During the past four and one-half years we at the “Another View” have written well over two hundred articles for these papers. We articulate thoughts and policy that represent our views on a wide range of subjects. Quite frequently we receive comments from folks who differ from us that indicate that we have some sort of “agenda” that we are presenting. The vast majority of our articles represent conservative principles. Some but not all of these principles are 1) Upholding a moral order, 2) Limited government, 3) Limited taxation, 4) Protection of individual rights, 5) Uphold the rule of law, 6) Federalism and the separation of powers, and 7) Maintain free markets. If defending and promoting these principles constitutes having an “agenda”, then I suppose that we are guilty.

What were the results of 2008-2012 progressive presidential leadership?

Progressive or Liberal accomplishment:

Did Obamacare actually result in premiums going down? We hear much about those who gained coverage and nothing about those who chose the fine (tax) since they could not afford the premiums.

What happened to the $1,000,000,000,000 that was supposed to repair potholes, bridges, and other infrastructure? These were the “shovel ready” projects to stimulate the economy? I have done extensive traveling over the country in the last five years and all I seem to find is potholes and bridges with chunks of concrete missing.

There were tax increases that were going to increase government revenue and stimulate the economy. How did that work out?

We have wide open borders that were supposed to be a humanitarian gesture to help the impoverished from other countries. Instead we read daily of murders, rape, MS-13 gang members committing atrocities, and of unknown terrorists who roam at large. There are major cities that call themselves “sanctuary cities” and cannot keep up with the filth and drugs that litter their streets.

It may be that the most divisive policy of all is “identity politics.” This movement constantly differentiates between black, Hispanic, women, LGTB, rich, and poor. In 2004, there were promises of bringing America together again and we experienced an endless stream of pitting one group against another.

For the past eighteen months we have seen the current President govern with a definite lean towards conservative policy. What has been the result of this conservative governance as opposed to the past liberal progressive policies?

Conservative policy accomplishments:

“It’s the economy stupid.” A huge portion of the American economy is driven by consumer spending. Consumer spending is greatly affected by the consumer’s attitude towards the economy. In his campaign, President Trump made many promises about the economy. He made promises about cutting taxes, reducing regulations on business, and increasing worker’s wages. With his election the stock market made a dramatic increase in value. The psychology of consumer spending immediately went into the hugely positive mode. Tax cuts and dramatically reduced government regulation followed. As a result we are currently awaiting the second quarter 2018 gross domestic product (GDP) results that many predict will hit 4-4.5%. This would represent more than twice the GDP of the previous eight years. Unemployment is at record lows, black unemployment is at an all time low, and Hispanic unemployment is also at its lowest in memory. Wages are increasing and that coupled with the increased take-home pay from the tax cuts is giving the consumer greater discretionary spending. President Trump’s promises about the economy are being realized.

A significant number of Americans voted for Donald Trump because of his promises to nominate judges to the Supreme Court who are constitutional originalists. This means that his nominees would make their judicial decisions based upon the original intent of the writers of the Constitution. They would not be making their own law based upon their own feelings. Judge Neil Gorsuch was President Trumps first appointment and he completely fulfills the promises that the President had made. Brett Kavanaugh has just been nominated by President Trump to the Supreme Court and he also appears to be a choice that meets the criteria set forth by candidate Trump. The Supreme Court is being returned to one that interprets law instead of making law.

“Peace through strength.” It will take much longer before foreign policy can be properly analyzed. However, the testing of nuclear bombs and the firing of threatening missiles seems to have ceased in North Korea. There is no longer any doubt about our policy in the Middle East as we are solidly behind our closest ally, Israel, and a disastrous agreement with a potentially nuclear Iran has been terminated (if only we could have our billions of dollars back). NATO has been put on notice that we will no longer tolerate providing for their defense with them not providing their share of the cost. And, as I write this, there is a huge hysterical media meltdown, which includes some Republicans, over President Trump and a “poor” or “disastrous” meeting with Vladimir Putin of Russia. If there is anything we should have learned over the last eighteen months, it is that we should wait and look at results, not rhetoric. He has already been tougher on Russia by far than all previous presidents since Ronald Reagan.

As we look forward to national elections in November let us remember that the Conservative “Agenda” or principles strengthens America. Vote for an expanding economy, the rule of law not of personal whim, and peace through strength, and most of all personal liberty.

Another View is written on a rotating basis by a member of a group of Midcoast citizens that meet to discuss issues they think are of public interest.