I was watching a discussion show and one of the "conservative" panelists made a comment about how the current president at least always wants what's best for America.
Not sure that is true, think he is all about himself, but what struck me was how the other panelists didn't respond to this insulting comment that implies some of us don't want what's best for America.
This is unfortunately part of the problem I see in a lot of these discussions, a concession that somehow repressive and economically questionable policies are good for America.
Take trade. You can argue about the pluses and minuses of any articular deal but to contend they were negotiated to hurt America is insulting.
As a believer in free trade I believe it clearly is in America's best interests to trade freely with the world to the greatest extent possible. Such trade may hurt some Americans but benefit many more with lower prices, more efficient industries and the ability to focus on the areas we are best in.
We should of course help those who might lose their jobs because they work in non-competitive industries, but if you interfere with the economics, you effectively impose a tax on the rest of us to create inefficient jobs for a few. This is not in the best interests of America and is probably not even in the best interests of those you think you are helping since the situation is unsustainable and when it ends there will be less opportunities for them.
America needs to continue to progress and continue to thrive in the world economy.
It also needs to provide for the health and welfare of its citizens by protecting the climate, supporting its allies and opposing terrorism and tyranny.
Investments in those areas are in America's best interests, they will prevent tragedy in the future.
Its best for America to continue to celebrate its freedoms, such as free speech, but even when I disagree about a policy, I can accept the other side is promoting what they think is best for America.
Its insulting to imply anything else.
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