's days as a combative dick-wagging Yalie.

Have enough of the Old Guard passed on? Have enough of the people found ways to feed the beast without letting it run things expired? Are the proteges who've had it relatively easy since the 80s so up against the reality that there are some cracks in the walls of their tunnel vision?

To quote Steve Martin: "NAAAAAAAAHHH!"

Not any time soon, anyway, especially when promoting tunnel vision is still a lucrative business.

I tend to expect the author of this will get the equivalent of a midnight thumping to get back "with the program" and we don't hear anything like this for some 5 years. But sometimes thing change faster than you'd think, and it'd be nice, or at least interesting, if this turned out to be one.

[JudyM]

3. What we need isn't smaller govt but $ more conscientiously spent and co/high wealth loopholes closed

Conflicts of interest in awarded contracts + ineffective auditing and penalties = gross losses in expenditures.

[Smarmie Doofus]

4. It isn't the *size* that concerns me. It's what it does or does not do.

They... and do some degree *we* ....should get past the "size of gov't" thing.

[NightWatcher]

5. Sounds like they are accepting Authoratarianism

They acknowledge that more people want a daddy government to get things done, and in turn tell them what to do.

It's part of the embracing of Trump who is playing the part of a huuuuge "daddy" figure.

Here comes Authoratarianism as sold by the new republicans. Here comes Trump.

[nadinbrzezinski]

7. How does social security mix

With authoritanusm, Medicare, CHIP, SNAP, because that is what we are talking about.

I think this author is coming to the reality that Americans want a social safety net.

[B Calm]

6. I want less tax cuts for corporations and the top 1%. Less farm subsidies

for factory farms. No subsidies for big oil. Etc.

But I want government for cheaper health care, safe food, safe air and water, etc. etc. etc.