Nanny State Dems: Yes We Can! No You Can't!

Michael Medved has written a brilliant analysis of the Democratic convention's contradictory message on success and the American Dream. The convention featured personal testimony from those who rose to success from humble beginnings. Their message for us, the great unwashed masses? We need government help in every aspect of our lives. These successful Democrats were able to do it on their own, but the rest of us are not. Mr. Medved zeros in on this in his article:

...in recounting their own stories of advancement and achievement, none of the speakers cited bureaucratic intervention or federal assistance as an element of success. Instead, they repeatedly invoked strong personal values – strong families, self-discipline, tireless effort, sacrifice – as the sole key to economic and educational progress.

If those values worked for the top Democrats themselves, why can’t they work for Americans everywhere?

By implication, these smug and preening politicians suggested that we’re brilliant and strong and special enough to make it to the top without government help, but most of the mere mortals who are watching us on TV will get nowhere at all unless we somehow use taxpayer money to assist them.

Right on! And polling data reveals 50% of Americans think government is doing too much. 84% of Americans reject income redistribution. Follow this link to see the details. As expected Republicans are overwhelmingly against more government, while Democrats are all for it. Most importantly, those who identify themselves as independents side with the Republicans on these issues.

Take this polling data into account as you contrast this week's Republican message with that of the Dems last week. Which is more coherent? Which accords with public opinion? More importantly, whose message accords with our Founding Fathers' ideal of a constitutional republic with a limited role for government?

America is receptive to a conservative message. Can the GOP deliver it?