Battle4Liberty

Now the real battle begins. Many of you might think we can take a breather after the midterms, but now isn’t the time.

Tuesday was a good day for Republicans, but Reid’s reelection in Nevada reminds us that the era of big government is still alive and well. Nonetheless, I hope Tuesday was a good day for liberty, capitalism, and Constitutional government.  Both Democrats and Republicans tend to slide to the left after they are (re)elected. The conservative you thought you elected on the Republican ticket will face a litany of big-government temptations in Washington. Staying true to the cause will only happen if we don’t fail to remind our representatives why we sent them there in the first place.

There are a number of big issues we must address. Many conservatives are focusing on Obamacare and tax cuts. These are important concerns, but here is a sampling of three more that must be on the top of any conservative agenda.

1. Cap-and-trade, AKA global wealth redistribution and central economic planning, is built on the scientific notion that humanity—namely capitalism—is destroying the plant. Environments suggest that cap-and-trade legislation would create “green” jobs, but don’t be fooled. It would severely damage our economy, and any compromise on such a measure would lend credence to the idea that collective global regulation is required to address the “problem.” I’d like to see Congress hold hearings on the matter and host the national debate we never had. Gore’s notion that anthropogenic global warming is “settled science” was a convenient ruse designed to push through legislation when Democrats controlled the Congress. Gore failed, but this idea should be intellectually defeated once and for all. Republicans should have the wisdom and fortitude to attack this collectivist scheme at the core.

2. Illegal immigration has created state and local budget nightmares across the nation. The fourteenth amendment was never intended to grant citizenship to babies of illegal immigrants born in the United States. Congress should immediately pass a clarification of the amendment as a first step toward resolving the issue. The illegals will protest, but common sense is on our side. Win or lose, anyone who opposes the measure—including the President—should be required to take a stand on this issue.

3. The Federal Reserve is responsible for much of the economic malaise we are currently experiencing, yet it is allowed to conduct many of its affairs without oversight. Congressman Ron Paul introduced sorely needed legislation (HR1207) to audit the Fed in 2009. The bill received numerous endorsements but failed on a largely party-line vote this summer after a number of Democrats withdrew their support at voting time. HR1207 would shine the light on Fed activity and could ultimately lead to tighter controls on the central bank. This bill should pass with a Republican majority in Congress, and a 2/3 majority might be possible if President Obama issues a veto.

Will the new Congress have the courage to attack issues like these—and there are many more—or will it attempt to “create jobs” with more government intervention? Will bailouts to the states be eliminated or just curtailed? Will Congress propose to end specific entitlements or just reduce the rate of their growth? Without a strong value base rooted in integrity, the Constitution, capitalism, and limited government, the new Congress will inevitably succumb to the predictable calls from the left and the media for compromise. I’ve lived long enough not to celebrate too early.

The new Congress will have a golden opportunity, but also has a lot to prove. Serious reform won’t begin to happen unless we keep the heat on our representatives. Some things will not be possible until Obama is defeated, but two years of Obama-lite is not acceptable.