Macomber Politics

The Macomber Philosophy

The Macomber family first came to America in 1638 (p. 210, #238). We have found over the centuries that laws formulated according to the tried-and-true principles of freedom produce the greatest measure of happiness and prosperity. As a radical experiment in freedom, our country and its States draw on the internal resources of its people to invigorate government to serve the needs of the people. Classical liberal and humanitarian principles of self-government, including a designed separation of powers structure, governance by law, and free market capitalism as found in the works of Burke, Montesque, Locke, Madison, Adams and others, as formulated in the United States and State Constitutions, represent the pinnacle of civilized society.

In stark contrast to discredited modes of governing including empire, monarchy, fascism, national socialism, and other ruling heuristics that disregard natural law, America’s system of government enhances individual freedom, so individuals can act according to enlightened self-interest, meaning self-interest benefiting the individual but not harming others. Private property rights are the bedrock of a free people. There can be no freedom without the individual’s right to own and use private property, and enjoy its accumulation, in proportion to the individual’s ability to secure it.

These are the principles for which stalwart patriots in our country have lived with hope and died with pride defending. Government’s role is limited to enforcing law, assisting with dispute resolution when needed, and in making sure private plans do not endanger health and safety. With these principles all can enjoy equal opportunity to create happiness and prosperity, even though such opportunity may not lead to either happiness or prosperity. Forces working against these principles do not serve the public or private good, and eventually lead to both public and private ruin.

In a nutshell, I believe in small but better government, the de-construction of over-zealous regulation, and a simplified tax structure. I believe these are the measures that all working Americans, which includes wage earners, small business owners, and corporate managers want their elected representatives to work for, and what is needed today to invigorate Idaho’s economy. As Milton Friedman said, “One of the great mistakes is to judge policies and programs by their intentions rather than their results.” (PBS, Open Mind, Dec. 1975).