Without the ability to talk about government power, there's no way for citizens to make sure this power isn't being misused.
We are a nation founded on distrust of government power, and questioning that power is essential to promoting transparency and accountability.
Democrats want to use government power to make people's lives go better; Republicans respond that people know more than politicians do. We think that both might be able to agree that nudging can maintain free markets, and liberty, while also inclining people in good directions.
One of the biggest concerns that many voters have with both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, but particularly with Ms. Clinton, is the sense that she uses government power to advance her personal and political interests. She is the very status quo. Americans want that changed.
I believe that Americans should be deeply skeptical of government power. You cannot trust people in power. The founders knew that. That's why they divided power among three branches, to set interest against interest.
Privacy is tremendously important. I believe the American people, and all people, should be skeptical of government power, should ask hard questions: What is the authority? What is the oversight? That's the way it ought to be.
I think that citizens should be skeptical of government power. But I fear it's bled over to cynicism. It is something that is getting in the way of reasoned discussion, and I'm very concerned about how to change that trend of cynicism.
Our freedom to criticize the government - as openly and brutally as we want to - serves as a vital check against unbridled government power and control.
Reforming is about curbing government power. It is a self-imposed revolution; it will require real sacrifice, and it will be painful.
As a conservative who believes in limited government, I believe that the only check on government power in real time is a free and independent press.
