Turning California and the US Red, White, and Blue

Commentary

In mid-term or national elections, some states trend toward either blue, Democrat, or red, Republican, for Congressional members, 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, public education ought to be primarily a function of 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 from 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 traits of critical thinking, discipline, ordered liberty, personal responsibility, self-governance, and a work ethic.

Third, California’s total debt is over a trillion dollars and the national debt is about $36 trillion dollars, which exceeds the yearly GDP. Deficit spending on dubious programs in California is a constant as well. Why don’t politicians spend tax dollars as if these funds came from their own checkbooks they had to balance? This excessive spending using deficit dollars is inexcusable in a country that is incredibly innovative and productive when free market principles are applied.

Government spending ought to be cut back, redundant agencies could be shuttered, while burdensome regulations and taxes on business could be trimmed. 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, California and many other states have plenty of energy sources to choose from, so there should be no need to import it from other nations. Fuel prices could be reduced by developing our own energy resources instead of relying on added refining and transportation costs from other regions. Consumers should also have a choice as to what types of energy they want to utilize in their daily lives.

Fifth, California’s local and state government ought to stay focused on the protection of civil liberties and public safety and not get sidetracked into activities that can more effectively be carried out by businesses, communities, and families. Moreover, the social service needs of citizens and legal immigrants ought to take precedence over illegal migrants 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, politicians of all stripes need to be less concerned with perpetual campaigning and personal gain, and more committed to representing the folks who voted them into office. 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, law enforcement at all levels ought to be focused on deterring crime as well as pursuing criminals and terrorists. It should not be an instrument to persecute political opponents or crack down on innocent citizens such as parents who are concerned for their children’s well-being at city council and school board meetings.

Finally, national security ought to be pursued on a bipartisan basis, 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 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 on the lines of tribal politics. It could be a fruitful era of exceptional opportunity and restrained government.

Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

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