Sen. Sampson February Column: Where’s the Meat?

February 1, 2019

When asked about my reaction to Governor Lamont’s inaugural speech to the joint legislative session, I was quoted as saying that I heard a lot of bun, but not a lot of meat. He spoke in generalities and seemed to want to emphasize the common goals of all those in attendance, regardless of our individual motivations or party affiliation. I’ve been wondering since if that is to his credit or not.

It’s reflection of two things which define the times we live in. First, the political parties are diverging more and more by the day. Second, the people are noticing and are anxious for us to find common ground to walk on.

I remember being in high school and taking my first deep dive into understanding American history, how our country works, just how much and why we have redefined success as a society, and how all that related to politics. I was blown away by the brilliance of the men who founded our great country, their knowledge of civilizations and the keen observance of man’s attempts to craft a just and prosperous society – above all their commitment to the core concept that man’s individual liberty must remain the focus, and that governments lend themselves to corruption and oppression over time, so ours must remain small.

For the better part of my life, individual freedom lending itself to opportunity, personal responsibility promoting a respectful culture, and limited government with self-imposed restrictions have been the defining values and identity of America. I grew up with a mix of Democrats and Republicans in my family and my circle of friends. While we may have disagreed about our place on the world stage or just how much welfare there should be, we basically agreed on those principles, along with the concepts of equal protection under the law, innocence until proven guilty, and fairness defined by effort equaling outcome.

Today, there are many serving in political office who don’t subscribe to those values. Rather, they see value in government control, ostensibly to the right the wrongs of freedom. These so-called Progressives and Democratic socialists now control the Democratic party, particularly in Connecticut. It is a home for those who believe the government owes them something, who are perennial victims, and for those that have mistakenly been taught that America is an evil, corrupt, or bigoted nation.

As long as their cause grows, the parties will continue to diverge. Our nation is at a crossroads. Will we maintain our heritage as the land of the free and home of the brave, or will we foolishly lose it in favor of a government, keen on identity politics, class warfare, wealth redistribution, corporate welfare, and injustice in the name of suffrage and reparations?

I perceive Governor Lamont as a mostly progressive but cautious type. I found it encouraging that he focused on things we all agree on – the positives of our great state, the desire for future happiness and prosperity, the notion of a growing economy solving our financial woes, and the need for the safety and security of citizens. Still, the question remains – in a new state government where progressives reign with huge advantages, will they moderate their agenda in recognition that their electoral success is not entirely indicative of what the population truly wants, or will they seize the opportunity to remake Connecticut even further, imposing even more taxes and fees on the state’s waning producers to satisfy the promises made to their most rabid followers?

Our Governor doesn’t seem sure which path to take. Possibly, he’s treading lightly, or wants to at least begin his service as a Governor to all of us, and not just his supporters – or maybe he knows just what the results of the progressive agenda really will be.

Either way, I will remain steadfast in my efforts to defend core American principles and make Connecticut the best possible place to live, work, and retire. Please sign up for my email updates by visiting my website www.senatorsampson.com, clicking on the red “Take Action” tab, and filling out the form.