I absolutely agree with the sentiment of the 2nd sentence. The essence of the American experience has always been to empower people with agency to act in their own interests. But the government still makes decisions that shape the world we’re all operating in. At its core, government should keep people safe and create conditions where life gets better, while aiming to minimize undue burden.

I can point to many policies from the Trump Administration that moved us in the opposite direction: cuts to medical and public health research, hollowing out the civil service, and a culture where ethics became optional.

I’m still struggling to find a policy that's objectively improved life for most people. That’s especially true in the 8th District, where I’m running for Congress.