There is a great debate occurring in the United States about
the proper role of government.
One side argues that the government should do whatever it
can to make a positive difference in the world, the other that it must be
limited to its constitutional roles and leave everything else to the private
sector.
Both believe in an important role for government, but
disagree on its scope and especially its scale.
This debate is making its way through the entire 2012
election, but it is actually bigger than politics.
It is cultural, and it literally permeates our societal
views on economics, education, health care, business, transportation,
information, technology, entertainment and beyond.
The disagreement gets to the very heart of how we define freedom
in our society.
In this debate about the ideal role of government--especially
the federal government--the two big parties are widely divided.
The summer contest will cause more Americans to consider
this great question: What is the proper role of government?
Is it to do what the Constitution says, or to do whatever it
deems desirable at any given time?
Between these two sides, independents find themselves
frequently frustrated with the ideological stances of both major parties.
Independents want the government to do better in some things
and to be more limited in others.
Independents are less of a bloc than either conservatives or
progressives, so it isn't clear how they will vote.