The Growing Concern Over the Economy in America
A quick online search reveals a common concern among Americans: the economy. This concern is prevalent across political divides, and it appears to be escalating. It has been a significant issue for years. Recent polls indicate that combined worries about inflation, prices, jobs, and the economy far outweigh any other individual concern. It seems that a political candidate who could address and alleviate these fears would have an enormous appeal.
Although both presidential candidates have acknowledged these trends and have emphasized their economic strategies, it seems impossible to overstate the importance of the economy. While the lack of focus on economic issues may appear to be a simple disconnect between politicians and citizens, the root of high inflation and economic uncertainty is more closely tied to voters' desires than they might think.
The Role of Citizen Desires in Economic Uncertainty
Citizens, whose informed consent is supposed to be a primary foundation of government, often desire the best for themselves. The declaration's explicit endorsement of our right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" has fostered a belief that anything less than thriving does not fulfill the promise of America. While the definition of thriving varies from person to person, most Americans believe that our access to material goods, pleasures, and freedom from worry should be constantly expanding. This desire, while not unique to Americans, is less scrutinized due to the state's role as a servant, making us less skeptical of politicians who promise national success in every area. We tend to critically examine the grand promises of opposing candidates while believing that the grand promises of our own candidates are necessary for them to fulfill their duties.
The Impact of Positive and Multi-Focused Candidates
This desire creates a cycle where candidates who do not present an optimistic future lose favor with the public. While the American political and economic system has fostered unprecedented human prosperity, our tendency to select candidates who claim to "do it all" is the root cause of our economic problems.
It might seem pessimistic to suggest that positive and multi-focused candidates are the problem. There is nothing inherently wrong with having a diverse policy agenda, but the short-term nature of election cycles often means that plans are skewed towards the near future. It is possible to have less inflation, more economic growth, and lower taxes, but not immediately. The best a candidate can hope for is to time everything right so that all the key economic success indicators are most appealing in the months leading up to their hopeful re-election.
The Role of Voters in the Economic Cycle
This cycle continues due to the economic ignorance and low impulse control of voters. We jeopardize our children's future by prioritizing our own comfort, often without fully understanding how it will impact them or even us in 15 years.
Breaking this cycle will require a more rigorous teaching of basic economic principles in schools. When forced to choose between two big-spending candidates, the one who creates freer market conditions will always be the better choice. This is because unpredictable and rapid growth can sustain much more spending than the slow stagnation of a command economy. While the choice is clear, it is far from safe. The candidates are not the problem; they reflect our desires. Our desires and understanding must be shaped through our upbringing and education to enable us to see through empty promises and simplistic hedonism. Wanting low prices, low taxation, a strong military, and a robust healthcare system is natural, but we must be wise enough to know that these things must come slowly.
Fiscal responsibility may be dull and painful, but it is the only way to secure "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
Bottom Line
This article has shed light on the growing concern over the economy among Americans, the role of citizen desires in economic uncertainty, the impact of positive and multi-focused candidates, and the role of voters in the economic cycle. Fiscal responsibility, while not always exciting, is crucial for securing "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." What are your thoughts on this issue? Share this article with your friends and let's continue the conversation. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6 pm.
The Growing Concern Over the Economy in America
A quick online search reveals a common concern among Americans: the economy. This concern is prevalent across political divides, and it appears to be escalating. It has been a significant issue for years. Recent polls indicate that combined worries about inflation, prices, jobs, and the economy far outweigh any other individual concern. It seems that a political candidate who could address and alleviate these fears would have an enormous appeal.
Although both presidential candidates have acknowledged these trends and have emphasized their economic strategies, it seems impossible to overstate the importance of the economy. While the lack of focus on economic issues may appear to be a simple disconnect between politicians and citizens, the root of high inflation and economic uncertainty is more closely tied to voters' desires than they might think.
The Role of Citizen Desires in Economic Uncertainty
Citizens, whose informed consent is supposed to be a primary foundation of government, often desire the best for themselves. The declaration's explicit endorsement of our right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" has fostered a belief that anything less than thriving does not fulfill the promise of America. While the definition of thriving varies from person to person, most Americans believe that our access to material goods, pleasures, and freedom from worry should be constantly expanding. This desire, while not unique to Americans, is less scrutinized due to the state's role as a servant, making us less skeptical of politicians who promise national success in every area. We tend to critically examine the grand promises of opposing candidates while believing that the grand promises of our own candidates are necessary for them to fulfill their duties.
The Impact of Positive and Multi-Focused Candidates
This desire creates a cycle where candidates who do not present an optimistic future lose favor with the public. While the American political and economic system has fostered unprecedented human prosperity, our tendency to select candidates who claim to "do it all" is the root cause of our economic problems.
It might seem pessimistic to suggest that positive and multi-focused candidates are the problem. There is nothing inherently wrong with having a diverse policy agenda, but the short-term nature of election cycles often means that plans are skewed towards the near future. It is possible to have less inflation, more economic growth, and lower taxes, but not immediately. The best a candidate can hope for is to time everything right so that all the key economic success indicators are most appealing in the months leading up to their hopeful re-election.
The Role of Voters in the Economic Cycle
This cycle continues due to the economic ignorance and low impulse control of voters. We jeopardize our children's future by prioritizing our own comfort, often without fully understanding how it will impact them or even us in 15 years.
Breaking this cycle will require a more rigorous teaching of basic economic principles in schools. When forced to choose between two big-spending candidates, the one who creates freer market conditions will always be the better choice. This is because unpredictable and rapid growth can sustain much more spending than the slow stagnation of a command economy. While the choice is clear, it is far from safe. The candidates are not the problem; they reflect our desires. Our desires and understanding must be shaped through our upbringing and education to enable us to see through empty promises and simplistic hedonism. Wanting low prices, low taxation, a strong military, and a robust healthcare system is natural, but we must be wise enough to know that these things must come slowly.
Fiscal responsibility may be dull and painful, but it is the only way to secure "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
Bottom Line
This article has shed light on the growing concern over the economy among Americans, the role of citizen desires in economic uncertainty, the impact of positive and multi-focused candidates, and the role of voters in the economic cycle. Fiscal responsibility, while not always exciting, is crucial for securing "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." What are your thoughts on this issue? Share this article with your friends and let's continue the conversation. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6 pm.
