"Big government"

Ronald Reagan came into office in January 1981 promising to reduce “Big Government.”

He didn’t. The federal government was larger still when he left office. Ronald Reagan found out as soon as he came into office that it takes a “Big Government” to meet the needs of these American people, and defend our shores, work with our allies, all the while providing an example of democratic leadership to all nations.

But is there anyone in the Republican Party who has the courage to stand up and tell these poor Republicans at their convention the truth: WE HAVE A BIG GOVERNMENT BECAUSE THE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES YOU DEMAND REQUIRE A BIG GOVERNMENT, THE WARS OVERSEAS REQUIRE A BIG GOVERNMENT, MAINTAING FREEDOM FOR 300 MILLION PEOPLE REQUIRES A BIG GOVERNMENT. THE BIG GOVERNMENT WE HAVE IS NOT YOUR ENEMY. IF YOU WANT A SMALLER GOVERNMENT, YOU BEST DIE AND HOPE FOR REINCARNATION IN ANOTHER TIME, SAY ABOUT 1781.

It’s great to campaign against the evils of “Big Government” but it just isn’t true that “Big Government” is your worst enemy. Politicians who use that boogie bear to get elected are.