In midterm or national elections, states trend either blue or red in voting for members of Congress, governors, or the president. Instead of flipping a state blue, purple, or red, how can we turn California and the rest of America red, white, and blue?
First, secure the southern border with added Border Patrol personnel, coupled with the completion of both physical and virtual barriers to unlawful entry. Folks that want to immigrate must respect the laws of this country and adhere to a legal process. Moreover, legal immigration could be streamlined for those who understand the meaning of ordered liberty. Border security, which is a part of sovereignty, is a key component of national security.
Next, restore control over public education to local communities, rather than Sacramento or Washington. Too many tax dollars are wasted on bureaucratic paper shuffling when education is under federal or state control. Competition among various types of education models should be encouraged so that parents and students have options to choose from. Taxpayers ought to be rewarded with better school outcomes instead of schools that are micromanaged from on high with watered-down curriculums.
In addition, dismantle the Marxist apparatus of identity politics at all levels of public education, and restore the principles of equality of opportunity and merit instead of perpetuating the unjust and coerced outcomes of what’s often called equity. Students from a young age ought to be exposed to civics and the principles of critical thinking, discipline, ordered liberty, personal responsibility, and self-governance.
Third, cut government spending right back, shuttering redundant agencies and trimming burdensome regulations and taxes on business. Those actions could unleash economic growth, reduce inflation, and eventually lead to balanced budgets. Sacramento could spend less on boondoggles such as the bullet train and prioritize firefighting resources, infrastructure maintenance, and water storage.
Fourth, develop our own energy resources instead of relying on other nations. California and many other states have plenty of sources to choose from, so there should be no need to import energy. Consumers should also have a choice as to what types of energy they want to utilize in their daily lives.
Fifth, at the level of local government, stay focused on the protection of civil liberties and public safety, and avoid getting sidetracked into activities that can more effectively be carried out by businesses, communities, and families. Moreover, the social services needs of citizens and legal immigrants ought to take precedence over illegal immigrants in every state. Any spending on the homeless must be transparent in order to promote greater personal responsibility on the part of the homeless population.
Sixth, bring the focus for politicians back to representing the folks who voted them into office, rather than perpetual campaigning and personal gain. They could focus on solving problems instead of generating additional bureaucracy. They could seek common ground with their political opponents in order to effectively serve their constituents within the scope of law.
Seventh, restore common sense constitutional principles to both the government and private sectors. The purpose of the Constitution is to enforce agreed-upon laws and defend natural rights. In these volatile times, it’s critical to wind down the knee-jerk frivolous lawfare that is currently in fashion. Most civil disagreements can be settled without abusing the courts.
Eighth, ensure law enforcement at all levels is focused on deterring crime as well as pursuing criminals and terrorists. It should not be an instrument to persecute political opponents or suppress innocent citizens such as parents who express concern for their children’s well-being at city council and school board meetings.
Finally, make a bipartisan effort to strengthen national security, not just in times of crisis, but also when the turbulence subsides. We should support our allies in the defense of freedom and also reach out to nations that are wavering and on the fence. We need to support any nation that is fighting for righteous causes, such as Israel and Ukraine.
We must also oppose the enemies of liberty, whether they are heads of state in autocratic regimes or terrorist groups that destabilize entire regions. At the same time, we should keep the channels open for cultural and economic exchanges to the people who reside in authoritarian regimes. Many of these folks hunger and thirst for freedom.
If all of these actions are implemented, California and other states could move toward the unity of a red, white, and blue America instead of a nation that is divided along the lines of tribal politics. It could bring about a fruitful era of exceptional opportunity and restrained government.
