Why I am A Conservative: Craig Jones

I believe political philosophy should be rooted in personal values; in my case those values start with liberty, freedom, the ability to be rewarded for hard work, planning, self sacrifice and delayed gratification. No one should be a minority stakeholder in their own efforts. When I apply these ideas to public policy, I advocate low taxes, smaller government, and business friendly policies.

The same attributes one hopes to foster in one's own children are the ones we should apply in the political realm. I believe we should teach our children not to expect anything to be handed to them, have them assume responsibility, work hard, and think long term. President Obama once said, a good job in the private sector was better than any anti-poverty program he could design. I agree not only about the value in reducing poverty but also in fulfilling one’s desire for accomplishment and purpose. I am a man without a political party as my conservative philosophies are not embraced by either party. I believe in the power of the entrepreneur to move the world in a positive way. I also believe in a social safety net when things don’t work out or circumstances such as COVID-19 intervene.

I would cut defense spending to pay for a greater (hopefully temporary) safety net. The ultimate opportunity set for all Americans is through education, yet college is too late to create the pipeline of qualified candidates. Real education must start much sooner which is why I am a passionate charter school advocate where innovation meets opportunity, and I was pleased Obama was a strong charter school advocate.

Technological improvements do more to improve the lives of people than governments, although governments can be a positive agent for National R&D strategies. There is a role for the government in furthering the common good. We never want to concentrate too much power in the hands of any one institution. When the government controls the safety net, military, law enforcement, business and industry, it often leads to reduction in liberty and systemic corruption. This is a lesson we should all remember from history.

— Craig A T Jones.