While worrying about the next election’s outcome, I see an enormous opportunity for our nation. Other nations have worsening trends. As I’ve pointed out, China, by moving to state control of the economy, and the results of a horrendous population control program, is on a downward journey. Europe is more market-oriented, but declining populations are robbing the continent of dynamism.

By contrast, we can extend and maybe even accelerate progress by turning away from the industrial policy of “Bidenomices” and returning to policies favoring growth. We know what works, so why become pale imitations of others when we have a better formula? A Free-literate growing population working in free markets engaging with others in free trade will outperform “elites” running top-down economies.

I grew up in an era where the press told us the USSR would overtake us with its larger population and well-thought 5-year plans. Ronald Reagan saw it differently. He expanded our present and future arms capabilities, and the Soviets found they couldn’t keep up. Reagan knew we had the more productive system. Instead of burying the US, economic woes led to the dissolution of the USSR.

If we stay true to our principles, we will continue to lead the world to a better future. We can continue an upward march by reducing government interference in the economy, expanding free trade with other nations obeying the rules, and taking steps to maintain needed population growth. Of course, without a skilled populace, we will come up short. 

We can streamline things rather than governments placing endless impediments to doing and making. Assign whatever needs government approval to one responsible official. That person then is judged on how efficiently they do the job. The project manager gathers the necessary information to set timetables and ensures everyone follows them. 

The government should establish corridors throughout the nation where we know pipelines, rail, cables, and other connections are preauthorized. Add a directory of sacred and other places of significance that are out of bounds. As a person interested in history and archaeology, I realize the need for procedures to handle findings on projects expeditiously.

Instead of an impossible autarky, we need to expand our trade supply lines with our friends. No nation can produce everything at reasonable prices, and we have to sell stuff to others. Subsidizing making everything here is the path to ruin.

A look at our southern border makes it clear how attractive the US is to the rest of the world. We should be able to pick and choose who we let in. More skilled people can only make us more prosperous. Because capable immigrants are a net positive, if we let reasonable numbers of them in, we can also invite refugees and others. We can work out the most advantageous balance. 

Securing more of the world’s best minds can only increase our well-being. An increasing population will spread our entitlements over more people, making them more stable. Unlike most other nations, we are a nation of immigrants and can integrate large numbers of new arrivals if we have a plan. 

In a nation having babies at less than a replacement rate, failing to find ways to fulfill the desires of couples struggling to adopt is almost criminal. In the past, I proposed an exchange to provide a safe place for surrogates and prospective adopters can come together. Despite all the ups and downs, families improve our lives and the nation. 

However, having more functionally illiterate children adds little, if anything. Even though we spend more than anyone else, our kids lag. What we’re doing now needs to be fixed. Giving parents more choices allows better methods to come to the fore. Like everything else, education needs a marketplace.

Of course, having two parents increases a child’s chances of success. Review every safety-net program to eliminate existing marriage penalties. Instead of discouraging marriage, any incentives should favor the institution.

Contrast these ideas with the Biden administration’s direction. Rather than pursuing progress and innovation to solve problems, the green cult in control is spending huge sums on a program to eliminate carbon emissions with electric Vehicles powered by windmills and solar panels. Of course, with no buy-in from China and India, everything we do makes no difference.

The administration counters that America will benefit from jobs and profits at home. Just glancing at today’s Wall Street Journal shows how false this is. Sixty percent of all the money in the 2022 climate bill will go to overseas companies, including China. It’s industrial policy but for whom?

The Green cult asserts we must move away from the evil oil and oil service companies, but the batteries needed to move EVs and store electricity when the sun doesn’t shine, or the wind doesn’t blow need lithium. China is the primary producer, but we can produce it in Arkansas, but the joke is on the greens. Exxon and Koch Industries are the ones doing it. These are the very companies they want to stop people from investing in.

The administration’s massive spending risks extending the inflation it created by overspending to enrich its adversaries. When you turn to unquestioning religious belief rather than reason, this is the incoherence you get. Progress through reason is how to solve problems and make things better. 

It’s up to the 2024 voters to choose between very different paths. Remember, reason doesn’t permanently reside in one party. As I’ve pointed out, some Republicans joined with Democrats sipping the industrial policy cool-aid.