When we run a small government campaign, how can we get the biggest bang for our buck? How can we make the biggest impact possible? How can we get the biggest return on donating, or volunteering, for a small government campaign?
The best, most exciting small government campaigns feature bold, small government proposals to shrink government that yield huge, direct, immediate benefits to a large number of voters.
“End the income tax now – and cut spending accordingly. Put thousands of dollars back into the budgets of families and workers and stimulate a whirlwind of economic growth.”
“Bring our troops home – now! End needless wars in the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Africa. Stop provoking enemies of the United States. This will spare thousands of our soldiers their lives and avoid tens of thousands of needless injuries. It will spare many times as many innocent foreigners from casualties and property damage. It will allow us to cut federal spending, cut taxes, and end deficit spending. America will be at peace with the world, and far safer and less vulnerable to terrorist attacks.”
“End the war on drugs now and free incarcerated, non-violent drug offenders. Let them go back to their families. This will reduce dangerous drug use and make drugs safer. It will dramatically reduce crime, making our streets safe. It will accelerate the development of industrial and medicinal uses of marijuana, opening up new markets. It will end the chronic pain suffered by victims of disease who are thwarted by the government’s war on drugs.”
Campaigns that are run on bold, small government proposals like these wake up the politically asleep. They get people who’ve resigned from politics to re-register and vote.
Bold, small government campaigns excite and mobilize supporters who will donate and volunteer for campaigns.
Timid, hold-the-line proposals are boring and inconsequential to most people. They cannot offer huge benefits because they don’t reduce government enough to yield a positive direct consequence for the average voter.
Trifling changes and defensive pleas for “no more big government” leave big government big.
We must stop acting like abused children, pleading our daddy not to hit us anymore.
As our opponents propose more big government expansions, we must go on the offensive.
We must go far beyond merely opposing expansions of government. We must propose ways to reduce and dismantle it.
The best defense against big government is a good offense.
Bold, small government proposals and campaigns put us in the driver’s seat.
Thinking about running for office? Be sure to incorporate the 10 Critical Ingredients of a bold, small government proposal.